Lifting & Rigging Operations (API Standard) 5-Day Course Outline - KSA, Oman & GCC

Master Safe Lifting & Rigging in Saudi Arabia, Oman & Gulf Region

The Lifting & Rigging Operations (API Standard) Course is an intensive 5-day specialized program for riggers, crane operators, and lifting supervisors across Saudi Arabia (KSA), Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This comprehensive training covers API RP 2D standards, rigging principles, load calculations, equipment inspection, and critical lift planning essential for GCC heavy industries.

Why API Lifting & Rigging Training is Essential in the Middle East?

• API RP 2D standard: internationally recognized for offshore and heavy lifting

• Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, PDO mandatory lifting certification requirements

• Oil & gas: platform installations, refinery turnarounds, pipeline construction

• Leading cause of critical injuries and fatalities in industrial settings

• Mega-projects: NEOM, Red Sea, high-rise construction

• Petrochemical plant maintenance and shutdowns

• Extreme GCC conditions: heat, wind, desert terrain

Who Should Attend?

• Riggers and slingers performing lifting operations

• Crane operators and signalmen/banksmen

• Lifting supervisors and coordinators

• Site engineers and project managers

• Maintenance personnel in oil & gas facilities

• HSE officers and equipment inspectors

• Contractors on Aramco, ADNOC, PDO projects

5-Day Course Structure

Day 1: Lifting Fundamentals and API Standards

Introduction to Lifting Operations

• Importance of safe lifting practices

• Lifting incident statistics in GCC industries

• Consequences: fatalities, equipment damage, delays

• Competency requirements for lifting personnel

API RP 2D Standard Overview

• API Recommended Practice 2D: offshore crane operations

• Scope and GCC oil & gas applications

• Design, installation, operation requirements

• Inspection, testing, maintenance protocols

• Load rating and capacity determination

• Documentation requirements

• Integration with ASME B30, ISO 4309

GCC Regulatory Framework

• Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards (SAES): lifting equipment

• ADNOC standards: offshore and onshore operations

• PDO specifications: crane and rigging in Oman

• UAE OSHAD lifting requirements

• OSHA 1926 Subpart CC compliance

• Third-party inspection requirements

Basic Physics of Lifting

• Forces and loads: tension, compression, shear

• Center of gravity (COG) and balance principles

• Angle of loading effects on sling capacity

• Vector forces in multi-leg slings

• Dynamic loading: impact, shock, sudden stops

• Environmental factors: wind, temperature, ground

Load Weight Determination

• Methods of estimating weight:

  • Manufacturer specifications

  • Material density calculations

  • Load cells and weighing

• Safety factors and contingencies

• Unknown load protocols

• Weight distribution assessment

Day 2: Rigging Equipment & Hardware

Wire Rope Slings

• Wire rope construction: 6x19, 6x37, 8x19

• Core types: fiber core (FC), IWRC

• Material grades and strengths

• Safe Working Load (SWL) determination

• Capacity reduction factors: angles, wear

• Eye splices and terminations

• Wire rope clips: proper installation

• Tagging and color coding

Chain Slings

• Alloy steel grades: Grade 80, 100, 120

• Single-leg, multi-leg configurations

• Safe Working Load calculations

• Angle loading effects: capacity reduction

• Choker hitch capacity (typically 75%)

• Proof testing and certification

• Limitations and prohibited uses

Synthetic Slings

• Types: polyester, nylon, polypropylene

• Round slings vs. flat web slings

• Color-coded capacity ratings

• Environmental limitations: UV, heat, chemicals

• Inspection and rejection standards

• Protection: sleeves, pads, edge protectors

• Storage requirements

Shackles and Hardware

• Shackle types: anchor (bow), chain (D-shackle)

• Screw pin, bolt-type, safety configurations

• Working Load Limit (WLL) markings

• Proper sizing and selection

• Side loading prohibitions

• Other hardware: hooks, rings, links, turnbuckles

Lifting Beams and Spreader Bars

• Purpose: load distribution and angle improvement

• Fixed vs. adjustable configurations

• Load capacity plates and certification

• Inspection points and maintenance

• Design considerations for custom lifts

Below-the-Hook Devices

• C-hooks, coil lifters, plate clamps

• Vacuum lifters and magnets

• Capacity ratings and limitations

• Safety latches and mechanisms

• Manufacturer compliance

Day 3: Rigging Techniques & Load Configuration

Rigging Hitches and Configurations

• Vertical hitch: 100% capacity

• Choker hitch: 75% capacity typical

• Basket hitch: 200% capacity (doubled)

• Bridle slings: two-leg, three-leg, four-leg

• Load angle calculations: 30°, 45°, 60°

• Sling angle factor tables

• Equalizing loads in multi-leg rigging

• Preventing sling slip and rotation

Load Balancing and Center of Gravity

• Locating COG: symmetrical vs. asymmetrical loads

• Consequences of incorrect COG

• Trial lift procedures for unknown COG

• Adjusting rigging point positions

• Tag lines for load control

• Multiple crane lifts: load sharing

Load Rigging Best Practices

• Pre-lift planning and hazard identification

• Selecting appropriate equipment

• Inspecting before use

• Protecting slings from edges and heat

• Communication protocols

• Barricading lift zones

• Test lifts: 6 inches and verify

Special Rigging Applications

• Long loads: pipes, beams, structural steel

• Heavy concentrated loads: vessels, machinery

• Fragile loads: glass, instrumentation

• Awkward shapes: irregular configurations

• Hot loads: high-temperature materials

• GCC outdoor lifting: wind, sand, extreme heat

• Dual crane lifts: coordination

• Marine lifting: buoyancy considerations

Day 4: Equipment Inspection & Critical Lift Planning

Pre-Use Equipment Inspection

• Daily visual inspection requirements

• Wire rope criteria:

  • Broken wires, kinks, bird caging

  • Wear, corrosion, heat damage

  • End attachments condition

• Chain sling inspection:

  • Elongation, wear, cracks

  • Twisted or bent links

• Synthetic sling inspection:

  • Cuts, tears, UV degradation

  • Stitching integrity, tag legibility

• Shackles: cracks, deformation, threads

• Rejection criteria and tagging

Periodic and Thorough Examination

• Annual thorough examination by competent person

• Six-monthly inspection for high-usage gear

• Non-destructive testing (NDT): magnetic, ultrasonic

• Load testing: new equipment, after repair

• Proof load testing: typically 2x WLL

• Documentation and certification

• Equipment identification and records

Critical Lift Planning

• Defining critical lifts: >75% capacity, tandem lifts, proximity hazards

• Lift plan components:

  • Load details: weight, dimensions, COG

  • Crane selection and configuration

  • Rigging equipment specifications

  • Lift sequence and procedures

  • Personnel roles and communication

  • Exclusion zones and barricading

  • Emergency procedures

• Engineering calculations

• Approval process and briefing

• Mock-up for complex lifts

GCC Environmental Considerations

• Wind speed limitations: typically 20 mph

• Extreme heat effects: 45°C+ on equipment and personnel

• Sand and dust: visibility and equipment impact

• Ground conditions: soft sand, uneven terrain

• Crane outrigger setup and bearing pressure

• Proximity to power lines

• Nighttime lifting: lighting requirements

Day 5: Crane Operations, Hand Signals & Assessment

Mobile Crane Operations

• Crane types: all-terrain, rough-terrain, crawler, truck-mounted

• Load charts and capacity interpretation

• Boom length, radius, angle effects

• Derating factors: outriggers, on-rubber

• Load moment indicators (LMI)

• Crane setup: leveling, ground preparation

• Operator certification requirements

Overhead and Pedestal Cranes

• Bridge cranes and gantry cranes

• Jib cranes and davits

• Monorails and hoist systems

• Load capacity ratings

• Safety devices and limit switches

• Preventive maintenance

Standard Hand Signals

• ASME B30.5 standard signals

• Hoist: raise, lower

• Boom: raise, lower, swing

• Travel: move slowly, emergency stop

• Extend/retract boom

• Night signals: illuminated paddles

• Radio communication protocols

• Designated signalperson requirements

Roles and Responsibilities

• Appointed Person (Lift Supervisor): overall planning

• Crane Operator: executing lift per plan

• Rigger/Slinger: load attachment

• Signalperson/Banksman: directing operator

• Competent Person: inspection authority

• Team coordination

• Stop work authority

Emergency Procedures

• Load stuck or snagged

• Equipment failure: sling break, hook failure

• Crane malfunction or power loss

• Injured personnel during operations

• Environmental emergencies: winds, sandstorms

• Evacuation with suspended loads

• Incident reporting

Practical Exercises

• Hands-on rigging practicals:

  • Sling inspection and selection

  • Shackle sizing and installation

  • Calculating sling angles and capacities

  • Rigging loads with various hitches

  • Hand signal practice

• Load calculation exercises

• Lift plan development workshop

• Case studies: real GCC incidents

Final Assessment

• Written exam: API standards, calculations

• Practical assessment: rigging equipment application

• Hand signals test

• Competency evaluation

• Certificate of completion

• Wallet card for operations

• Refresher requirements (typically 3 years)

Certification Benefits

Professional Recognition

• API RP 2D compliant certificate recognized across GCC

• 30-50% salary premium for certified specialists

• Compliance with Aramco, ADNOC, PDO requirements

• International portability

• Foundation for crane operator certification

Organizational Value

• Zero lifting incidents

• Regulatory compliance with GCC standards

• Reduced equipment damage and delays

• Improved efficiency and productivity

• Lower insurance premiums

Training Delivery Options

• Classroom with practical: Riyadh, Dammam, Jubail, Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi

• Hands-on training: rigging yards, industrial facilities

• In-company programs: customized for oil & gas, construction

• Industry-specific: offshore, refinery, petrochemical focus

Ensure Zero Lifting Incidents

Lifting and rigging competency to API standards is essential for GCC heavy industries. Qualified personnel protect lives, prevent failures, and ensure operational excellence across Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Gulf region’s most demanding projects.

Master API lifting standards and lead world-class rigging operations.