Abstract: There is described a system for hoisting a load on an offshore rig, the system comprising a winch having a winch drum; drive means for operating said winch; one or more sheaves; an elongated hoisting member, such as a wire rope, configured to run over said one or more sheaves and to connect said winch to a load, wherein said winch drum, in a first position of use (A), is configured to accommodate only a single layer of said elongated hoisting member.