Rigging Supervisor

The Rigging Supervisor course from the American Institute of Safety Professionals provides advanced training for personnel who supervise rigging crews, plan lifts, and are responsible for the safe execution of lifting operations. Rigging supervision requires competencies beyond those of a rigger: the ability to plan complex lifts, calculate load weights, select rigging hardware with adequate capacity including angle factor derating, evaluate rigging condition, coordinate with crane operators, manage rigging crews, and make the go/no-go decisions that determine whether a lift proceeds safely.

The curriculum covers rigging supervision responsibilities, lift planning methodology (load weight calculation, rigging weight, total lifted weight, crane capacity verification, lift path clearance, landing zone preparation), rigging hardware selection (wire rope slings, synthetic slings, chain slings, shackles, eyebolts, spreader bars, equaliser beams, plate clamps), sling capacity and angle factors (the dramatic capacity reduction as sling angles decrease from vertical), hitch types (vertical, choker, basket) and their capacity effects, rigging hardware inspection (wire rope, synthetic, chain, hardware — removal-from-service criteria), load weight estimation methods (shipping documents, drawings, calculation, weighing), crane-rigger coordination, rigging crew management, critical lift identification and planning, and the rigging safety programme governance. All training is delivered 100 percent online through Microsoft Teams and the American Institute of Safety Professionals LMS.

Upon completion, graduates receive a certificate, wallet card, and transcript, employer-verifiable at amiosp.com/student-verifications.

Upon completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Plan lifts systematically: calculate load weight, add rigging weight, determine total lifted weight, verify crane capacity at radius, clear the lift path, prepare the landing zone, and document the lift plan for critical lifts.
• Select rigging hardware with adequate capacity: matching sling type and size to load weight, applying angle factors (capacity decreases as angle decreases: 60° = 87%, 45° = 71%, 30° = 50% of rated vertical capacity), selecting hardware (shackles, hooks, links) with capacity matching or exceeding the sling system.
• Inspect rigging hardware: wire rope slings (broken wires per strand/rope, kinking, bird-caging, corrosion, diameter reduction, end fitting damage), synthetic slings (cuts, abrasion, burns, UV degradation, stitching, label legibility), chain slings (stretch, wear, link deformation, cracks), and the removal criteria for each.
• Estimate load weights: using shipping documentation, engineering drawings, calculation (volume × density), manufacturer data, and the conservative estimation methods used when exact weight is unknown.
• Coordinate with crane operators: communicating lift plan, confirming crane capacity, verifying ground conditions, establishing signal communication, and the rigger-operator coordination that prevents miscommunication.
• Manage rigging crews: assigning qualified riggers, conducting pre-lift briefings, supervising rigging assembly, verifying connections before signalling the lift, and the crew management that ensures every team member understands their role.

Core Curriculum Topics

• Rigging Supervisor Responsibilities: planning, hardware selection, inspection, crew management, go/no-go
• Lift Planning: load calculation, rigging weight, total weight, crane capacity, path, landing zone
• Sling Types: wire rope, synthetic (nylon, polyester), chain, alloy steel, selection criteria
• Sling Capacity and Angle Factors: vertical, 60°, 45°, 30° derating, minimum angle limits
• Hitch Types: vertical (100%), choker (75–80%), basket (200% at 90°, derated by angle)
• Rigging Hardware: shackles, eyebolts, hooks, swivels, spreader bars, equaliser beams, plate clamps
• Rigging Inspection: wire rope, synthetic, chain, hardware — removal-from-service criteria per ASME B30
• Load Weight Estimation: documents, drawings, calculation, weighing, conservative methods
• Critical Lifts: definition (>75% capacity, personnel, blind, tandem), additional planning requirements
• Crane-Rigger Coordination: communication, capacity confirmation, signal protocols
• Rigging Crew Management: qualification, briefings, supervision, connection verification

Participants will receive online training through Microsoft Teams and LMS. Courses are offered by accredited broadcasters and backed by expert instruction and official study materials. All assessments are conducted online and successful participants are awarded certificates that are accepted internationally.

The Rigging Supervisor program is designed to develop the technical knowledge, leadership skills, and supervisory competence required to plan, monitor, and control rigging and lifting operations safely. This course focuses on hazard identification, load control, compliance with lifting regulations, and effective supervision to prevent lifting-related accidents and ensure safe execution of lifting activities.

Core Modules

Participants will gain essential knowledge and supervisory skills for safe rigging operations:

Optional / Site-Specific Modules

Additional modules may be included based on site complexity and lifting risks:

The Rigging Supervisor program enables participants to effectively plan and supervise lifting operations, ensure compliance with safety standards, minimize lifting risks, and lead rigging teams to perform safe and efficient lifting activities at the workplace.

• No prior training required
• No academic degree required
• All instruction in English; working proficiency required

Upon completion, graduates receive an American Institute of Safety Professionals certificate, wallet card, and transcript. Employer-verifiable at amiosp.com/student-verifications.

The program is designed to offer flexible online learning with a minimum instructional contact time of 8 hours. Most learners successfully complete the course within one month, allowing them to progress at their own pace while balancing professional commitments.

Candidates can take this exam through an assigned portal from the American Institute of Safety Professionals. A passing score is 70% or higher, and exam results are provided right after by email to the address provided. The exam is open-book, allowing candidates to validate their answers. Any candidates who do not pass have 1 month after their exam to go through the training materials and can take the exam 3 additional times.

For questions about American Institute of Safety Professionals online fees, replacement certificates, additional hardbound materials or any other financial-related issues please feel free to contact accounts@amiosp.com

• Riggers advancing to supervisory roles
• Lift planners responsible for rigging design and hardware selection
• Construction and industrial supervisors who oversee lifting operations
• Safety officers managing rigging safety programmes
• Crane operators who need to understand rigging from the rigger’s perspective

Prerequisite: Rigging experience recommended. Crane and Derrick Safety course provides useful context.

• Rigging Supervisor — YOU ARE HERE (supervisory rigging competency)
• Crane and Derrick Safety (crane operations and coordination)
• Lifting Inspector (inspection of lifting equipment)
• International Diploma in Construction Safety Management (Unit 3: lifting operations)