Subsea Lever Hoists

Holloway Houston supplies William Hackett SS-L5 QP subsea lever hoists in capacities from 0.8 to 15 tons. Engineered for offshore immersion service, they deliver precise load control, corrosion resistance, and certified performance for subsea, marine, and underwater lifting operations.

Subsea Lever Hoists for Offshore Lifting

Standard lever hoists are not rated for underwater or immersion service. Offshore and subsea operations, platform maintenance, underwater structural work, ROV-assisted lifting, and intervention on subsea infrastructure, require a hoist engineered and certified specifically for extreme marine environments.

Holloway Houston Inc. (HHI) stocks the William Hackett SS-L5 QP Subsea Lever Hoist in Working Load Limits (WLL) ranging from 0.8 tons to 15 tons. This unit is certified for 21-day single immersions and 31-day multi-immersion subsea service. Every internal component and external surface is built for saltwater exposure, featuring a Quad Pawl (QP) mechanism for precise load control and an AkzoNobel Interpon Redox Triplex ISO 12944 Category C5 marine paint finish.

Subsea Lever Hoists for Offshore and Underwater Lifting

A standard lever hoist utilizes a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism operated by a short lever to raise and lower loads. In standard industrial applications, the housing protects internal components from basic dust and moisture. However, in subsea marine environments, extreme water pressure, salt exposure, and constant water ingress act on every unprotected spring, pawl, and brake disc. Standard hoists lack protection against sustained immersion and will rapidly corrode and fail.

The William Hackett SS-L5 QP is designed and tested strictly for this environment. Internal components are structurally protected, while the Chains and Hooks receive heavy-duty marine treatments. The hoist is certified against BS EN 13157, ASME B30.21, and NORSOK R-002, fully complying with IMCA subsea guidance and BP project specifications.

SS-L5 QP Technical Features

1. Quad Pawl (QP) Mechanism

Standard lever hoists utilize two pawls engaging the load wheel ratchet. The SS-L5 QP features four pawls. This design increases the number of engagement points at any given ratchet position, reducing the angular increment between engagements. This delivers significantly finer load control during positioning and a shorter freewheel arc. In subsea environments where precision is paramount and visibility is limited, this micro-positioning capability is invaluable.

2. Dual Anti-Lock Brake System (DABS)

The DABS configuration allows the operator to adjust, slack, or tension the chain without locking the brake. Standard brake designs often lock during chain adjustment, creating heavy resistance. DABS improves safety and productivity during subsea rigging where chain adjustment under tension is a frequent operational requirement.

3. Internal Component Corrosion Protection

The brake mechanism, load chain, pawl springs, and fixings are finished specifically for immersion exposure. High-grade stainless steel is utilized for all internal springs and fasteners, addressing the primary failure mode of standard hoists: internal mechanical corrosion post-immersion.

4. ISO 12944 C5 Exterior Marine Coating

The exterior housing features a three-layer AkzoNobel Interpon Redox Triplex system. Rated ISO 12944 Category C5, the highest ISO corrosion category covering marine and offshore industrial environments, this paint system provides a documented protection period of 7 to 15 years.

5. Formal Immersion Certification

The SS-L5 QP separates itself from standard hardware via its documented certification for 21-day single immersions and 31-day multi-immersion subsea service. This meets the strict procurement specifications of major offshore operators.

Capacity & Proof Testing Guide

The SS-L5 QP is available in multiple configurations to match your specific lift plan:

  • 0.8 Ton : Compact hoist for light subsea connections and ROV work.
  • 1.6 Ton : Standard light-duty subsea model.
  • 3.2 Ton : Mid-range capacity covering the majority of general subsea lifting tasks.
  • 6.3 Ton : High capacity for heavy subsea structural rigging.
  • 10 Ton : Heavy-duty model; proof-tested at 1.5× WLL.
  • 15 Ton : The largest available subsea model; proof-tested at 1.25× WLL.

Included Certification Package per Unit:

Every SS-L5 QP shipped by Holloway Houston includes a factory proof test certificate, ISO 12944 C5 coating documentation, and compliance paperwork for BS EN 13157, ASME B30.21, NORSOK R-002, and IMCA subsea guidance.

Applications by Industry

  • Offshore Oil and Gas : Maintenance and rigging operations on production platforms and FPSOs where work occurs near or below the waterline.
  • Subsea Construction : Structural work, pile driving support, and connection work at depth where lifting equipment remains submerged for the duration of the project.
  • Subsea Inspection and Repair : Positioning and securing pipelines, risers, and umbilicals during subsea infrastructure interventions.
  • Marine and Port : Dockside and underwater lifting in shipyards and marine construction environments exposed to saltwater spray and tidal immersion.
  • Saturation Diving Operations : Specialized lifting equipment that functions perfectly and retains its mechanical ratings after extended deep-water deployment.

Safety and Selection Awareness

Subsea lever hoists operate in unforgiving environments. ASME B30.21 governs the baseline inspection requirements, while NORSOK R-002 dictates offshore lifting standards.

  1. Immersion Limits : The SS-L5 QP is rated for specific immersion periods. Operations exceeding the certified immersion duration without factory re-inspection may affect the hoist's rated performance.
  2. Pre-Lift Inspection : Operators must inspect the load chain, hooks, and external fittings before each use. Corrosion, elongation, or deformation of chain links dictate immediate removal from service per ASME B30.21.
  3. Mechanism Check : The Quad Pawl mechanism is a high-precision component. If ratchet engagement yields unusual clicks, inconsistent locking, or slippage, tag the hoist out for immediate inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Immersion certification and internal corrosion protection. Standard lever hoists are built for above-water use; their internal brake mechanisms and chains will rust and seize underwater. The William Hackett SS-L5 QP is certified for sustained subsea immersion, utilizing stainless steel internal parts and marine-grade coatings.
It utilizes four pawls instead of the standard two. This increases ratchet engagement points, reducing the angular distance between clicks. This gives divers and ROV operators finer, more precise control over load positioning during each lever stroke.
Capacities range from 0.8 tons through 15 tons. Configurations at or below 10 tons are proof-tested at 1.5 times the rated WLL, while the 15-ton model is proof-tested at 1.25 times the rated WLL.
Each unit ships with documentation covering BS EN 13157, ASME B30.21, NORSOK R-002, IMCA subsea guidance, and an ISO 12944 Category C5 exterior coating certificate.
ASME B30.21 is the primary US standard covering lever hoist design and inspection. NORSOK R-002 is the Norwegian offshore standard heavily referenced in North Sea and international subsea project specifications.

Complete Your Subsea Rigging System

Holloway stocks thousands of offshore rigging components beyond subsea hoists. Complete your lifting package with our certified hardware:

Need Procurement Support? The offshore market runs on traceability. Because Holloway is an authorized distributor located in Houston, Texas, we provide the full William Hackett certification package upfront with every order, eliminating documentation delays for your procurement team. Call our rigging specialists at 1-888-496-4700 to discuss volume pricing and lead times.