Richard L. Becker Receives Test From National Cargo Bureau

The crane and A-Frame on the Richard L. Becker has been certified recently to ensure the ongoing safety of our customers and our crew. This test was also required to comply with government regulations placed on boats with lifting equipment. The purpose of the initial test was to rate the A-Frame structure, crane, wire, hook, winch and any other component involved in lifting operations on deck. Once the maximum safe loads were determined, the results were memorialized in two documents that can be found on the charter page of our website along with other vessel specs at www.towboatusftlauderdale.com. You will note that these documents specify both the proof load and the safe working load for each of these pieces of equipment.

Each piece of lifting gear must pass a renewal test each year to ensure that the certificate remains current. When renewal for the crane is due, certified weights will be used to perform a lift at full extension and a lift at close reach. During each lift the equipment will need to hold the load with no loss for a minimum of 10 minutes and will need to rotate the load at least 90 degrees. The same procedure is practiced with the A Frame and winch at renewal time. The maximum load will be raised and held for a minimum of 10 minutes and the A Frame will need to start from the retracted position all the way out to full extension and back in. Both of these procedures will be documented and submitted to the National Cargo Bureau for proof of compliance.

Hire the Richard L. Becker with confidence when your operation involves heavy lifting within the Safe Working Load specified. TowBoatU.S. and the National Cargo Bureau guarantee it!