PROTECTING PEOPLE, PLANT &

PROJECTS

Engineered proof load testing for New Zealand's lifting and marine industries. Delivered by Cookes, backed by JWA. The only integrated water load testing and lifting compliance provider in New Zealand.

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1972

JWA Established

Global Depots

NZ Commercial Ports

Integrated NZ Provider

● Manufacturer-Trained Technicians

● Electronic Exam Certificates

● Nationally Deployed

● JWA Inspection Protocol

● AS/NZS Aligned

Understanding the Product

What is Water Weight Load Testing?

Water weight load test bags are flexible, PVC-coated fabric containers used for in-situ proof load testing of lifting equipment — cranes, davits, winches, and structural assemblies. They are filled with water on-site and suspended from the equipment under test, applying a controlled, progressive load that verifies structural integrity and mechanical safety.

Unlike solid steel weights, water bags transport empty at less than 2% of their test weight, require no secondary crane to position, and reduce shock loading risk through gradual fill. They are the preferred method for in-situ proof load testing across marine, port, civil, and crane applications.

Read the Full Technical Guide →

	Water weight load test Bags	Steel Weights
Safety	✓ Progressive loading – minimal shock risk	– Static load; high impact risk
Logistics	✓ Transport empty; fill on-site	– High transport & handling costs
Application	✓ Ideal for in-situ & high capacity	– Small-scale & fixed test beds
Secondary Crane	✓ Not required	– Usually required
Documentation	✓ Electronic exam certificates	– Manual records

Our Competitive Position

Why Cookes × JWA

New Zealand's only provider combining OEM-backed equipment, integrated lifting inspection, and national deployment under one operational structure.

OEM-Backed Technology

JWA has designed and manufactured water load testing equipment since 1972. Every bag deployed through Cookes is built to JWA specifications, inspected to JWA protocol, and supported by a global network operating in the UK, USA, Greece, and Netherlands.

Established 1972

Inspection-Integrated

Cookes already supplies and inspects lifting equipment across New Zealand. Adding proof load testing closes the compliance loop — the same team that certifies your gear can now test it. Supply, inspect, test, certify under one provider. No other NZ company offers this.

End-to-End Compliance

Nationally Deployed

Local stock. National branch network. Manufacturer-trained technicians. Fast mobilisation without import lead times. For large or irregular jobs, cross-rent capability through the JWA global network means no ceiling on the load sizes we can test.

No Import Lead Time

Industries We Serve

Where Proof Load Testing Happens

From port cranes to offshore platforms, we deploy wherever lifting equipment needs to be tested and certified.

Marine

Ship cranes, davits, vessel lifting appliances. 5-year proof tests, class renewal, Maritime NZ compliance.

Lifting

New crane imports, major rebuilds, insurance requirements. Progressive load testing with full documentation.

Infrastructure

Bridge gantries, structural hoists, temporary lifting beams, helidecks. Project-based commissioning support.

Energy

Taranaki O&G, wind farm construction, large energy installs. High-value episodic testing with global OEM backing.

Regulatory Alignment

Compliance Standards We Work To

Every test is documented and aligned to the standards your certifying authority, insurer, or client will require.

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AS/NZS

In-situ proof load methodology & documentation

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Maritime NZ
Part 49

Ship lifting appliances – 5-year re-tests & certificates

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LEEA 051

Water load test bags – design & inspection standard

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WorkSafe
ACOP

Crane proof load at first inspection; SLI calibration

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DNV / Lloyd's

Class society survey renewal & certification

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PECPR 1999

Land-based cranes – certificate of inspection regime

Download the NZ Water Weight Load Testing Compliance Guide

When is proof load testing legally required? What documentation does WorkSafe expect? What standards apply to your equipment? All of it, in one free guide written for NZ lifting and marine operators.

Knowledge & Resources

Technical Guides & Insights

Written for the people who actually do this work — lift supervisors, compliance managers, port engineers, and procurement teams.

Compliance

📋

What is Proof Load Testing and When is it Required in New Zealand?

A plain-English guide to NZ proof load testing obligations — WorkSafe, Maritime NZ, AS/NZS, and when each applies to your equipment.

Water Bags vs Steel Weights: Which is Right for Your Proof Load Test?

Safety, logistics, accuracy, and application — a side-by-side comparison for lift supervisors and maintenance managers weighing up methods.

Water Load Testing for Port & Marine Operators: A Plain-English Guide

How water bags are deployed in port and marine environments — 5-year surveys, davit testing, class compliance, and documentation requirements.

7 Min Read

→

Get in Touch

Request a Quote or Consultation

Tell us what you need. Whether it's a scheduled proof load test, a compliance question, or an urgent mobilisation - we'll connect you with the right person from our team.

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Coverage

Nationwide - all commercial ports and major industrial sites

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Response

Same-day response during business hours

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Large or Irregular Jobs

Cross-rent capability via JWA global network - no ceiling on test tonnage

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Still have questions?

From how water load bags work and what tonnages are available, to when proof load testing is legally required in New Zealand and what documentation you'll receive — our FAQ page covers the practical questions that matter. Whether you're planning a crane commissioning, a 5-year marine survey, or comparing water bags to steel weights, you'll find clear answers across product, compliance, commercial and technical topics.

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