Improving Marine Safety on Mobile Offshore Drilling Units

Abstract

In 1982, Exxon initiated an enhanced worldwide marine safety program for mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) operating for the corporation's affiliates. A task force was commissioned to survey, from a marine operations standpoint, selected MODUs to identify ways to maximize the effective use of existing marine safety equipment, practices, and training for emergencies including vessel abandonment. The effort resulted in specific goals to reduce the likelihood of serious mishaps and to improve the crew's chances of survival in the event rig abandonment were necessary. The goals were to (1) develop and implement a set of safety guidelines for MODUs operating for Exxon, (2) work to help upgrade industry standards and practices, (3) assess marine safety systems as part of the initial rig selection process, and (4) conduct effective, comprehensive structural inspections on selected rigs. Marine safety guidelines were developed to address several main areas, including emergency response, rig abandonment, personnel qualifications, stability procedures, and fire protection. The guidelines have been used in over 90 marine safety surveys (assessments) to date. A comprehensive onboard safety school was developed emphasizing effective scenario emergency drills and offshore survival. Over 35 of these schools have been conducted in cooperation with the drilling contractors. The content of the marine safety guidelines and the schools have been used in efforts to upgrade industry standards through the American Petroleum Institute (API), United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), the Oil Industry International Exploration and Production Forum (E&P Forum), International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the U. S. Coast Guard (USCG).