Deck lifting is an important aspect of all offshore operations. Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization (OPITO) has developed a special training scheme for Deck Lifting Operations to ensure safety and competence at the working site.

The OPITO Banksman & Slinger Training (Stage 1 & 2) is designed to provide the initial skills and knowledge of crane banking i.e. with the help of hand and radio signals; choosing correct lifting equipment (sling, shackle or chain) for the particular load; distinguishing the color coding and following all the precautions during the crane operations. Stage 1 course consists of the theoretical and practical modules and prepares participants for the Stage 2 which is supervised workplace experience. During this stage banksmen are ought to complete a special logbook if they want to progress to the next level.

At the Supervisor OPITO Banksman Slinger Competence (Stage 3 & 4) delegates are assessed according to their professional abilities i.e. crane banking skills, lifting regulations (LOLER, PUWER) knowledge, loads and containers inspection, slings operations and safety awareness during works with the crane.  Among the pre-requisites to the Stage 3 course is OPITO Banksman & Slinger (Stage 1) certificate, properly completed Stage 2 logbook or Company letter confirming working experience as per Appendix 1 of OPITO Rigger Competency course standard and medical fitness certificate.
After the successful acquisition, OPITO Banksman & Slinger (Stage 3) certificate must be revalidated every 2 years. The training is called OPITO Banksman & Slinger (Stage 4) Competence Re-assessment. It takes one day and basically has got the same program as Stage 3 course.