The Importance of Marine Warranty Surveyor Certificates of Approval in Heavy Lift Operations

A Certificate of Approval (CoA), also known as a sail away certificate, is an official document issued by an MWS. It certifies that a specific heavy lift operation has been reviewed, meets applicable industry safety standards, follows approved procedures, and is cleared for execution.

It demonstrates sufficient preparation for a safe sailing experience, and that checks to demonstrate this have been completed.

📌 This certificate provides assurance to shipowners, charterers, insurers, and offshore contractors that all critical elements of the lift and transport operation have been independently verified and approved by a certified MWS.

Key Elements of a Certificate of Approval (CoA)

• Cargo Details – Weight, dimensions, and center of gravity considerations.
• Vessel & Equipment Suitability – Inspection of ships, cranes, winches, and rigging.
  
• Lifting, Seafastening & Securing Methods – Verification of rigging plans, seafastening integrity, lashing configurations, and structural assessments
• Operational Risk Assessment  – Analysis of environmental conditions, stability factors, and emergency contingency planning.
• Compliance with International Standards – Confirmation that the operation adheres to:

• • IMO & SOLAS Heavy Lift Safety Guidelines 
  • DNV-ST-N001 – Offshore Lifting & Transport Standards
  • Lloyd’s Register & IACS Marine Warranty Guidelines
    ✅ Certifying MWS Credentials  – Approval issued by qualified, independent surveyors.

📌 A valid CoA is essential for ensuring that heavy lift operations are safe, compliant, and insurable, preventing costly delays, cargo damage, and legal disputes.

At Nordic Maritime Solutions, we offer a comprehensive suite of cargo loss prevention services designed to protect your cargo at every stage:

1.Ensuring Safety & Risk Mitigation

• Heavy lift operations involve massive loads, complex rigging, and high structural stresses.
• A CoA certifies that all safety measures, load calculations, and contingency plans have been reviewed by an independent expert.

2. Meeting Insurance & Regulatoy Requirements

• Marine underwriters often require a CoA before insuring high-risk transport and installation projects.
• Inspections and certifications align with:
  ✅ IMO Guidelines for Lifting Operations & Stowage Safety
  ✅ SOLAS Heavy Lift Cargo & Transport Regulations
  ✅ P&I Club and Hull & Machinery Insurer Compliance 

3. Preventing Operational Delays & Financial Losses

• A CoA verifies that equipment, lifting plans, seafastening, and vessel suitability are all checked, reducing the risk of technical failures or regulatory delays.
• Stakeholders gain confidence in the project’s readiness, compliance, and execution timeline.

4. Protecting Liability & Contractual Obligations

• Shipowners, cargo operators, and insurers rely on the CoA to assign liability in case of incidents.
• A certified MWS report prevents disputes by providing third-party verification of all operational elements.

5. Improving Project Planning & Execution

• The MWS identifies potential risks, equipment limitations, or procedural inefficiencies before the operation begins.
• Helps project managers optimize loading plans, lifting strategies, seafastening methods, and securing arrangements.

📌 A CoA ensures that heavy lift projects are legally compliant, technically sound, and fully insured, reducing operational risks and financial liabilities.