What critical safety measures are required during the lifting of heavy WEC components offshore?

Lifting heavy Wave Energy Converter (WEC) components offshore demands stringent safety measures. First, a detailed lift plan must be developed and approved by qualified personnel, outlining the lifting procedure, equipment to be used, and potential hazards. Second, all lifting equipment, including cranes, slings, shackles, and rigging, must be certified and inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. Third, only trained and qualified personnel should be involved in the lifting operation. This includes crane operators, riggers, and signalers. Fourth, a designated lifting supervisor must be present to oversee the entire operation and ensure that all safety procedures are followed. Fifth, a clear communication system must be established between all members of the lifting team. Sixth, the weight of the component being lifted must be accurately determined and must not exceed the lifting capacity of the crane or rigging. Seventh, the center of gravity of the component must be accurately determined to prevent instability during the lift. Eighth, tag lines should be used to control the movement of the component and prevent it from swinging or rotating. Ninth, a exclusion zone must be established around the lifting area to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the danger zone. Tenth, weather conditions, such as wind speed and wave height, must be monitored closely and the lifting operation should be suspended if conditions become unsafe. Eleventh, the lifting operation should be carefully coordinated with other activities taking place on the vessel or the WEC structure. Finally, emergency procedures must be in place in case of an accident.