Attach all of the barges together before pinning the spud pockets to the sides of the barge. Connect the pocket to the side of the assembled barges by inserting a strap or steel choker cable through the rectangular boxes in the round portion of the pocket. The pocket will remain straight as it is lowered into position. Drop two pins in to attach them to the barges.

Lower the spud into position after the pocket is attached. The spud is the long pipe used to anchor the barge in place. Lift the spud with a ground release shackle to eliminate a man climbing a ladder and risking injury while disengaging the shackle from the top of the spud. The alternative is to use a long choker and leave it hang on the spud until the project is completed.

A tag line should be tied to the rope thimbles on the barge assisting the crane operator while unloading and loading the trucks. The tag line is also used to pull the barges together during assembly of the deck. A key hole opening is formed by adjacent castings on the sides of the barges. A 55 lb pin is dropped into this opening engaging both the top and lower castings on the sides of the barge. Secure the barge deck to a near by tree or bridge peer during set up to assure that the platform does not float away.

When unloading spuds, winch or barge pusher units from the truck, attach 4 long chokers to the support brackets on the frame of the winch and pusher units & two chokers to the spuds. Support the units with a crane line prior to the truck driver loosening and remove the chains or straps securing the unit to the truck. This will insure that the units do not slide off the truck unexpectantly causing injury to those in the immediate area and damage to the equipment. Chokers on the winch & pusher units should be arranged so that the units remain level when they are picked up by the crane.