Author(s): Daniel P. O’Brien
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Abstract: Both the “Royal Commission on the Sinking of the Ocean Ranger” and the Piper Alpha Inquiry recommended that improvements be made to escape, evacuation and rescue (EER) systems employed on offshore petroleum facilities. The respective methodologies suggested for achieving these was by both the development of “performance standards” and the utilization of “goal-setting regulations”. A system now exists which meets the recommendations of both public inquiries. Following an extensive series of model testing at the Institute of Marine Dynamics in St. John’s, a full operating system was installed at the Humberside Offshore Training Association (HOTA) located in Kingston-upon- Hull, United Kingdom. A total of 267 trials with resulting data gave evidence to the effective availability of this unique system. A second system of a more advanced configuration is currently undergoing extensive trials in seas up to and including Beaufort 8. Located in Portugal Cove, Newfoundland, Canada, launches will, also, be made onto a combination of 1st year and multi-year ice, which is present in early spring. The Life-Rescue Craft launched in February 2002 was dispatched to the northeast coast of Newfoundland in mid-April, 2002 where it was subjected to a rigorous series of icetrials. A second set of trials in harbour/sheet ice took place between March 1-5,2003. This major research & development is being carried out as a multi-national joint industry/government project (JIP) involving regulators from several jurisdictions and a consortium of major operators. The project is to conclude in March/April 2004. Seascape 2000 Inc. has received funding under a Joint Industry/Government Project to test the facility consisting of the following critical components: 1. Life Rescue Craft 2. Deployment Arm 3. Hydraulic Fall Arrestor 4. Support Structure.
Year: 2004