ALCOAST 106/25 - MAR 2025 COAST GUARD CRANE PICK AND CARRY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

R 061635Z MAR 25 MID120001769754U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 106/25
SSIC 11260
SUBJ: COAST GUARD CRANE PICK AND CARRY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
A. OSHA 1926.1417 (u) - (y) Safety and Health Regulations
for Construction Subpart: Cranes and Derricks In Construction
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 301813Z MAY 24/ALCOAST 234/24
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 041754Z SEP 24/ALCOAST 346/24
D. Support Equipment - Weight and Material Handling Program
Policy, COMDTINST 11260.1
1. This ALCOAST provides guidance on pick and carry safety
requirements. The practice of traveling a crane while a load is
suspended, also known as a "pick and carry", is an operation
that poses an increase in risk of a MISHAP occurrence. However,
there are times when this type of lift must be conducted. Pick
and carry operations with a mobile crane pose a greater risk and
therefore require additional planning, controls, and risk
assessments.
2. Units may conduct pick and carry operations subject to
compliance with the following criteria:
    a. All pick and carry operations are conducted in accordance
with REFs (A) and (B).
    b. Pick and carry is only authorized if there is no other
equipment in safe operating condition that is capable of
transporting the load. Pick and carry is not to be used as a
time saving alternative.
    c. Pick and carry is only authorized if permitted by the
mobile crane operating manual and load chart. Traveling with a
load is prohibited if the practice is prohibited by the
manufacturer.
    d. A competent person, as defined in REF (C), must supervise
the operation, determine if it is necessary to reduce rated
capacity, and make determinations regarding load position,
boom location, ground support, travel route, overhead
obstructions and speed of movement.
    e. Load calculations and load chart restrictions shall be
documented in the risk assessment. Note that safe working limits
are often reduced by 50% when not operating on outriggers.
    f. A qualified crane operator is required.
    g. Tire pressure must be verified to manufacturer's
specifications and documented in the risk assessment.
    h. A tag or restraint line must be used if necessary to
prevent rotation of the load.
    i. The brakes must be adjusted in accordance with manufacturer
procedures to prevent unintended movement.
    j. The operator must obey a stop (or emergency stop) signal,
regardless of who gives it.
    k. The evolution must be conducted on an improved surface and
prohibited on loose or uneven surfaces.
    l. The turret must be locked to prevent slewing or rotation
during movement. The operator's orientation must remain aligned
to the crane's direction of travel.
    m. Equipment checks are completed and satisfactory for both
the crane and rigging equipment.
    n. The load shall be maintained as low as possible to the
ground during the evolution.
    o. If equipped with outriggers, they shall be extended and
lowered to approximately three (3) inches above the ground
surface. There must be enough signalpersons utilized to ensure
all outriggers can be visibly seen and the equipment safely
guided.
    p. If conducting an initial lift off a raised surface (e.g.,
flatbed trailer, truck bed, etc.), the lift shall be conducted
with outriggers extended and properly seated. The load shall
then be landed prior to the pick and carry evolution.
    q. Ensure wind and weather conditions are assessed and
factored into the risk assessment.
    r. Crane speed shall not exceed manufacturer's stated
tolerance while under load.
3. The policy contained in this ALCOAST will be incorporated
into the next update of REF (D), which will be released
within the next year.
4. This message will be cancelled on 05 MAR 2026.
5. The POC for questions regarding this message is the SE
Program Manager (CG-441), Ms. Jennifer D. Ozley, at
Jennifer.D.Ozley@uscg.mil.
6. RDML Amy B. Grable, Assistant Commandant for Engineering
and Logistics (CG-4), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.