A. PRIMARY DUTIES

• The primary job of the Winch Man and Signal Man is to carefully, efficiently, and safely pull and/or hoist and transfer cargo from the warehouse to the port or staging area, and return the sling to the warehouse (or the reverse of this process) without damaging the cargo.

B. DETAILED DUTIES

1. Standard Operating Procedure

• Arrive thirty minutes before the start of the shift to prepare for work.
• Wear complete PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) upon entry and while in areas that require PPE.
• Hard hat
• High-visibility clothing/reflective vest
• Mask
• Safety shoes
• Gloves
• Safety goggles
• Carry an identification card or ID, which will be exchanged with the guard outside the gate for a gate pass.
• Present the bag and any items that need to be inspected by the guard.
• Sign the Stevedore’s Gang Roster before and after the shift brought by the Cabo.

2. Scope of Work and Responsibilities

Safety First:

• Safety in every job is the most important principle that everyone must consider. Do not enter areas with a high risk of danger, especially with cargo that may roll, or cargo that has an unstable foundation, to avoid accidents.
• Attend the Pre-Discharging Operations Meeting (Pre-DOM) or gang briefing at the beginning of the shift led by the Cabo. Here, the type and weight of the cargo will be discussed, which items will be lifted, target production, Safe Working Load (SWL) or the specified weight that can be lifted using the vessel crane or sling, and other important instructions. Ensure that all details necessary for performing the job are understood and clarified.
• Be familiar with the vessel crane or sling, especially the Safe Working Load (SWL) that can be lifted with it.
• Must be familiar with various types of slings, and what cargo they are used for, especially the SWL, and whether the SWL of the sling is adequate for the cargo being lifted.
• Work efficiently and quickly to meet the target production.
• The Winch Man and Signal Man alternate jobs every half shift.

Detailed Responsibilities of the Winch Man

• Carefully observe and assess the conditions of areas that may be struck, hit, or damaged due to the movement of the sling. Ensure that no person or object is impacted by the movement or transfer of the sling.
• Carefully observe and understand the signals given by the Signal Man or Cabo before moving the sling. While the lifting or hoisting is in progress, ensure that the signals being given are still visible and understood.
• Always remember that the Signal Man serves as a guide in operating the sling. Ensure that the type of operation being performed on the sling is correct by observing and counter-checking what is happening with the sling.
• Take care of all types of cargo. Additionally, be cautious with the sling and the vessel. Avoid hitting the cargo being lifted, or the block, against the hatch coaming (or edge of the warehouse), side of the vessel, staging area, railings, or any part of the vessel.

Detailed Responsibilities of the Signal Man

• Find a location on the hatch coaming where the Winch Man can easily see. From this position, the Signal Man must be able to see the happenings inside the warehouse or at the port.
• Provide appropriate signals to the Winch Man. Understand and relay the signals given by the Stevedore or Dock Workers accurately and carefully to the Winch Man, especially when slings are being placed on the cargo or when lifting is just starting.
• When transferring cargo from the warehouse to the port or staging area (or vice versa), relocate to a position where the Winch Man can still easily see, and where the happenings regarding where the cargo will be placed/dropped are visible.

C. QUALIFICATION:

1. Education: High school level.
2. Experience: Three to five years of experience operating or using a crane in companies related to pier management, or in handling various types of cargo using a crane, with sufficient knowledge of signals or hand signals.
3. Skills: Must be proficient and skilled in operating or using a crane. Should have adequate knowledge of how to properly lift and lower different types of cargo. Must also be able to understand and provide signals or hand signals to assist the Winch Man in operating the crane.
4. Work Conditions and Hours: Work is performed inside the crane control cab for the Winch Man. For the Signal Man, work is close to the hatch coaming or railings visible to the Winch Man. Working hours are from 0700H to 1900H or from 1900H to 0700H. There may also be opportunities for the Winch Man and Signal Man to have shift extensions if the operation on the ship is nearing completion.
5. Gender and Physical Condition: Male, in good and healthy physical condition, and not afraid of heights.