Abstract: A hoist and method are provided for lifting objects inside a vessel having a wall defining a port and having a platform on the exterior of the wall. The hoist includes a frame with a support portion extending outwardly from the port adjacent the platform and a cantilevered portion for extending through, and inwardly from, the port. A suitable clamping system is provided for clamping the frame support portion to the platform. A hoist cable is provided along the frame from the support portion to the cantilevered portion and extends over a sheave at the end of the cantilevered portion so that it hangs down inside the vessel. A winch is operatively engaged with the hoist cable and is mounted to the frame support portion for feeding out and retracting the cable whereby the end of the cable may be raised and lowered inside the vessel.