Riggers in shipyards are skilled individuals who require precise experience to be able to do the job. As a hiring manager how do you know what qualities to look for in a skilled rigger? While a primary function of a marine rigger is to connect lifting lines, they also may rig lifts for sections of the ship that are built elsewhere and brought to the shipyard for assembly. They will need to know how to connect the machinery to the crane and guide the crane operator to ensure precision. What do they need to bring to the table? Here’s your hiring guide.
Equipment Knowledge
There are a lot of things a skilled rigger needs to know how to use before coming on board in your shipyard. Rigging systems often have shackles, master links and slings, and your rigging professional should also know how to use wire rope, turnbuckles, and jacks and cranes.
Verbal and Hand Signal Communication
A skilled rigger should be able to communicate with people by radio as well as face–to–face communication. However, one aspect of this job also includes using hand signals to allow them to effectively and efficiently communicate directions to the team.
Math and Calculations
Knowledge of math is essential for many jobs in a shipyard, and for riggers especially. However, it isn’t just about general math experience, but how to calculate several variables. For example, the rigger will need to know not only the weight and measure of the items they’re working with, but also the spatial relations and geometry.
Ability to Climb
This job is as physical as it is mental. It’s important the candidates you’re considering can climb, and sometimes that’s without a ladder. There will be instances where your riggers will need to access hard–to–reach areas of the materials, cranes and ships, and they need to be comfortable with how to do that safely.
Training and Certification
There are a variety of avenues a professional can take to train and become certified as a rigger. One such certification process is the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, or NCCCO. To become certified, candidates will need to take a written test as well as a practical test to evaluate their competency. They should also be certified by OSHA to use the equipment.
Do you need to hire experienced and qualified riggers for your shipyard? Contact the team at Hutco today.
