SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate a ships crane 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260764  Operate a ships crane 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Operating a ships crane takes place within a regulatory framework that seeks to ensure safety of the operator, the crane and its environment. Ships cranes are inherently dangerous, hence, their safe operation cannot be overstated. The learner will also acquire the competencies and skills to operate the components, systems and joy sticks to accomplish the task of lifting and handling loads appropriately. The aspects of safety and communication during the lifting operation are covered.

It is important that the learners operate ships cranes using the competencies in this Unit Standard and in keeping with the requirements of the National Code of Practice (NCOP) for the Evaluation of Training Providers for Ships crane Operators (Government Gazette 27292: 18 February 2005).

Learners credited with this standard will be capable of:
  • Discussing and applying the regulatory framework for operating ships cranes.
  • Describing the ships crane to be operated.
  • Demonstrating mechanical awareness of the selected machine.
  • Inspecting the selected ships crane.
  • Handling loads with a ships crane.
  • Operating the ships crane. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • The New Unit Standard 'Demonstrate mechanical awareness of lifting machines'. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Discuss and apply the regulatory framework for operating ships cranes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to relevant sections of current legislation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Sections 8, 13 and 14), General Safety Regulation 2, General Safety Regulation 9 and Driven Machinery Regulations 18 and the NCOP. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The responsibility of the employer and employees regarding health and safety are explained in terms of the legal obligations on both parties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of the right to information is explained to ensure that health and safety issues are not compromised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The regulations pertaining to personal protective equipment (PPE) are explained and applied to ensure that appropriate precautions are taken in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The regulation pertaining to loading a ship and moving cargo to and from the ship is explained and applied to ensure safety of self and others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The regulations pertaining to driven machinery are explained and applied to maintain the safety of the ships crane environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Fundamental knowledge of the NCOP is applied during the use of ships cranes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The code of practice and safety procedures of the organisation are described to ascertain whether they are in conformity with the regulatory framework for ships cranes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the ships crane to be operated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ships cranes are described to demonstrate detailed knowledge of the different types of cranes in a category. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types refers to the various types of cranes within the crane categories, in terms of the NCOP.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The functionality of and the context within which the ships cranes can be operated are discussed to demonstrate knowledge of the use of these machines at the appropriate level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The limitations, capabilities and capacities of the ship crane to be operated are explained to ensure that it is used according to manufacturer's instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate mechanical awareness of the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The major components of the ships crane are identified and described in terms of their functions in the operation of the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The systems of the ships crane are described in terms of their features, functions and inter-relatedness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The instrumentation of the ships crane is explained in terms of their functions and what the operator must do in case of a deviation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Instrumentation includes gauges, indicators, warning devices.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The operation of the joy sticks, controls and safety devices is explained and monitored in order to maintain safety during operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The attachment/s of the ships crane is/are used as per manufacturer's instruction and standard operating procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The attachment/s of the ships crane include: hooks, chains, car gear, spreader beams, pallets, trays etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Inspect the ships crane. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pre-start checks are performed to ensure that the ships crane is safe for operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Start up procedure is performed according to manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Shut-down procedure is performed to ensure the ships crane is serviceable for the next operator/shift. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Ships crane is maintained according to manufacturer's instruction and standard operation procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Problems are recorded and reported according to standard operating procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Apply the recognised methods for inspecting and recording the operational fitness of all components of the crane (e.g. structural components, hydraulic systems, cab, fastenings, ropes/chains etc). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Handle loads with a ships crane. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Handle includes identifying, hoisting, lowering, luffing and slewing of loads. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The physical properties of a load are identified and described according to criteria. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Criteria include but are not limited to density, dimensions, centre of gravity, stability of a suspended load.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate attachment/s for the load type, if applicable, are selected and used as per manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specific loads are handled according to standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The operational capability of lifting equipment is assessed to ensure safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to correct SWL of slings.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Operate the ships crane. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles of operations/leverage are explained and applied to ensure safe and effective lifting operation (ship movement whilst crane is facing wharf side). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Load capacity of the ships crane and its load are determined as per standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safe operating procedures are complied with to ensure safety of people, machines and the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include emergency procedures, procedures to deal with hazardous materials when being handled by the operator.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The machine is operated according to its load capacity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Communication skills are used during operation of a ships crane. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    React to recognized hand, bat and radio signals (and other methods of communication) and to direct the crane movements accordingly, whilst considering and/or adjusting to circumstances in the interests of safety. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication skills include bat, hand signals and radio communications.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation and the relevant section of the NCOP.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Legislation and Regulations.
  • Components, systems, instrumentation, joy sticks, controls and warning devices of ships cranes.
  • Principles of leverage, centre of gravity.
  • Types of ships cranes.
  • Limitations, capabilities and capacities of ships cranes.
  • Principles and properties of loads.
  • Safety operating procedures appropriate to the working environment.
  • Communication skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Identify and react in a safe and competent manner in an emergency situation.
  • Identify and solve mechanical (Diesel engine) and electronic (Computer) faults before and during operations and decide on corrective measures that may be required.
  • Identify and implement corrective action required to prevent hazardous/dangerous situations arising (eg weather, light condition, noise etc). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with other as a member of a team, group, organisation, community to:
  • Ensure that ships crane are fit for operation.
  • Operate the ships crane. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when:
  • Demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory framework for ships cranes.
  • Identifying and describing the systems, instrumentation, joy sticks, control and safety devices of ships cranes.
  • Conducting inspections.
  • Recording and reporting problems of ships cranes.
  • Handling loads.
  • Operating a ships crane.
  • Using communication skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to:
  • Handle loads according to standard operating procedure.
  • Operate the ships crane safely. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to:
  • Hoisting, lowering and slewing of loads. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others by:
  • Inspecting and using the ships crane according to manufacturer's instructions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48794   National Certificate in Quality Checking of Tyres and Tyre Components  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  71989   National Certificate: Automotive Components: Manufacturing and Assembly  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  58862   National Certificate: Electro-Mechanical Winding  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  58720   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  64829   National Certificate: Lifting Machine Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  23255   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  91926   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  67609   National Certificate: Mechatronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  79666   National Certificate: Metal and Engineering Manufacturing Processes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  64190   National Certificate: Metals Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  49449   National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  36155   National Certificate: Polymer Composite Fabrication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  79407   National Certificate: Polymer Compound Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  21012   National Certificate: Power and Telecommunication Cable Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  24217   National Certificate: Thermoplastic Fabrication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  48798   National Certificate: Tyre and Tyre Component Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  48795   National Certificate: Tyre Assembly  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  57886   National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Culmen Wes-Kaap CC 
    2. Transvaal Training 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.