Not as a blanket rule. The applicable requirement depends on the vessel, flag, lifting equipment, operation and relevant regulatory, port, terminal and recognized-organization requirements. For Indian-flag vessels, DGS Merchant Shipping Notice No. 02 of 2026 addresses the implementation of SOLAS II-1/3-13 for applicable onboard lifting appliances and anchor-handling winches.

Depending on the scope, the examination may cover cranes, derricks, winches, wire ropes, hooks, shackles, blocks, sheaves, lifting beams, slings, structural components, brakes, safety devices, SWL markings and relevant documentation. The exact examination scope always follows the applicable equipment, manufacturer’s requirements and regulatory criteria.

An inspection is generally a routine visual assessment to identify obvious defects. A thorough examination is a more detailed assessment by a competent person intended to determine whether the equipment remains safe for continued use — which may include additional measurement or examination methods beyond visual inspection alone.

No. Load testing is one component of cargo gear verification where required. A cargo gear survey may also involve documentation review, visual examination, structural and mechanical checks, and assessment of loose gear — load testing is only one part of the overall process when applicable.

Under DGS 2026 requirements applicable to SOLAS II-1/3-13 lifting appliances, applicable lifting appliances are to be retested at least once every five years, with additional testing requirements after certain installations, repairs or major modifications. The applicable interval depends on the equipment and regulatory regime.

ILO Convention No. 152 provides for periodic thorough examination by a competent person at least once every 12 months. For a particular vessel, the applicable flag, class/RO, statutory and port requirements should be confirmed as intervals may differ.

Documents may include the cargo gear register, previous certificates, test records, SWL information, loose-gear certificates, maintenance records, repair records, rigging plans, block lists and other manufacturer or statutory documentation. The DGS 2026 notice states certified lifting appliances should be recorded in the Register of Ship’s Lifting Appliances and Cargo Handling Gear together with the Certificate of Test and Thorough Examination.

Yes. Cargo gear survey and related marine survey attendance can be coordinated at Indian ports, subject to surveyor availability and the requirements applicable to the vessel and operation. Solanki Ship Care provides marine survey coordination and ship-support services at Indian ports.

The affected equipment may need to be taken out of service until the defect is rectified. Depending on the defect, repair, replacement, retesting and further examination may be required before the equipment can safely return to service. DGS 2026 guidance requires preventing operation of inoperative lifting appliances until necessary repairs, testing and examination are completed.

Pre-arrival planning provides time to review documentation, identify potential deficiencies, arrange testing equipment and coordinate the appropriate competent person or recognized organization. This can reduce the risk of avoidable delays during cargo operations — particularly where cargo operations are scheduled immediately after arrival.