PSA Conducts Audit, Deepsea Bergen Passes Test

Petroleum Safety Authority Norway

During the period August 25-27, 2008, the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) conducted an audit of emergency preparedness on the semisubmersible drilling rig Deepsea Bergen, operated by Odfjell Drilling A/S.

PSA did not identify nonconformities in relation to regulatory requirements during the audit, but did note room for improvement as regards some technical and operational factors.

The audit was carried out by means of document review, interviews, conversations and verifications on the Deepsea Bergen, and emphasised factors including control and management of the emergency preparedness.

Background for the Audit

Notice of the audit was given on June 11, 2008 as a planned activity according to the PSA's audit plan for 2008. The audit is based on the Facilities Regulations, Chapter III-IV on emergency preparedness and the Activities Regulations, Chapter VI-II on competence and Chapter XI on emergency preparedness.

Purpose of the Audit

The purpose of the audit was to verify that Odfjell safeguards emergency preparedness factors on the Deepsea Bergen in accordance with regulatory requirements.

This includes organization of the emergency preparedness and the actual emergency response organization, including cooperation on emergency preparedness, maintenance of emergency preparedness equipment, means of evacuation, maintaining the employees' competence in relation to the emergency response functions they perform, as well as the general health and emergency medical preparedness on the Deepsea Bergen.

Result of the Audit

PSA found no regulatory nonconformities, nor conditions that would entail a notification of order. PSA did, however, note some factors that are defined as items with potential for improvement.

The following factors with potential for improvement are discussed in more detail in the audit report:

  • Ship on collision course -- there is no overview of plans for measures and actions with indication of time.
  • Deficient coordinated exercises/training with the area emergency preparedness resources.
  • There is no joint training on land for the emergency response teams.
  • Deficient MOB preparedness -- unclear weather criteria.
  • Deficient training of first aid competence in emergency response teams and competence of technical response teams on board.
  • Inadequate debriefing and sharing of experience in the emergency response teams following exercises and training.
  • Deficient safety signposting and marking in outdoor areas.

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