ISO 19356:2016

Overview

ISO 19356:2016 - Ships and marine technology - Marine cranes - Test specifications and procedures - defines required tests and test procedures for metal marine cranes intended to operate in harbour or sheltered water conditions. It covers deck cranes, floating/grab cranes on barges or pontoons, and shipboard engine‑room and provision cranes. The standard specifies how to verify technical performance, record test results and produce test reports that support compliance with classification societies, flag states and relevant ILO guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Applies to marine cranes used in harbour/sheltered waters; excludes extreme ambient temperatures (< −20 °C or > +45 °C), accident/collision loads, multi‑crane lifts, lifting accessories, shore‑side cargo cranes, hand‑powered or portable onboard cranes, lifeboat launching appliances and others explicitly listed.
• Test planning: Tests are to be carried out according to a designer‑prepared test program and recorded in a formal test report signed by tester, inspector and, when involved, the user/verifier.
• Functional tests (factory/internal checks): verification of limit safety functions (hoist/luff/slew/travel/slack rope), no‑load mechanism operation, electrical wiring and insulation checks, alarms and emergency brakes.
• Bench tests: Performed on a manufacturer’s test bench where possible; includes no‑load operational tests, measurements of speed/time parameters, working amplitudes and rated load (SWL) tests.
• Overload tests: Defined test loads based on SWL categories; holding test load at maximum amplitude for inspection of structural elements.
• Inclination and special tests: Inclination tests may be performed by agreement with the user; other integration or twin‑lift tests as required by the technical program.
• Measurement and traceability: Test speeds and time parameters follow ISO 13202; test loads per ISO 14518; instruments must be calibrated and within validity ranges.
• Reporting: Reports must record crane types, serial numbers, main technical parameters, test durations, loads, locations, procedures and results.

Practical applications

• Factory acceptance testing and commissioning of shipboard and floating cranes
• Verification for classification society surveys and flag state inspections
• Manufacturer bench testing during production and pre‑delivery checks
• Onboard verification after repairs, modifications or retrofits
• Developer/designer validation of crane performance and safety systems

Who should use this standard

• Crane manufacturers and test laboratories
• Shipyards and vessel operators
• Classification societies, flag state authorities and marine surveyors
• Design engineers and technical managers responsible for crane commissioning

Related standards

• ISO 14518 - Cranes - Requirements for test loads
• ISO 13202 - Cranes - Measurement of velocity and time parameters
• ISO 19354 - Ships and marine technology - Marine cranes - General requirements
• ISO 3828, ISO 4306‑1 - Vocabulary and symbols for shipboard cranes

ISO 19356:2016 is essential for anyone involved in marine crane testing, compliance and commissioning, providing clear test specifications and procedures for safe, verifiable crane operation.