New applicants must obtain certification from the NationalCommission for the Certification of Crane Operators, an accreditednon-profit organization that develops performance assessments forsafe crane operations nationwide. Applicants seeking certificationmust pass written and practical exams administered by the NCCCO, aswell as undergo a criminal background check, demonstrate physicalfitness and comply with a substance abuse policy.

Individuals who currently hold active class C hoist machineoperator licenses must meet the new requirements and obtain NCCCOcertification by Sept. 30, 2009, to retain their licenses. "Thesenew requirements will better ensure individuals have the necessaryskills and knowledge to safely operate the most advanced mobilecranes available," says commissioner-designate LiMandri, in aprepared statement. "Any type of crane is a complex piece ofmachinery that requires a unique set of skills, and thesemodernized tests accurately measure one's ability for the cranesbeing used today."

To obtain a class C license, an applicant must have at least twoyears of experience within three years prior to application underthe direct and continuing supervision of a licensed HMO in New YorkCity or in another jurisdiction that regulates crane operators.These jurisdictions include California, Chicago, Connecticut,Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, NewMexico, New Orleans, Omaha, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, WestVirginia and Washington, DC. At least one of the required years ofexperience must be in New York City or another "dense urbanenvironment," according to a prepared statement.