Personnel basket transfers are one of the most dangerous routine operations in offshore and marine work environments. Every detail matters—equipment, weather, timing, and most critically, communication. At the center of that communication is the signalman (also known as a spotter or banksman), whose job is to guide the crane operator and ensure the safe movement of workers in the basket.
When a signalman is properly trained and fully focused, they are the eyes and ears of the operation. When this role is neglected, or the person performing it is inexperienced or inadequately trained, miscommunications can lead to catastrophic accidents.
What Does a Signalman Do?
During a personnel basket transfer, the signalman acts as the link between the crane operator and the deck crew. They’re typically positioned in a place with a clear line of sight to both the crane and the landing area.
Their responsibilities include:
- Directing the crane operator using standardized hand signals or radio communication
- Coordinating timing of the lift and placement based on sea movement or vessel motion
- Alerting the team to any hazards, such as shifting cargo, incoming waves, or swinging basket movement
- Communicating with deck crew and personnel entering or exiting the basket
- Calling for a stop or emergency halt if something goes wrong mid-lift
In short, the signalman is responsible for maintaining real-time control of a highly dynamic process.
Why Signalman Errors Lead to Injuries
Signalman mistakes are a major contributor to basket transfer accidents. Common failures include:
- Improper or unclear hand signals that confuse the crane operator
- Poor positioning, leading to blind spots or blocked views
- Inattention, particularly during long shifts or in high-noise environments
- Failure to stop a transfer when conditions become unsafe
- Lack of coordination with other spotters or deck personnel
When the signalman is distracted or unqualified, the crane operator may make dangerous assumptions about the basket’s position, the timing of the drop, or the readiness of the landing crew.
Training and Qualifications Matter
The signalman is not an entry-level position. OSHA and maritime safety organizations require signalmen to be properly trained and competent in their role.
Key qualifications should include:
- Mastery of standardized hand signals
- Proficiency with radio equipment
- Ability to assess sea state and vessel movement
- Full understanding of emergency stop protocols
- Experience in offshore crane operations and lifting procedures
Despite this, many offshore worksites cut corners by assigning signal duties to the nearest available hand—not necessarily the most qualified one.
Legal Liability When the Signalman Fails
If you were injured in a basket transfer and the signalman’s actions—or inactions—contributed to the incident, you may have a claim for negligence.
Liability could fall on:
- Your employer, for assigning an unqualified person to the role
- A third-party contractor, if their crew member was responsible
- The vessel operator, if they failed to enforce safety protocols
- The crane operator, if they ignored clear or repeated warnings from the signalman
These cases often involve detailed investigation, including review of radio logs, crew rosters, and witness statements.
Injuries Linked to Signalman Error
When communication fails, the results can be immediate and violent. Workers may suffer:
- Falls from the basket due to misaligned landing
- Crush injuries from contact with the vessel or platform
- Head and spinal trauma from basket impacts
- Swing-related injuries caused by premature or delayed crane movement
- Drowning, if the basket is dropped into open water
Even a single misread signal can cause permanent disability—or worse.
Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we understand the critical role communication plays in offshore safety. If you or a loved one was injured during a basket transfer due to signalman error or mismanagement, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law or the Jones Act.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 today to speak with an experienced offshore injury attorney. We offer free consultations and only charge legal fees if we win your case. Let us help you hold the right parties accountable.