Marine Order 32 (Cargo handling equipment) 2016

Material handling equipment for use in loading or unloading a vessel must be tested and examined:

before being used for the first time; and

after repair of any stress bearing component.

Material handling equipment for use in loading or unloading a vessel must be tested and examined at intervals of at least every:

5 years by a competent person; and

12 months by:

for equipment under survey with a recognised organisation - a competent person; and

in any other case - a responsible person.

Subclauses (1) and (2) do not apply to:

an intermediate bulk container that:

has permanently attached fittings for handling; and

is designed and constructed as a container; and

has been type tested in accordance with the IMDG Code; or

a mechanical stowing appliance solely for use on the vessel.

Paragraph (2)(a) does not apply to:

loose gear; or

an item of equipment that is permanently attached to a lifting appliance.

An examination for subparagraph (2)(b)(i) may be postponed for 3 months if:

it will enable the examination to be carried out with a scheduled annual class survey of the vessel; and

a responsible person:

carries out an examination before the due date of the annual inspection and considers that the equipment is satisfactory; and

enters details of the examination on the register of material handling equipment.

If a competent person considers that specialised material handling equipment cannot reasonably be tested in accordance with this Schedule or the equipment would require unnecessary dismantling, the requirements in subclause (2) do not apply if:

the manufacturer's equipment specification, schedule of examination and maintenance manual are available to the competent person; and

the equipment has been examined and maintained in accordance with the maintenance manual and recorded in the register of material handling equipment.