Crane

Oceanus is fitted with a single Allied Marine Model TB 60-65 hydraulic marine crane. The crane is totally self-contained with the electrical controller, hydraulic power pack and operator station mounted on the crane or its pedestal. The crane is located on the upper deck on the center line of the ship in a position that allows access to all working deck space, over the side and over the stern.

The crane is fitted with one fixed boom (main shipper) and two extendable booms (crowds). The working radius of the crane ranges from 10 to 65 feet. The at-sea load rating ranges from a maximum of 40,000 lbs. to 6,890 lbs. fully extended. The dockside rating is somewhat higher. The figure below schematically shows the Safe Working Load curves over the range of possible working radiuses. The next chart overlays these working radiuses onto a plan view of the working deck areas of the ship. Used together, these figures can be used to determine the loads that can be lifted at various points on the ship and over the side. For unusually heavy load requirements or special operations, consult with the Marine Ops Coordinator or ship's bosun for availability of blocks and rigging.

Use of the crane at sea is limited primarily by the strength of the slewing or rotating mechanism. The slewing mechanism, although strengthened for use on a moving ship, is not capable of withstanding the potentially extreme side loading dynamic forces that can be caused by towing or pulling loads, or by the roll of the ship. There are no rigid guidelines for the use of the crane in this regard, but, in general, side loading producing a torque of 60,000 ft. lbs. (2,000 lbs. at a 30 foot radius or equivalent) should be avoided. Limits on crane use at sea are normally set by common sense and by good seamanship practices.

The crane is capable of serving as the overboarding point for cables or wire spooled on the trawl winch. The cable can be led from the trawl winch flag block directly to an overboarding sheave hung from the crane. The flag block will follow the motion of the crane as it is raised/lowered or rotated. Used in this configuration, instruments can be suspended and lowered over the starboard side when necessary. Operation in this mode requires that a special boom crutch be installed to support the boom and to absorb the forces caused by the working cable; prior arrangements for this equipment are necessary.

Stern A-Frame

A hydraulically powered A-frame is located at the stern on the centerline to serve as the overboarding and support point for instruments being towed astern of the ship. The main trawl block is normally hung from the A-frame.

Pertinent characteristics are:

• Inside Horizontal Clearance: 9 feet (2.7 m)
• Maximum Vertical Clearance: 14 feet (4.2 m)
• Maximum Inboard Reach: 6 feet (1.8 m)
• Maximum Outboard Reach: 4 feet (1.2 m)
• Safe Working Load: 26,000 lbs.