To protect against personal injury and property damage, Washington State now requires that mobile cranes undergo a load test every four years. The Northwest Marine Trade Association has been leading coordination with state agencies, manufacturers, certified testing companies and lift owners to address unique challenges with this new test.
NMTA’s action is another example of the benefits of being a member of your local and state marine associations.
“Complying with this newly imposed regulation is costly,” says NMTA president George Harris, “but we know NMTA members are eager to protect their employees. Case in point: Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard underwent certification last week. With this successful test in the books, other facilities are now eager to have their lifts tested just as soon as a certified tester and the appropriate equipment can be arranged.”
During the test at Gig Harbor Marina, an international crane inspection and safety training company, Arxcis, showed how they conduct the certified test safely and efficiently. And just as important, it’s done while protecting against the spread of aquatic invasive species and any adverse impact to the water quality.
Gig Harbor now has full certification. Harris also acknowledged NMTA member Dave Marshall of Kendrick Equipment, and personnel from the Department of Labor and Industries and the Department of Ecology for joining the program and contributing expert technical advice.
MTAs interested in learning more about load testing can contact Jay Jennings at [email protected].
Training for Marina Operators
Proper training for both new hires and part-time staff should be top of mind for two reasons: good customer service that keeps them coming back, and the potential liabilities for failing to do things well.
Boaters throughout northern areas are starting to hit the water in anticipation of a great summer, and marinas are preparing to serve customers, which raises an important consideration for dealers and marinas.
The Association of Marina Industries for years has offered its excellent Basic Marina Operations Training Guide, and it’s worth every penny. It’s essential reading especially for entry-level marina employees — and a good opening refresher for all staff — and it’s designed as an easy self-study course. The objective is to deliver specific skills and knowledge to workers in marinas and boatyards.
The guide is divided into modules that include:
• Orientation
• Customer Care/Public Relations
• Berthing/Mooring/Boat Handling
• Personal Safety
• Fire Prevention
• Security
• Good Environmental Management
• Office Administration & Payments
The guide is designed for all staff below management level, including dockmasters, dockhands, berthing/mooring administrators, yard workers, forklift/hoist and lift operators, pumpout operators, fueling technicians, and site-care and maintenance staff.
In today’s competitive market, good training means good customer service and good business. And it’s often short-changed because of busy operating schedules to meet customer demands, which will continue to increase as summer approaches. Obtaining a copy of this AMI guide now is a heads-up move.
Click here to purchase the Basic Marina Operations Training Guide.
