Personnel Transfer Basket Suppliers

Getting people between a vessel and an offshore platform, a rig, or a wind turbine is one of the riskiest routine jobs offshore, and when a gangway or walk-to-work system is not available it is done by crane. The personnel transfer basket - also called a man basket, a personnel basket, or a crew transfer basket - is the device that carries the crew across, lifted from deck to deck on the crane hook. Personnel transfer basket suppliers range from the specialist makers, Billy Pugh, Reflex Marine, and Viking among them, to the distributors who supply and certify them. It is one part of a vessel's transfer and access equipment, and the type chosen depends on the crossing and the sea state.

Basket or Capsule

Personnel baskets come in two designs, and they protect the crew in different ways:

• Soft transfer basket - the classic net design, such as the Billy Pugh X-series, where people stand on a buoyant ring base and hold the outer netting with baggage stowed in the centre; simple, light, and buoyant if it lands in the water.
• Rigid transfer capsule - a framed, seated device such as the Reflex Marine FROG or TORO, where the crew are belted into seats inside a protective frame; heavier and dearer, but far safer in a hard landing or a wave impact.

The choice follows the risk: a sheltered, calm transfer may take a soft basket, while an exposed crossing in a seaway calls for the protection of a capsule.

What Makes It Safe

Whatever the type, the safety features are what matter. The basket has to be buoyant so it floats if it goes into the water, and a shock-absorbing base cushions a hard landing on deck. Capsule types add seats and harnesses that keep the crew secured through a swing or an impact. Above the device sits the operation itself: a personnel transfer by crane is high-risk work, governed by IMCA and IOGP guidance and, in US waters, by the OSHA man-basket rules, and it needs a man-rated crane and a certified device with current inspection records. An offshore personnel basket is a lifting appliance for people, so its certification and recertification are not optional.

What to Confirm When Buying

• Type matched to the crossing - a soft basket for sheltered transfers, a rigid capsule for exposed or higher-risk work.
• Capacity - the number of persons, plus baggage, the transfer actually needs.
• Buoyancy and shock absorption - a base that floats and cushions, rated for the drop and the water.
• Certification for man-riding - approval and documentation for lifting personnel, with the crane rated to match.
• Inspection and recertification - a clear interval and record, since this is life-saving lifting gear.

Certification and Inspection

Because it lifts people, a personnel basket sits under stricter rules than ordinary lifting gear, and the paperwork is part of the purchase:

• Man-riding certification - approved and proof-load tested for lifting personnel, not just cargo, with the certificate supplied.
• Offshore lifting standard - built and certified to DNV 2.7-3 or EN 12079, the recognised standards for offshore lifting equipment.
• Six-monthly thorough examination - a shorter inspection interval than cargo gear, in line with LOLER and equivalent regimes, with the records to prove it.
• Man-rated crane and operation - lifted only on a crane rated for personnel, under IMCA and IOGP guidance, and OSHA and API rules in the waters that apply.
• Clear marking - safe working load, permitted number of persons, unique ID, and certificate reference on the device.

Where the crossing can be made on foot instead, a gangway or pilot ladder is the simpler answer, and the basket is kept for when it cannot.

Working With the Right Supplier

Choosing the right transfer basket isn't just about size or capacity. You need to consider the motion of the vessel, wind conditions, transfer frequency, and the crew's safety training. The best personnel transfer basket suppliers offer not only compliant gear but also documentation, inspection certificates, and ongoing inspection support to keep every transfer compliant and risk-free.

That's why it's worth working with experienced personnel transfer basket manufacturers who understand real-world offshore challenges and provide tested, approved solutions. From certifications to delivery logistics, our team ensures every detail lines up with your operational needs. Records Marine was built to make marine sourcing easier. We combine industry insight, a growing network of vendors, and real-time supplier data to help marine professionals choose with confidence.