Thursday 7 October 1999

New Guidelines Published for the Survey of Standby Vessels

The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) in conjunction with three other trade associations representing the UK offshore oil and gas industry has published guidelines for the survey of vessels standing by offshore installations.

Replacing an earlier publication, the so-called Green Code which has now been withdrawn, the new guidelines will assist marine surveyors, standby vessel operators and charterers in assessing the suitability of vessels standing by offshore installations to provide the necessary levels of recovery and response required by offshore health and safety legislation.

They describe what is generally regarded in the Industry as good practice, setting standards to enable a vessel to undertake fundamental standby functions. The publication includes sections on the certification process; design and construction criteria; stability; accommodation and facilities for recovered personnel; radio and other communications as well as a chapter on standby vessel equipment, including fast rescue and daughter craft.

The Guidelines were drawn up jointly by UKOOA, the International Association of Drilling Contractors (North Sea Chapter) (IADC), the British Rig Owners Association (BROA) and the Standby Ship Operators Association (SSOA). The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, the TUC and the workforce were amongst the wide range of parties consulted.

Guidelines for the Survey of Vessels Standing by Offshore Installations, Issue 2, costing £30 (£15 for members) are available.

For more information, please call 020 7802 2400.