PSA finds flaws in ‘Transocean Arctic’ emergency preparedness

Transocean’s semi-submersible rig Transocean Arctic does not meet all the requirements when it comes to the management of emergency preparedness and the working environment, the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority said after it carried out an inspection of the rig from December 7 to 10, 2015.

The objective of the audit of emergency preparedness was to monitor that Transocean has worked systematically to prevent major accidents, and that the facility’s emergency preparedness organisation, equipment and systems are properly fulfilling emergency preparedness functions during winter operations.

The safety authority added that the objective within the working environment domain was to assess whether Transocean’s systems and practice for following up working environment risk during activity in a cold climate met the regulatory requirements.

The Transocean Arctic had shortcomings that were related to at-risk groups, follow-up of measures, training and composition of the emergency preparedness organisation and fire stations among others.

The agency also noted that more attention should be paid to roles and responsibilities, employee participation and safety delegates and evacuation routes and securing of loose equipment.

Switzerland-based drilling contractor Transocean has been given a deadline of April 1, 2016 to report on how these non-conformities and improvement points would be dealt with.

Transocean Arctic was recently awarded three contracts with three separate customers in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

Namely, Transocean Arctic has been awarded a one-well contract with Faroe Petroleum, also a one-well contract with Engie, and a four-well contract with Det norske.

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