Winch Crane Operator – Marine & Heavy Lift

About the role

The Winch Crane Operator will manage the lift, swing and precise descent of heavy cargo, structural components and marine equipment at port facilities. This shift‑based, full‑time position requires flawless winch brake control, line tension management and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Key responsibilities

• Operate heavy‑duty winch mechanisms, drum systems and boom controls to hoist, luff and swing high‑tonnage loads between vessels, barges and the quayside.
• Monitor wire‑rope spooling to prevent bird‑caging and maintain proper line tension under dynamic loads.
• Calculate crane capacities using load charts, accounting for boom angles, tidal movements and counterweights.
• Coordinate with certified signalers and riggers using hand signals and two‑way radio instructions.
• Conduct pre‑shift inspections of winch drums, brake bands, hydraulic motors, clutches, wire ropes, sheaves and hook blocks, recording findings in the logbook.
• Enforce zero‑accident standards by following port lifting protocols, calculating safe working loads and maintaining exclusion zones.

Required profile

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or technical vocational certificate.
• Valid NTSA Special Stamp (Class G) or equivalent for heavy industrial machinery.
• Class B, C or E driving licence with forklift endorsement.
• Crane Operator / Winch Crane Operator certification from an accredited maritime or industrial body.
• 3–5 years of experience operating winch hoisting systems or lattice‑boom cranes in a marine port, shipyard or heavy‑industrial logistics depot.
• Experience with Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) installations is an advantage.

Required skills

• Winch and drum operation
• Heavy‑duty crane handling
• Load chart calculation
• Hydraulic winch mechanics
• Wire‑rope inspection and maintenance
• Signal hand‑signal coordination