Marine cranes education and training is essential even for those experienced in operating basic cranes. Marine cranes work on ship docks and offshore to load and unload cargo. Because of the factor of water involved in addition to typical crane work, marine cranes present even more of a challenge to operate.

Marine cranes education and training is beneficial for offshore crane operators, workers, mechanics, and supervisors. Marine crane education is obtained in several different ways. Consider some of the following when looking for more marine cranes education and training:

1. Educational training courses offer valuable information about sea cranes.

2. Educational resources teach information about marine cranes and their operation.

3. DVD and CD-Rom media offer visuals for learning about boat cranes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take courses to gain an education on marine cranes

Training and educational courses are the best way to learn a trade or skill. Courses are lengthier than seminars and offer more detailed information as well as hands-on experiences. Students learn about industrial marine cranes and their operation. Some courses features training for mechanical duties performed on commercial marine cranes.

I recommend: Adriamare offers courses in offshore crane training. The list of topics includes safety, maintenance schedules, guidelines, and more. Energy Cranes also has a course designed to educate supervisory personnel working with and around sea cranes.

Obtain marine crane training aids and resources

Training resources and aids such as seminars and kits offer quick knowledge about marine cranes. Supervisors share these resources with crane teams as education updates and refresher courses. Training aids are often less costly than educational institute courses. One also completes them in a smaller amount of time.

I recommend: The University of Texas features the opportunity to purchase a training manual that serves as an orientation for offshore crane operators. One may download the table of contents to check for topics before making the purchase. Reflex Marine has a seminar on safe practices for operating or working with a marine deck crane.

Purchase media marine crane training products

Videos and CD-ROMs offer visual teaching aids for sea crane operation. They are also less costly. One may view these products several times if needed for training. Supervisors may share a video within an entire team

I recommend: Synergy Media offers a three-hour CD-ROM training course for both new and experienced crane operators. View the contents of the CD on the website. Bharat Book Bureau offers a book in DVD format that discusses offshore crane operation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When undergoing marine cranes education and training, consider marine crane prices. Company purchasers examining marine cranes for sale must be knowledgeable about the heavy equipment. Without proper education in pricing, they may be costly to your business.

Marine cranes come in several varieties and go by myriad names. For example, there are fixed boom, telescopic, or knuckle boom styles. Sometimes they are called boat cranes, boat deck cranes, or sea cranes. Or one might be referred to as a marine folding crane. But whatever type you're looking for, or whatever you wish to call it, there are several ways to obtain commercial marine cranes for your business.

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to each option. Here's how to determine where to acquire commercial marine cranes for your business:

1. Choose new marine cranes if you need the highest quality possible.
2. Purchase used sea cranes if you need long-term use, but have a limited budget.
3. Lease or rent equipment if you'll only use a sea crane occasionally or don't have much capital.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a new marine crane for the latest technology and high quality

Since industrial marine cranes are often used in salty conditions, used cranes may be rusted. New cranes, naturally, don't have this fault. In addition, you have access to the very latest technology when you buy new cranes. In short, buying is a great option if your business is well established and you know the cranes will be used for many years to come.

I recommend: Allied Systems Company manufactures some of the finest quality marine cranes on the market; they are also known for space-saving and custom designs. Blue Ocean Tackle Inc. offers electro hydraulic marine cranes designed for longevity and ease of maintenance. DMW Marine, LLC distributes Palfinger Marine Cranes, which include military cranes, offshore, and barge cranes.

Select used marine cranes for smaller budgets

Buying used heavy duty marine cranes has its advantages, too. By choosing carefully, you can purchase good-condition, reliable marine cranes at a small fraction of the cost of new. It's a great idea to buy used industrial sea cranes if your business is small- to medium-sized and you (or an employee) are familiar enough with equipment to accurately assess condition.

I recommend: Pine Hill Equipment Inc. sells quality used marine cranes for dock, ship, and offshore use, including telescoping boom cranes, stiff boom, jib knuckle, and yacht cranes. Triple "C" Marine Salvage also offers used marine cranes and accessories.

Lease or rent marine cranes for short term needs

If you'll be using the sea crane only occasionally, renting makes perfect sense. If you know you'll need to upgrade your commercial marine cranes regularly, or if your business has limited funds, you should strongly consider leasing. For rentals, it's best to consult local business directories; for leasing there are many good national sources for marine cranes.

I recommend: Harbour Capital Corporation will work with you to lease marine cranes, whether through a traditional lease, a $1 purchase option, or a 10 percent purchase option. KCI Business Finance also offers a number of leasing options.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most industrial marine cranes reach up to 125 feet and have about a 135 ton capacity. However, knuckle boom marine cranes are typically designed for working in a smaller working radius and are considered 'special purpose' cranes.