I belong to a sailing club where there is a modern quite substantial jib crane that is permanently mounted on a plinth that is used by members to slew small dinghies from land onto the water. In our club risk assessment it is quite rightly described as one of the key risks, but the mitigation is scant to say the least. Currently there is no formal specific risk assessment or operating guidelines written down although the club does have one member (a retired engineer) who inspects it regularly and provides basic informal training. I have volunteered to pull together something to formalise the operation of the crane including a RA, Safe System of Operation, Inspection and training. Can anyone suggest a good starting point for what might be required, as most of the advice I have found so far assumes lifting is in the World of work and where professionals are carrying out the activity. I doubt LOLER would technically apply as it does say early on that it only applies to the 'workplaces and work situations' and does not mention leisure, and in our situation it is always the boat owner who operates the crane and the club has no employees. If I pulled something formal together that was based around the basics of the HSE's ACOP for lifting I am guessing that I am unlikely to be too far wrong even though technically it is unlikely to apply ?

As above, despite the activity being a leisure one, the club provide the crane and therefore have a legal obligation to ensure it meets LOLER requirements re inspection etc. It would also be best practice to give training to all the boat owners who will be using the system

I concur