Rigger

A rigger is a tradesperson who designs, installs, inspects, and maintains rigging systems—arrangements of ropes, cables, chains, harnesses, blocks, and supports used to lift, move, or suspend loads or equipment. The term covers several specialized fields, all centered on ensuring that loads are secured and controlled safely.

In nautical contexts, rigging refers to the hardware and lines that support a sailing vessel’s masts and control its sails. Standing rigging provides structural support for the masts, while running rigging operates sails, halyards, sheets, and control lines. Riggers in this setting must understand knots, hardware, tensioning, and routine maintenance to prevent failures at sea.

In entertainment, stage and film riggers install and operate fly systems, lighting grids, acoustic banners, and other suspended equipment. They design and assemble temporary structures such as trusses and scaffolding, run cables and pulleys, and supervise safety procedures for lifting and moving scenery, lighting, and cameras. Film and television rigging often includes more specialized tasks such as camera rigs, wirework, boom lifts, and harness systems for stunts.

Industrial and construction contexts see riggers involved in crane-assisted lifts and heavy loads. They select and inspect slings, shackles, hooks, and other rigging hardware, prepare lift plans, and execute lifts in coordination with crane operators and site personnel. Safety, load calculations, and adherence to regulatory standards are central to the role.

Qualifications for riggers vary by field but commonly include formal training, hands-on apprenticeship, and certification in rigging safety, equipment inspection, and relevant operating standards.