Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removal and deposition of loads between two supports in repeated relative vertical movement. The device consists essentially of a crane close to the high point of the support on which said load rests in its rising movement for lifting the load. To do this, the lifting device suspended from the hook of the lifting crane comprises a structure supporting a winch, a detection device for the winding in or out of the cable wound by said winch and brakes adapted to block the paying out of said cable when its winding ceases momentarily, that is to say when the speed of lifting of the crane is equal to the decreasing speed of heaving of the support. The device is applicable to the unloading of ships supplying off-shore platforms.