It’s summertime and road trips are common… Usually before getting on the road, we take a closer look at the vehicle we will be driving. If we recently had the car serviced, we may just look at the tires and check the oil. If it’s been a while since it was checked out, we may either take the car into the shop to make sure everything is in good working order or, if you are mechanically inclined, you may open the hood to check things out yourself.

When you think about cranes, it’s not much different. Similar to the pre-trip inspection on your vehicle, crane operators should be completing a pre-shift inspection daily. However, when it’s time for the annual inspection, this is not something you should take into your own hands. You need a qualified inspector with special knowledge and skills to perform a comprehensive inspection of the entire crane. (more…)

For over 15 years, Crane Tech has been partnering with one of the largest ship repair companies in the Caribbean, Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS), to create a culture of safety within their material handling operations.

Recently, Randy Myette, one of our instructors had the privilege to go to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island to work with the Shipyard. This trip Randy provided training on Aerial Lifts, which are used on a daily basis to refurbish, repair, clean and paint ships. At the shipyard, they have some unique considerations for working over water, as many times the machine is on shore with the boom extended over the water. As a result, they must comply with requirements for personal flotation devices and take into account the additional level of complexity with their lifts. In addition to their existing competent operators, the GBS has a four-year apprentice program for individuals to learn the trade of ship repair–helping to create tomorrow’s craftsmen who can keep ship repair alive and well in the Bahamas for many decades to come.
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What does it mean to be CCO certified?
A certified crane operator is not necessarily a CCO-certified crane operator. While there are other crane operator certifications available, only one organization–the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)–provides the “gold standard” for operators. The NCCCO certification is known in the industry as the CCO certification.

Successful completion of the CCO certification requirements, informs the world that a crane operator is certified to the high standards of NCCCO. When done correctly, CCO certification has been shown to reduce accidents, save lives and reduce injuries. It also provides employers with a sound basis on which to base their assessment of crane operator competency. (more…)