Team,

Inspired by the utilization and operation under the project we had right now, that the using of
transfer / working personal basket was becoming a routine operation at daily basis, then we’re
taken a safety concerns of it.
And we try to share and communicate with all of us who’s becoming the user and/or approver
of application’s of the transfer / working personal basket on our operation’s.
We’re taken the lesson learns below from several approved standard and references especially
from TOTAL requirement’s as describing below :

1. TOTAL GS EP STR 403 - Acceptable criteria of a support vessel for offshore works
2. International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC).
3. IMCA International Marine Contractors Association
4. United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS)
5. American Petroleum Institute (API) –“API RP-2D Recommended Practice for Operation &
Maintenance of Offshore Cranes”

And wish these below safety sharing’s are useful for all of us and can be communicate to our
people who works with the transfer / working personal basket

Guidelines on Procedures for the Transfer of Personnel by Basket

1 Background
Personnel transfer from vessel to vessel, mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) or offshore
installation to vessel, MODU/vessel to worksite (including installations and jackets not
equipped with a helideck), and in this project from barge to barge has been successfully carried
out using personnel transfer baskets in many operating locales over a number of years. The
number of recorded incidents with this type of transfer is low.
However it is important that when using this mode of transfer correct risk assessment
procedures exist and are followed. Establishing policies and following set procedures, safety
guidelines, and risk assessments will further reduce the risks involved. This document sets out
guidelines on the use of such personnel baskets to transfer personnel.

2 Use of Personnel Basket Transfer

RSES/Site Superintendent/The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)/MIC/Supervisor’s of an
installation/MODU and /or the master of a vessel might decide to use a personnel transfer
basket for the transfer of people in cases where the use of other means of transferring people
is impractical or less safe and where the requirements set out in these guidelines are followed.
It is inappropriate to use personnel baskets for the purpose of routine crew changes in the open
sea when other methods of transfer are available.
However for the transfer of personnel to/from locations which are subject to motion (e.g.
vessels/MODUs etc.) the use of personnel transfer baskets could be appropriate provided the
requirements set out in these guidelines are followed.
3 Transfer Methods Available
While this guideline covers personnel transfer using personnel transfer baskets to/from
vessels/installations/MODUs, alternative methods are available. Special transfer methods can
be employed such as fast rescue craft transfer and helicopter winching, but these transfer
methods are outwit the scope of these guidelines.

4 Risk Assessment
Before any transfer of personnel is undertaken using a transfer basket a risk assessment should
be carried out by those knowledgeable in the use of personnel transfer baskets.
The use of this type of transfer will depend on a number of factors including the necessity of
the transfer and the prevailing environmental conditions.

The following factors should be taken into consideration :

i) the necessity of the transfer

ii) alternatives available
iii) the suitability of the vessel(s) to maintain station
iv) the availability of sufficient clear space both at the embarkation and landing locations
v) the likely route of the basket during transfer
vi) visibility
vii) sea-state and wind speed
viii) the wind speed limitations of the crane to be used
ix) the wishes of the persons being transferred

When carrying out the risk assessment, the hazards associated with the basket transfer to be
undertaken should be considered. The risks associated with each identified hazard should be
assessed and appropriate risk reduction methods introduced to control the risks.

5 Responsibilities

The duties of personnel in supervising or involved in the personnel basket transfer should be
clearly defined. The people likely to involved are – the OIM of the installation/MODU (if
appropriate), the master of the vessel involved in the transfer, the crane driver/ operator, the
personnel being transferred, the deck operatives at both ends of the transfer, the
standby/attendant vessel/helicopter, and any other person nominated by the OIM or master to
undertake specific duties. Transfer operations are normally conducted under the appropriate
‘permit to work’ system.

6 Factors to be taken into Account Prior to Transfer:

6.1 General Lifting Procedure

During transfer to/from an installation or vessel, it is good practice to minimize the height of
the basket above the deck (generally to a maximum of two meters) before swinging over the
open sea. Consideration should also be given to restricting the height of the basket above the
open sea; this will be dependent on the prevailing sea sate.

6.2 Obstructions
Transfers should only take place when there is sufficient clear space at both the point of
embarkation and the point of landing of the basket. As part of the risk assessment,
consideration should be given to the likely route of the basket to minimize the risk of the
personnel striking work equipment, structures, or other objects during the transfer. A
permanent basket transfer landing area could be considered.

6.3 Weather Conditions

It is important that the prevailing and forecast weather conditions are taken into account in
planning the transfer operation. Factors to be considered are visibility, wind and sea state and
other items as featured in the installation rescue and recovery plan. Companies should give
guidance on the wind speed and the sea state tolerances. The wind speed limitation on crane
operations should also be indicated. If transfer by basket at night is necessary the transfer areas
must be adequately  
illuminated.

6.4 Suitability of Vessel(s) involved in the Transfer Operation

The size, maneuverability and capability to maintain station of any vessel involved in the
transfer operation should be considered. The vessels motion (pitch and roll) in the sea
conditions (wave height, wave period) and speed should be taken into account when planning
the transfer operation.

6.5 Lifting Equipment

The crane used in the transfer operation should be adequate and suitable for lifting persons.
Freefall or non-powered lowering should NOT be used during personnel basket transfer
operations.

6.6 Rigging Prior to Transfer

It is vital that the transfer basket is correctly rigged onto the crane prior to transfer and the
rigging is checked. The security of all shackles, safety slings and hooks should be checked. The
crane hook pennant should be of  sufficient length to keep the hook well clear of the personnel
being transferred. Tag lines are often attached to the underside of the basket to enable control
of the swing when raising and lowering the basket. Consideration needs to be given to the
length/position of the tag lines to guard against the possibility of the tag lines becoming
snagged.

6.7 Personnel Basket – Maintenance/Testing/Inspection

The personnel basket should be in good condition at the time of use and checked before use.
The basket should be marked with its safe working load (SWL). It should be appropriately
certified with a current certificate of test and/or inspection. The basket must not be operated
beyond its safe working load. Procedures should be available setting out methods of
maintenance and storage together with instructions related to inspection before use.

6.8 Training
Personnel being transferred should have sufficient instruction and training before the transfer
takes place. They should be aware of the appropriate method of holding on during the transfer
and how to disembark safely from the basket on landing. If any persons are being transferred
who have not previously been transferred by the means being used, then someone who is
experienced should accompany them. The transfer of any person should only be undertaken
with their agreement. No one should be transferred by personnel basket against his or her
wishes. A trained crane operator who has experience of transferring personnel by basket
transfer should operate the crane.

6.9 Communications
Radio communication should be established on an agreed radio frequency and maintained
during the transfer operation. Radio communication needs to be established between the crane
operator, and the persons in charge of the vessel/installation both to and from which the
transfer is being undertaken. The crane operator should have a good view of the transfer areas,
the
personnel to be transferred and the banks man/deck officer at the two transfer locations.

6.10 Briefing Prior to Transfer

All participants involved in the transfer should be briefed prior to the transfer to ensure that
the procedures to be followed are understood.

7 Additional Requirements for Transfer :

7.1 Survival/PPE Equipment

Depending on the geographical location of the transfer operation, personnel to be transferred
should wear life jackets and other PPE suitable for the water temperature and sea conditions.
Consideration should be given to the use of a suitable means of illumination for personnel
during for night transfers.

7.2 Procedure during Transfer

The procedure to be followed will depend on the type of basket being used. Personnel being
transferred should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, taking into account any special
precautions stipulated by the installation. The person in charge of the transfer must be familiar
with the type of unit being used and should be satisfied that everyone is correctly positioned
and ready for the transfer to commence. Procedures detailing the method to be used in moving
the basket (e.g. detailing height above deck, swinging over open sea) during transfer should be
available.

7.3 Rescue Arrangements

In the event of an emergency, arrangements should be in place for carrying out a rescue.
Throughout the operation, a lifebuoy, boat hook, heaving line and any other appropriate
accessories should be available for use in an emergency. Where an offshore installation (or
MODU) is involved in the transfer operation, recovery arrangements should be made with the
standby vessel, helicopter, or other rescue unit as appropriate. The offshore installation
(MODU) should instigate the appropriate state of alert for the transfer operation according to
its evacuation, escape, and rescue plan.

7.4 Transfer of Injured Personnel

When the basket is to be used to transfer a sick or injured person, then the injured party should
be accompanied by two crew members if the configuration of the unit being used permits this
to be done and it is safe to do so.

Minimum / Basic Safety Operational/Administrative Practices

The following minimum lifting practices are recommended for all crane assisted personnel
transfer net devices:

• Any offshore facility making personnel transfers with a personnel carrier should have a
written procedure for this task.
• A pre-use inspection should be conducted prior to any personnel carrier transfer.
• Cranes assigned to personnel lifting duties should be suitable for this purpose per relevant API
spec.
• Crane operators assigned to personnel lifting duties should be certified and competent to
perform this task.
• A snag resistant tag line should be affixed to all personnel carriers.
• Crane hooks used for personnel transfers must have a positive locking latch.
• Only approved personnel carriers should be used for lifting personnel per API specifications.
Personnel carriers should not be used as a workbasket or cargo net.
• Personnel carriers should be legibly marked with the maximum number of passengers (4
persons maximum)
• Some other type of personal basket is equipped with areas designed for light luggage.
Luggage should be stowed before the lift is made and easily accessible for debarkation. No large
or heavy items (bigger than the storage area) should be allowed on personal nt basket. Large or
heavy items should be sent up via cargo basket differently.
• Personnel carriers should not be utilized in weather, wind, or sea conditions that the qualified
person considers to be unsafe.
• Before any attempt is made to lift personnel with a carrier, clear instructions should be given
to all persons involved.
• No person suffering from acute seasickness or vertigo shall be transported by personnel
carrier. If the transfer is necessary, the affected person should be put inside stokes stretcher
and the stretcher shackled to the rigging in the area provided inside the unit. (Someone should
ride up with this individual on the transfer as well).
• Any individual has the right to refuse transfer by a personnel basket.
• All personnel riding on a personnel carrier should wear an approved life vest or life preserver.
An approved Type I illuminated PFD maybe required for all transfers conducted at night
(depending on operator/contractor policy). Many contractors incorporate Type I as well for
rough sea/bad weather transfers.
• All personnel riding the kind of personal basket carrier should stand on the inside of the unit
and grasp the inner rigging. Passenger forearms should be interlocked.
• If crane operator’s view of the primary signalman is obstructed, the personnel carrier should
not be moved  until alternative communication or signal devices are placed in service.
• A designated primary landing zone should be marked in a safe area as determined by a Last
Minute Risk Assessment (LMRA)/Job Risk Assessment (JRA)/ Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) etc
• When transferring personnel, the personnel carrier should be lifted only high enough to clear
obstructions. Is should then be gently lowered to the deck.
• A loaded personnel carrier should not be raised or lowered directly over a vessel.
• The crane operator may refuse to lift any person who does not comply with the operator’s
instructions.
• An experienced escort should be provided for persons who are not confident performing a
personnel carrier transfer.
• Injured, ill, or unconfident persons may ride in a sitting position, on the inside of the
personnel carrier, with a qualified person as an escort.