Kona,
Here is how you operate the container crane in missions that use it:
In the upper left corner are two icons, one for the crane and one for Vermass. Click the crane.
You can switch between various views by using the number keys above the main keyboard:
1 Is a view outside the crane and orbits the crane cab as it would a ship.
2 Is the cab view, and can look straight down at the spreader (the thing that grabs the container),
3 Is the same as two because the arrow keys control the crane and are not available for walkabout.
4 Is another exterior view that orbits the dock containers.
5 Stays centered on the hoisting cable and rotates around it while over the dock.
By switching among these views, you should be able to see what you’re doing.
As for knowing what you’re doing…
The Page Up key raises the spreader.
The Page Down key lowers the spreader—right through the ground.
The Up & Down arrow keys move the crane cab toward the ship.
The Left & Right arrow keys move the entire crane along the dock.
The Home key causes the spreader to grab the container.
The insert key raises and lowers the jib—the thing that sticks out over the ship. Leave it down while loading.
You can see this list from in the sim by clicking the wrench in the lower right corner and selecting Crane controls from the drop-down list.
Use cab view looking straight down, and lower the spreader onto a dock container with Page Down.
Position it carefully with the arrow keys. When it is centered on the container, press the Home key.
A green light on the spreader tells you when it has the container.
Raise the container just high enough to clear the containers on the ship, and then move toward the ship.
A green arrow points down at the place for the container, Lower the container into the space and then press the Home key to release the spreader.
The rest is skill acquired from practice.
It’s just a sim! You won’t break anything.
Oh yeah, one other thing: Raise the jib when you are done. The Vermaas’s Master will be unhappy if he loses his masthead light.