Offshore Crane Operator – Jackup Rig

Job Title: Offshore Crane Operator – Jackup Rig

Location: Offshore (Jackup Rig Operations)
Employment Type: Rotational (e.g., 28 days on/28 days off)
Certifications Required:

·         Mandatory:

o    OPITO-approved Offshore Crane Operator Stage 3 (or equivalent, e.g., LOLER, API RP2D)

o    BOSIET/FOET (Offshore Survival Training)

o    HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training)

o    OGUK/UKOOA Medical Certificate (or regional equivalent)

·         Preferred:

o    Rigging/Slinging Certification

o    Banksman/Slinger Training

o    Dynamic Positioning (DP) Familiarization (if crane is DP-integrated)

Key Responsibilities

1.      Safe Crane Operations:

o    Operate pedestal cranes (e.g., 30–250 MT capacity) for loading/unloading supply vessels, moving drill pipe, BOPs, and other heavy equipment.

o    Perform lifts in challenging conditions (high winds, vessel motion, night operations).

o    Follow rig-specific lift plans and ensure compliance with LOLER/API RP2D regulations.

2.      Jackup Rig-Specific Duties:

o    Assist in rig moves (lifting legs, preloading operations) if crane is used during positioning.

o    Handle heli-deck operations (if crane supports helicopter logistics).

o    Work closely with the marine crew during supply boat operations (dynamic positioning coordination).

3.      Maintenance & Inspections:

o    Conduct daily pre-use inspections (wire rope integrity, hydraulic leaks, limit switches).

o    Report defects to the rig’s maintenance team and log all issues in the crane checklist.

4.      Emergency Protocols:

o    Execute emergency shutdowns during red-zone violations or equipment failure.

o    Participate in crane-related emergency drills (man overboard, dropped object scenarios).

5.      Team Coordination:

o    Direct banksmen/slingers via radio communication.

o    Coordinate with deck crew, drillers, and logistics teams to prioritize lifts.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

·         5+ years as a crane operator (offshore experience preferred).

·         Proven ability to operate Knuckle Boom, Hydraulic Pedestal, or Davit Cranes.

·         Familiarity with dynamic load charts (accounting for vessel motion).

·         Fluency in rigging/slinging practices and load calculations.

·         Ability to pass random drug/alcohol tests (strict offshore policies).

Benefits

·         Critical role / Insurance Coverage : In rig stability and supply chain (no crane = no operations) – Employer responsibility

·         Certification renewal (Employer responsibility while on job).

Note: Jackup crane operators must be exceptionally alert—mistakes can lead to catastrophic dropped objects or collisions in congested deck areas.