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UKOOA Guidelines for

Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance


Issue 1 February 2003

UK Offshore Operators Association


Guidelines for

SHIP/INSTALLATION
COLLISION AVOIDANCE

ISSUE 1

FEBRUARY 2003

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication,
neither UKOOA, nor any of its members will assume liability for any use made thereof.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
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without prior written permission of the publishers.

Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of Her Majestys
Stationery Office.

Copyright 2003 UK Offshore Operators Association Limited


ISBN: 1 903003 20 2
PUBLISHED BY UK OFFSHORE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION

London Office:
2nd Floor, 232-242 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1AU.
Tel: 020 7802 2400 Fax: 020 7802 2401

Aberdeen Office:
9, Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1YP
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Email: info@ukooa.co.uk
Website: www.oilandgas.org.uk
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

CONTENTS

Page No
INTRODUCTION iii
Purpose and Scope iii
Contributing Organisations iv

ABBREVIATIONS vii

1 COLLISION RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 1


1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Responsibilities 1
1.3 Key Elements 2

2 BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW 8


2.1 Introduction 8
2.2 Probability of Collision 8
2.3 Passing Vessels 9
2.4 Attendant Vessels 10
2.5 Offtake Tankers 10
2.6 Contingency Planning and Procedures 12
2.7 Incident and Near Miss Reporting 14
2.8 Reporting and Follow-up 15
2.9 Auditing 16
2.10 Performance Standards 16

3 PASSING VESSELS 17
3.1 Introduction 17
3.2 Assessing the Potential for Collision 18
3.3 Minimising the Probability of Collision 20
3.4 Collision Avoidance Measures 21

4 ATTENDANT VESSELS 26
4.1 Introduction 26
4.2 Assessing the Potential for Collision 27
4.3 Minimising the Probability of Collision 28
4.4 Collision Avoidance Measures 31

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4.5 Contingency Plans 34


4.6 Follow-up 34

5 OFFTAKE TANKERS 35
5.1 Introduction 35
5.2 Assessing the Potential for Collision 35
5.3 Minimising the Probability of Collision 36
5.4 Collision Avoidance Measures 39

Figures
Figure 1 Key Elements of Successful Health and Safety Management 2

Figure 2 Collision Risk Management Summary Flowchart 5

Figure 3 Collision Avoidance Flowchart 6

Figure 4 Collision Avoidance Procedures Passing Vessels 7

Addendum
1 Glossary of Terms

2 Promulgation and Detection Passing Vessels

3 Systems Audits

4 Vessel Suitability and Inspection Formats

5 Field Checklist

6 Installation Data Cards

7 Incident and Near Miss Reporting Formats

8 References Including Relevant Codes and Regulations

9 Passing Vessel Ship Collision Assessment

10 Vessel Impacts Guidance on Loads and Consequences

11 Contacts

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INTRODUCTION
Purpose and Scope
This document gives guidance to Dutyholders on reducing the probability
of collisions between vessels and offshore Installations. It has been developed
by United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), supported by
the Health and Safety Executive and with the assistance of other stakeholders.

Various accident types involving serious injury or loss of life, or which have the
potential to do so, are defined as major accidents under the Safety Case
Regulations (SCRs). SCRs define major accidents as:

a. Fire, explosion or the release of a dangerous substance involving death or


serious personal injury to persons on the Installation or engaged in an
activity on or in connection with it.

b. Any event involving major damage to the structure of the Installation or


plant affixed thereto or any loss of stability of the Installation.

c. The collision of a helicopter with the Installation.

d. The failure of life support systems for diving operations in connection with
the Installation, the detachment of a diving bell used for such operations or
the trapping of a diver in a diving bell or other subsea chamber used for
such operations.

e. Any other event arising from work activity involving death or serious
personal injury to five or more persons on the Installation or engaged in an
activity in connection with it.

Regulations 8(1) (c) and (d) of SCR requires that a Dutyholder demonstrates in
their Safety Case that all hazards with the potential to cause a major accident
have been identified, that the risks have been evaluated and that measures have
been or will be taken to reduce the risk to people to As Low As Reasonably
Practicable (ALARP).

The major accident definition (b) in the above Regulations includes impacts
from both infield (attendant) and passing vessels as events likely to involve
major damage to the structure of the Installation. Consequently, all types of
vessels with the potential to impact the Installation must be considered as a
Major Accident Hazard (MAH) under SCR.

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SCR are complemented by Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency


Response (PFEER) Regulations. PFEER requires the Dutyholder to assess
MAHs that may require Evacuation, Escape and Rescue (EER) and to identify
appropriate arrangements for dealing with them. Such arrangements will include
preparation for emergencies, an emergency response plan, detection of
incidents, communications, control of emergencies, muster areas, arrangements
for evacuation, means of escape and arrangements for rescue and recovery.

This guide focuses on the avoidance of ship/Installation collisions. Although the


concepts of risk and ALARP are referred to within the document, it is not
intended to provide detailed assessment of consequences of a collision.
Similarly only key considerations in the development of appropriate collision
response strategies are provided.

Hence, the guidance draws together and summarises current best practice on
avoiding collisions between vessels and Installations. For convenience it
addresses separately:

Passing vessels those en route to somewhere else

Attendant vessels are vessels with legitimate business at the Installation

Offtake tankers, a subset of attendant vessels, which interact with the


Installation in a specialised way and are therefore addressed in a
dedicated section

Recommendations made in this guide rely principally on checklists covering


management systems, vessel suitability, self-audit and pre-operational checks
(a form of risk assessment). They draw, wherever possible, on existing proven
industry standards.

The guide is aimed principally at operations in the United Kingdom


(UK) sector, and therefore refers to UK legislation, practices and organisations.
Other administrations and national associations may wish to adapt the principles
to their own sectors.

Contributing Organisations
The following organisations have been consulted in developing this guide:

Health and Safety Executive

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)

Trade Unions: National Union of Marine Aviation and Shipping Officers


(NUMAST) and Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT)

UKOOA Marine, Hazard Management, Structural and Floating Production,


Storage and Offtake (FPSO) unit Committees

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International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA)

Emergency Rescue and Recovery Vessel Owners Association (ERRVA)

Chamber of Shipping

Marine Safety Forum

Intertanko

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)

British Rig Owners Association (BROA)

Scottish Fishermens Federation (SFF)

Step Change in Safety

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ABBREVIATIONS
AHTS Anchor Handling Tug Supply
AIS Automatic Identification of Ships (IMO Resolution 22/9
Annex II)
ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practical
ARCS Admiralty Raster Charting Service

BPD Barrels (oil production) Per Day


BROA British Rig Owners Association

CMID Common Marine Inspection Document


CPA Closest Point of Approach
CRM Collision Risk Management

DCR Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and


Construction, etc) Regulations SI 913 1996
DNN Det Norske Veritas
DP Dynamic Positioning (or Dynamically Positioned)
DSC Digital Selective Calling
DTLR Department of Transport, Local Government and The
Regions (formerly DETR)

EER Evacuation, Escape and Recovery


ERRV Emergency Rescue and Recovery Vessel (formerly
Standby Vessel)
ERRVA Emergency Rescue and Recovery Vessel
Owners Association
ESD Emergency Shutdown

FMEA Failure Mode and Effect Analysis


FPSO Floating Production Storage and Offtake Unit
FSO Floating Storage and Offtake Unit
FSU Floating Storage Unit

GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System


GPS Global (Satellite) Positioning System

HSE Health and Safety Executive


HS(G) 65 Successful Health and Safety Management
HSWA Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

IADC International Association of Drilling Contractors


IMCA International Marine Contractors Association
IMO International Maritime Organisation
ISM International Safety Management Code

JOP Joint Operating Procedure

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KIS Kingfisher Information Services

LMIS Lloyds Maritime Information Services


LSA Low Specific Activity

MAR Management and Administration Regulations


MAH Major Accident Hazard
MCA Maritime and Coastguard Agency
MoD Ministry of Defence

NUI Normally Unattended Installation


NUMAST National Union of Marine Aviation and Shipping Transport
Officers

OCIMF Oil Companies International Marine Forum


OIM Offshore Installation Manager
OSV Offshore Support Vessel
OSV Code Guidelines for the Safe Management and Operation of
Offshore Support Vessels
OTO Offshore Technology Report (O)

PFEER Prevention of Fire and Explosion and Emergency Response


Regulations SI 743 1995

RIDDOR Reporting of Injury Death and Dangerous Occurrences


Regulations SI 3136 1995
RMT Rail, Maritime and Transport Union

SBV Standby Vessel (See ERRV)


SBV Guidelines Guidelines for the Safe Management and Operation of
Vessels Standing By Offshore Installations
SCR Safety Case Regulations SI 1992/2885
SPM Single Point Mooring

TAV Towing Assist Vessel


TLP Tension Leg Platform
TR Temporary Refuge

UK United Kingdom
UKCS United Kingdom Contential Shelf
UKHO United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
UKOOA United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association

VHF Very High Frequency

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1 COLLISION RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM


1.1 Introduction
This section is included to give an overview of the systems required for
ship/Installation collision avoidance. It sets avoidance of collisions in overall
context of the Dutyholders Health, Safety and Environmental management
systems. For further guidance on Collision Risk Management (CRM) consult
Effective Collision Risk Management for Offshore Installations, Offshore
Technology Report (OTO) 1999 052, Health and Safety Executive January 2000.

1.2 Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for safe operations within the Safety Zone of any offshore
Installation lies with the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM). The Dutyholder
and the Installation management are responsible for implementing and
maintaining a CRM system appropriate to the Installation and its particular
location. This system should include:

Management commitment to ongoing and effective CRM

Clear policies

Assessment of the probability of collision peculiar to the Installation


and location

Provision of necessary risk reduction and control measures

Appropriate procedures and communications for managing attendant vessels

Ensuring the suitability of attendant vessels and the competence of their


crews, including their ability to implement CRM requirements

Provision of appropriate equipment and procedures for detecting and


assessing the actions of passing vessels

Provision of adequate competent Installation personnel with an appropriate


level of marine knowledge

Provision of appropriate evacuation and rescue procedures and facilities

An effective reporting and feedback system

Regular audit and updating of the system

If applicable, the Dutyholder must ensure that any offtake tankers are suitable
for the particular operation and that crews are both adequate and competent for
the peculiarities of the operations at that particular field. Offtake operations
should be covered by field/vessel-specific Joint Operating Procedures (JOPs).

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Masters of passing vessels are responsible for the safe operation of their vessels
and for collision avoidance. They are excluded from Installation Safety Zones
but Dutyholders have limited ability to enforce this.

Masters of attendant vessels should comply with the reasonable instructions of


the OIM when within a Safety Zone. Although they remain responsible for the
safety of their crew, the safe operation of their vessel and for collision
avoidance. The master of an offtake tanker is similarly responsible for the safety
of personnel, for the safe operation of his vessel and for avoiding
contact/collision with the Installation or associated facilities.

1.3 Key Elements


The diagram below is taken from Successful Health and Safety Management
(HS(G)65) whose principles apply equally to CRM.

Policy

Organising

Auditing Planning &


Implementation

Measuring
Performance

Reviewing
Performance

Figure 1 Key Elements of Successful Health and Safety Management

Therefore the Dutyholder should have in place a CRM system as outlined in the
following paragraphs.

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1.3.1 Management Systems

1. Include clear corporate policies.

2. Contain clearly stated and understood goals and objectives including a


hierarchy of measures to achieve those objectives.

3. Demonstrate senior management commitment to effective CRM.

4. Define responsibilities for CRM.

5. Ensure the adequacy and competence of specialist personnel.

6. Ensure the suitability of any support vessels required to implement CRM.

7. Ensure that contractors operate to the same standards.

8. Contain procedures for detecting, assessing and managing any potential


collision appropriate to the risks of the particular Installation and location.

9. Audited at regular and appropriate intervals with independent feedback to


senior management on the effectiveness of the system.

1.3.2 Personnel Policies and Procedures

1. Clearly understood responsibilities for implementing and maintaining


the system.

2. Clearly stated policies.

3. A safety organisation such that management have access to competent


persons with the necessary expertise.

4. Means of ensuring the competency of personnel involved in CRM


(including Installation, attendant vessel and other contractor personnel).

5. Means of ensuring that when personnel change, the same level of


competency and knowledge continues.

1.3.3 Attendant Vessel (Including Offtake Tanker) Procedures

1. Procedures for ensuring that the vessels and their critical systems are
fit-for-purpose.

2. Means of ensuring that vessels which operate in close proximity to


Installations are manned by sufficient and competent persons.

3. A culture which reinforces these procedures by maintaining


communications and follows up on incidents and near misses.

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1.3.4 Passing Vessel Policy and Procedures

1. Means of detecting, anticipating and assessing a hazardous situation that are


appropriate to the level of risk.

2. Adequate communications to deal with the situation and to mitigate


those risks.

3. Well practiced procedures for dealing with the consequences and providing
a good prospect of rescue and recovery.

4. Any required detection/assessment systems maintained as safety critical.

1.3.5 Risk Assessment and Performance Measurement

1. Structured identification and assessment of hazards.

2. Appropriate risk reduction and control measures.

3. A mean of monitoring performance against those standards.

4. A system for recording incidents and near misses, identifying trends and
feeding back to the CRM system.

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Management
Commitment

Clear Policies

Risk Assessment

Installation Design,
Impact Resistance

Promulgation of
Location

Collision Avoidance
Procedures

Support Vessel
Selection Management

Contingency Plans
Including Evacuation,
Escape and
Recovery (EER)

Consequences Planning

Reporting, Implementation,
Measuring and Reviewing
Performance

Audit

Figure 2 Collision Risk Management Summary Flowchart

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Assess Collision
Probability

Attendant Vessels Clear Policies


Incuding Offtake Passing Vessels
Tankers

Installation Installation
Vulnerability Location

Vessel Suitability Promulgation


and Manning and Charting

Crew Competence Detection and


Communications

Installation Marine Procedures and Assessment of


Knowledge Checklists Threat

Contingency
Plans

Near Miss
Reporting

Analysis and
Follow-up

Figure 3 Collision Avoidance Flowchart

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Reducing the Passing traffic and collision frequency assessed
Probability
Location of Installation well promulgated

Responsibility for surveillance clearly understood

Detection and communications equipment suitable, crew


trained, proper maintenance

Regular exercises and drills

Detection range and Closest Point of Approach (CPA)


Detection and threshold agreed
Assessment
Blind sectors covered during close standby

Time to CPA for first alert

24-hour communications with control room/OIM

Communications with approaching vessel

Times to CPA for subsequent alerts


Pre-planned Support vessel communications/actions
Actions
Installation actions/musters

Identify point of impact and useable


Low Specific Activity (LSA)

Short notice response/evacuation

Collect and record evidence

Follow-up EER procedures including vessel crews

Communications

Reporting Warning off

Near Miss

Safety Zone infringement

Incident/collision

Prosecution

Closeout

Report to Installation/vessel personnel and industry

Figure 4 Collision Avoidance Procedures Passing Vessels

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2 BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW


2.1 Introduction
From the Health and Safety Executive Collision Risk Database (1997)
(OTO 1999 080), it is apparent that some 500 ships have collided with offshore
Installations in the UK sector between 1975 and 2000. Over 96% of the
collisions have involved attendant vessels (those with legitimate business at the
Installation). The number of near misses is likely to have been considerably
higher. About 20% of the reported incidents caused moderate or severe damage.
To date in the UK sector there have been no collisions which caused
catastrophic damage or loss of life. However, worldwide there have been a
number of collisions which caused total loss of the Installation.

The database prompted the Health and Safety Executive to commission a study
Effective Collision Risk Management (OTO 1999 052) which reviewed and
summarised collision data for the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS).

By its nature the offshore oil and gas industry requires marine support, hence it
is necessary for vessels to approach and work in close proximity to the
Installation. The increasing use of floating production/storage systems and
tanker offtake, introduces close proximity work with large vessels carrying
hazardous cargoes. Many of the UKs oil and gas fields are in busy traffic areas
and virtually all experience some passing marine traffic, albeit rare in more
remote regions. Under the Safety Case Regulations (SCR), ship collision is
considered a Major Accident Hazard (MAH).

2.2 Probability of Collision


Risk can be defined as the product of the likelihood of experiencing a collision
and the potential consequences. The risk is then managed to acceptable levels,
under the As Low As Reasonably Practical (ALARP) principle, by mitigation
and control measures, including prevention, detection and emergency response.
This document does not deal in detail with the consequences. It concentrates on
best practice in reducing the probability of a vessel/Installation collisions.

In general, a vessel/Istallation collision is reasonably foreseeable. Historically,


the probability of an attendant vessel colliding with the Installation is nearly two
orders of magnitude greater than a passing vessel collision. The impact energy
from an attendant vessel collision is likely to be low, except in the case of a
shuttle tanker/Floating Production Storage and Offtake (FPSO) unit collision.
Although the probability of a passing vessel collision is low, the impact energy
could be high. In all cases, catastrophic consequences in terms of loss of life,
environmental impact and business risk are reasonably foreseeable.

For attendant vessels, probability of collision increases with the number of


Installation visits, by holding station in close proximity and for example
weather side working.

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Controls include:

Minimising the number of visits

Adjusting working and standby locations

Vessel vetting

Effective procedures

Human factors are undoubtedly relevant when working very close to


an Installation.

For passing vessels the Installation management has fewer options. The risks
can be assessed according to volume and type of marine traffic. When a
relatively high probability of collision exists, then risk reduction measures will
concentrate on promulgating the location widely in the shipping community,
on effective detection, intervention by the emergency rescue and response
provider or vessel and on good communications. Awareness, procedures and
effective escape and rescue provisions will mitigate the consequences.
Appropriate siting and protection of vulnerable areas such as risers and
accommodation and resilience of the overall structure can also mitigate
the effects.

2.3 Passing Vessels


Less than 4% of the collisions reported in the vessel/Installation Collision Risk
Database were caused by passing vessels (vessels bound somewhere else). The
vessels involved were generally small, principally fishing vessels, although
some collisions caused severe damage. A passing vessel is likely to be travelling
at sufficient speed for impact energy to be significant, even if the vessel is
relatively small. The incidence of passing vessel collisions shows no discernable
trends, occurring spasmodically throughout the period of the survey. The study
estimated that a passing vessel collision was likely to occur in the UK sector
about once every two years.

As shipping on passage is usually outside the influence of Installation


management, effective controls are very limited. However, collision is reasonably
foreseeable with the possibility of catastrophic loss. SCRs and PFEER (refer to
Addendum 8) require the Dutyholder to take reasonable steps to manage the risk.
The Dutyholder and the Installation management are responsible for providing an
effective system for detecting and responding to the threat from an errant vessel.
In all but a few cases, detection is carried out by the ERRV and its crew reporting
to the OIM. That vessel and its personnel must therefore be given clear guidance
on what is expected of them. They must have the capability, equipment,
knowledge and competence to meet those expectations.

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2.4 Attendant Vessels


The database shows that over 96% of vessel/Installation collisions in the UK
sector involve vessels with legitimate business there. Although the majority are
low energy collisions, attendant vessels caused about 10 times more
moderate/severe collisions than passing vessels. Over the period of the study,
frequency of such collisions has reduced. This may be due to improved marine
expertise, better control systems and better understanding of the causes.
The authors of the study suggested that improvements may be as a result of an
effective management system.

The report estimates that, based upon 1997 frequencies, 30 of the approximately
200 Installations in the UK sector were likely to experience a collision each
year. Although 83% of attendant vessel collisions caused only minor damage,
3% had severe consequences. With the steady progress to larger and more
powerful support vessels, the potential impact energy and resultant seriousness
of the collision increases.

2.5 Offtake Tankers


Improvements in offshore technology has accelerated the development of
marginal offshore oil fields in North West Europe and worldwide. Much of this
has been made possible by floating production systems. Although some are
connected to pipelines, economics tend to favour tanker offtake. Most involve
marginal fields, but some large assets with fixed Installations have used tanker
offtake since inception.

In the North Sea, offshore crude oil offtake has increased from 36% of total
production in 1995 to 47% in 2000. United Kingdom Offshore Operators
Association (UKOOA) estimate United Kingdom (UK) floating production and
offtake at around 1.5 million bpd in 2010 and 1.0 million bpd in 2020. Some
240 developments are likely to come forward in the UK sector for approval in
the next 25 years, the majority of which will use this method for exporting
produced crude oil.

Tanker offtake involves relatively large vessels, carrying hazardous cargo,


manoeuvring in a congested oil field. Loading buoys are used in some fields.
In others the offtake tanker moors to another floating vessel and is connected to
it by hose. Thereafter, it must maintain station and alignment relative to the
other vessel during the cargo transfer operation. Hence, the potential for
collision occurs during approach, cargo transfer and departure. A high standard
of vigilance is required throughout these operations. Some operations use a
towing vessel to assist with mooring and stationkeeping. Whilst this reduces the
probability of collision once in the towing mode, it does introduce a third vessel
into the manoeuvres. Overall, the worst case consequences of a collision can be
catastrophic in terms of loss of life, environmental damage and business risk.

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IMCA Report M150 on Shuttle Tanker Collisions published in February 1999


reviews the causes and estimates frequency of offtaker collisions with loading
buoys and with storage vessels. It differentiates between Dynamic Positioning
(DP) and non-DP offtakers. It notes a significant proportion of under-reporting,
but that reporting improves after an incident. The non-DP data set is much smaller
than the DP set.

The main points are:

156 incidents were analysed over the period from 1979 to 1998

Of these 12 resulted in collision between the tanker and loading point

The 12 collisions involved DP offtakers, but the non-DP set includes several
instances of very high hawser tension (effectively a near miss)

Estimated frequency of major incidents

DP offtakers once in 20,000 offtake hours

Non-DP once in 5,400 offtake hours

Frequency of other incidents, including non-critical loss of position:

DP offtakers once in 2000 offtake hours

Non-DP once in 735 offtake hours

The report estimates that a typical DP offtaker could be involved in a loading


point collision once in about ten years. Allowing for under-reporting, it also
estimates that the typical tanker could be involved in a stationkeeping incident
about 7 times per year.

Principle causes of the collisions are grouped as:

Position references faults

Main engine problems

DP operator errors

Collisions in offtake operations are foreseeable, hence Dutyholders must use


their influence to manage the operation. Controls will include management
commitment, operating practices and procedures, weather thresholds, vessel
selection, Installation and vessel personnel competence, non-use of certain
vessels and cessation of part or all the operation.

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2.6 Contingency Planning and Procedures

2.6.1 General

Each Installation will have emergency procedures for actions in the case of a
major accident. This guide is concerned principally with avoiding
vessel/Installation collisions and with the immediate actions following of any
such collision. Emergency procedures will contain actions in case of a vessel
collision and should reflect the very short notice which may be available for
actions and evacuation.

Contingency procedures for vessel collisions are essential and should be


activated from the time that a threat of collision, from either an attendant or
passing vessel, is detected. Effective procedures must be in place to ensure that
the threat is detected as early as possible and that the resultant actions follow a
well thought through and exercised path.

It is essential that collision avoidance contingency plans and procedures are


exercised frequently and regularly. Regular and relief support vessels likely to
be on location must be involved in these exercises. In areas where the
probability of a collision is low, exercises are just as important as in high
probability areas. Both Installation and support vessel personnel will have to
respond rapidly to an unusual event.

2.6.2 Passing Vessels

Contingency plans should include:

Responsibilities for detection, communication and assessment of the threat

Time to possible impact for alerting the Installation to the threat

Time to possible impact for initiating shutdown of plant and evacuation

The decision points and actions for a controlled shutdown and evacuation in
the case of drifting vessel threat

Actions of attendant vessel(s) in case of imminent threat

Different actions and timescales depending on whether the vessel is under


power or drifting

Simple and concise procedures should include the distance/time at which a


vessel is identified as a threat, the time at which the Installation is alerted and
the process whereby the OIM and attendant vessel master monitor and assess
the threat. Responsibilities of key personnel should be clearly identified.

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2.6.3 Attendant Vessels

An attendant vessel collision may impart sufficient energy to cause severe


damage to the structure of the Installation and to itself. Hence contingency plans
should consider:

Attendant vessel loss of propulsion or control

Attendant vessel colliding with Installation at high speed

Attendant vessel adrift in close proximity

Rapid evacuation of the Installation personnel

Rescue of the attendant vessel crew, if needed

Fire and/or explosion

Shutting down production and/or pipelines

2.6.4 Offtake Tankers

Each field/Installation OIM should have available a standard contingency plan


which can be adapted to particular offtakers in consultation with the master.
In amplification of the attendant vessels procedures above, it should address:

Significant offtaker propulsion or control problem during approach

Loss of position control at any time during the transfer operation

Offtaker adrift, out of control, in the field

Loss of or high mooring tension

Collision or close quarters event between offtaker and FPSO

Abort parameters

Significant offtaker propulsion or control problem during departure

Fire and/or explosion

Support vessel casualty

Offtaker specific plans should be held by both units and confirmed by checklist
before each operation. Elements of the plan should be exercised periodically
with dedicated offtakers.

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2.6.5 Evacuation Procedures

The evacuation plan will be part of the Installations emergency procedures.


This document does not attempt to cover the subject comprehensively, merely to
highlight special factors in dealing with the immediate actions required
following a collision:

Rapid decisions on muster points away from the likely point of impact

Using lifeboats/liferafts away from the point of collision

Use of helicopters if available

Making sure that lifejackets and/or immersion suits are readily available to
personnel at all times

Evacuating enclosed spaces (including Temporary Refuge (TR) and control


rooms) rapidly, using alternative muster points on deck

Rescuing a number of individuals from the water

Also refer to:

Standby Vessel (SBV) Operating Guidelines Appendix 2 on evacuations and


escape planning

Evacuation, Escape and Rescue (EER) guidance in the SCR (SI 1992/2885)

Management of Emergency Response for Offshore Installations (UKOOA)

2.7 Incident and Near Miss Reporting


The studies referenced above accept a degree of under-reporting of incidents.
Neither contain systematic reporting of near misses although some are included.
Some models predict the number of near misses to be one to two orders of
magnitude greater than reported incidents. Hence, the potential for
vessel/Installation collisions in the UK sector is probably much greater than the
500 or so collisions reported for the North Sea oil and gas province in the 25-year
period reviewed.

Incidents in this context are easy to define eg a collision which actually


occurred. A near miss is more subjective, generally circumstances which could
escalate into an incident. Broad definitions are given in the Glossary of Terms in
Addendum 1.

Risk assessment techniques can predict the likely collision frequency but a
structured incident and near miss reporting system will identify trends and allow
further controls to be implemented. There is no sector-wide system in place but
Health and Safety Executive collate both collision reports and available near
miss data as part of the vessel/Installation Collision Risk Database.

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Near miss reporting systems currently in use include:

Health and Safety Executive Safety Zone Infringement Report format

Emergency Rescue and Recovery Vessel Owners Association (ERRVA)


Warning Off Reports

The reporting and analysis system should be simple to use, be accepted as useful
by personnel rather than a chore. It shall also provide feedback to organisations,
management and front-line personnel and have demonstrated management
support and be non-punitive. Hence on the latter point, published analyses
should be anonymous. The regulatory agencys approach to such a system is
critical to its success but vessel and Installation operators must demonstrate
similar commitment.

2.8 Reporting and Follow-up


Most passing vessel collisions are reported comprehensively and should
continue to be. Reporting of attendant vessel collisions is probably less
complete, particularly when there is little or no damage. Similarly, there are
doubts over the completeness of offtaker incident reports.

In order to properly assess the probability of collision and to put effective


controls in place, it is essential that as many incidents, near misses and other
close quarters situation, are reported comprehensively and accurately. Various
reporting formats are in use, some examples are given in Addendum 7.

Responsibilities for reporting and following up any near misses which


threaten their Installation(s), should be set out in Dutyholders collision
avoidance procedures. When near misses involve attendant vessels and offtake
tankers, then the Dutyholders own vessel selection and operating procedures
should be reviewed. The Dutyholder should also review the incident with the
vessel operator.

In the case of passing vessel incidents, the Dutyholder should take the initiative,
but regulatory agencys (Health and Safety Executive, Department of Industry
(DTI) and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)) assistance will be required
to follow up with offenders. At the least Dutyholders concerns should be
conveyed to the vessel and its operating management. In extreme cases and for
Safety Zone infringements, prosecution may be possible, but a high standard of
proof is required (refer to the Safety Zone Infringement Report (Addendum 7
for guidance).

Whenever lessons are learnt as a result of investigation and follow-up, these


should be shared with Installation and vessel personnel, owners, other operators
and the industry generally.

Periodically, Dutyholders should use available data to assess and update their
collision avoidance procedures.

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2.9 Auditing
All personnel from management through to workers on the Installation need to
have confidence that the CRM system and collision avoidance procedures are
effective. Hence, audits at appropriate intervals are essential to provide
assurance that they are working as intended.

Audits can be carried out by operators personnel familiar with but not involved
in the operation. Alternatively, outside Auditors can be chosen for their
specialist knowledge. In either case it is essential that the Auditor is sufficiently
independent to take an objective view and that he/she reports directly to a senior
level of management.

Templates for system audits are given later in Addendum 3. In broad terms
those audits should review the following:

Demonstrated management commitment to CRM including sign-off at


appropriate levels

Identification of the level of risk of vessel collisions

Mitigation and control measures, to reduce the probability to ALARP

Operating practices designed to minimise the frequency of collisions

Effective procedures to ensure the suitability of attendant vessels and the


competence of their crews

Means of detecting and communicating with an approaching vessel and means


of alerting the Installation personnel to the threat (refer to Addendum 2)

Appropriate facilities and procedures in place to evacuate and rescue


Installation personnel

Contingency plans which address the risks to and rescue of vessel personnel

2.10 Performance Standards


Dutyholders must set standards for collision avoidance and regularly measure
performance against them. Data may include:

Frequency at which all term chartered vessels are audited

Percentage of spot vessels inspected

Number of reported near misses

Number of warning off calls by ERRVs

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Negative measures of performance, which should also be assessed, include:

Number of collision incidents

Number of Safety Zone infringements

Number of stationkeeping incidents involving offtake tankers

Examples of performance standard formats include:

UKOOA Tandem Loading Guidelines, Background Report Shuttle Tankers

UKOOA Tandem Loading Guidelines, Towing Assist Vessel (TAVs)


Volume 2 Section 6

UKOOA Health and Safety Management Systems Interfacing

3 PASSING VESSELS
3.1 Introduction
As mentioned above in Paragraph 2.3, incidence of passing vessel collisions in
the UK sector is very low. To date no passing vessel collision on UKCS has
resulted in the total loss of a vessel or an offshore Installation, although some
have come close and catastrophic collisions involving passing vessels have been
experienced worldwide. Passing vessel collisions are a MAH and must be
addressed accordingly. The operator should have a system in place for
managing these risks.

Design loads which offshore Installations can absorb, are such that an
Installation may not survive impact from anything of greater mass than a large
fishing vessel or small coasting vessel at operating speed. But apart from
choosing the location, the operator has little or no influence over the potential
for passing vessel collisions (refer to Addendum 10).

The primary causes of collision with offshore Installations include:

Poor watchkeeping onboard the approaching vessel

Ignorance of the Installations presence due to it being new, due to poor


visibility and/or poor radar watchkeeping

Setting a course too close to the Installation due to ignorance or


irresponsibility

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Secondary causes or contributory factors may include:

Vessel watchkeeper failing to detect the Installation due to inattention,


distraction or simply not expecting a structure in that area

Vessel control failure at a critical point

Vessel drifting out of control

ERRV failing to detect an approaching vessel due to overload, distraction,


poor visibility, obstructed radar or visual view

Unsuitability or inadequacy of ERRV equipment or manning


(refer to Addendum 2)

ERRV failure or inability to contact an approaching vessel because it is not


keeping a proper visual or radio watch

Failure of approaching vessel to take avoiding action in sufficient time

Adverse weather can increase the probability of most of the above.

A common theme is poor watchkeeping, particularly on the approaching vessel.

3.2 Assessing the Potential for Collision


The probability of a passing vessel collision is most readily assessed at the
design stage, when there is opportunity to influence the Installations location.
This can be done using appropriate shipping traffic databases and
vessel/Installation collision models. The traffic database contains analysis of
traffic levels at the location. The collision model uses this, in part, to determine
the likelihood of experiencing a collision (refer to Addendum 9). In critical
areas site-specific radar surveys may be needed to establish accurate traffic
patterns and levels. Local users such as ferry operators, regular shipping lines
and fishing organisations can usefully be consulted at this stage.

Assessment of traffic is a required part of the Application for Consent to Locate


submitted to Ports Division of the Department of Transport, Local Government
and the Regions (DTLR). This applies equally to fixed and mobile Installations.

Factors which affect the probability of collision and which need to be


assessed include:

Traffic density close to the target location

Proximity to ferry routes, traffic separation schemes, deep water routes


and/or constricted navigation channels

Other types of shipping passing nearby

Size, speed and peculiarities of passing traffic

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Fishing activity, both en route to fishing grounds and fishing in the area

Estimates of levels of competence among crews of regular traffic

Additionally, in busy areas, the authorities may require that potential


modification to traffic routes and any resultant increase in probability of
vessel/vessel collision be assessed.

It is essential to identify regular traffic passing through the area and to consult
with their representatives. These regular users should then be informed of
subsequent developments.

Although traffic density has a significant effect on the probability of collision,


other relevant factors are listed below:

In the approaches to a busy port or in busy channels, navigators will


normally be on a high state of alert and once aware of the Installation will
take avoiding action, albeit at close quarters. This makes good
communications essential so as to identify those vessels which have or have
not detected the Installation

Fixed Installations in low to medium traffic areas will become known and
even used as navigation reference points. Hence, navigators will be aware of
the Installations presence and take avoiding action. However, this can
increase the probability of collision if the Installation is used as a way point
and/or vessel navigation equipment is slightly inaccurate

The existence and location of mobile units in open waters must be


promulgated widely, even if traffic density is low. There is a possibility of a
vessel setting a course close to the location, without knowledge of the
Installations presence. As a result navigators will not be expecting
obstructions and may approach at a lower alert state, with only occasional
radar and visual lookout

The primary concern is surface collisions with passing vessels. However,


a few collisions between submerged submarines and structures have occurred.
The Ports Division and Ministry of Defence (MoD) may require additional
promulgation and fitting of submarine beacons in areas where
submarine operate.

Fishing vessels can foul their gear on underwater facilities in oil and gas fields.
In extreme cases this hazards the lives of the fishing vessel crew and can
damage the facilities. Good communications with representative fishing
organisations and effective promulgation will improve awareness and may
lower the frequency of fishing vessel incidents.

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3.3 Minimising the Probability of Collision

3.3.1 Design

During design, it may be possible to adjust the location, it may also be possible
to take advantage of natural features such as shallow water for protection.
In some cases DTLR may require adjustment.

The requirements for detection of and communication with approaching vessel


should be addressed at the design stage. Effective marking of the Installations
presence is essential. Depending upon the level of risk, this may include
enhanced lighting, high visibility paint, radar reflectors, radar responders and
Automatic Identification of Ships (AIS) (refer to Addendum 2).

3.3.2 Promulgation (refer to Addendum 2)

The presence of an Installation must be promulgated to the marine industries,


in advance of emplacement and continually once on location.

Advance Promulgation

The following may be used as appropriate to local conditions:

Consultation with and advice to identified generators of traffic such as ferry


operators, regular shipping lines and local fishing organisations

Provisional notices to mariners via United Kingdom Hydrographic


Office (UKHO)

Navigation warnings by radio and NAVTEX again via UKHO

Rig move warnings for mobile Installations

Kingfisher Information Services (KIS) fortnightly bulletins to the fishing


industry and inputs to fish plotters

After Emplacement

Some or all of the following should be used depending upon local conditions
and risk assessment:

Regular repeats of navigation warnings

Further notices to mariners

Marking on navigation charts, paper and electronic

Fish plotter databases, including FishSafe and similar systems designed to


alert fishermen to underwater structures

Repeat advices to regular users

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Dedicated guard vessels on location for short-term emplacements

All Ships Safety Call by Digital Selective Calling (DSC) from Installation
or support vessel followed by Securite messages on Very High Frequency
(VHF) radio

AIS or Racon

Note: If a mobile Installation is drilling an exploratory well in a congested or


sensitive area, radar traffic surveys can be carried out from the unit or
support vessel. The data collected will be useful in planning for any
future developments.

3.4 Collision Avoidance Measures

3.4.1 Detection and Communications

Detection

Manned Installations should have a means of detecting approaching vessels


which is appropriate to the traffic density, the probability of collision and
potential consequences. The detection method will normally involve either
Installation personnel or support vessel personnel.

Addendum 2 offers guidance on possible levels of detection related to the type


of Installation, the relative openness of the location and traffic density.

Active detection of vessels approaching Normally Unattended Installations


(NUIs) is impractical unless within the radar coverage of a field support vessel
or radar system. The hazards which passing vessel collisions pose to such
Installations are environmental and commercial. Any such collision also
presents hazards to the vessel and to its crew. The Dutyholder must have a
considered policy in place for when the NUI is manned which is based upon the
probability of collision and the potential consequences and which ensures that
risks to personnel are consistent with ALARP.

Detection systems may include:

ERRV radar and visual surveillance

Installation/field radar surveillance

Radar surveillance from shore or other facility

Installation visual lookout probably limited to marine vessels acting as


Installations

AIS combined with radar in high-density traffic areas

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Radar detection has the advantage that the approaching vessels movements can
be plotted and accurately assessed. On the ERRV the radar and visual data is
interpreted by skilled marine personnel. Such personnel may not be present on
an Installation. Tracks of vessels relevant to the Installation can be determined
by integrating radar data with an accurate positioning system such as Global
Positioning System (GPS).

The disadvantages of ERRV detection are that certain sectors may be masked by
the Installation itself (refer to SBV Guidelines Section 3.6.3 on Radar Watch
During Close Standby). If the ERRV covers more than one Installation,
procedures and responsibility for radar surveillance of the approaches to all the
Installations must be clearly understood on vessel and Installations.

Installation mounted radar systems have the advantage of a wider horizon and a
steady platform. Modern systems can transmit the data in real time to the SBV
hence, removing the need for marine specialists on the Installation. Refer to
Addendum 2 for discussion on appropriate detection systems.

Note: With the implementation of AIS, it will be possible to identify


approaching vessels within VHF range, whether they can be seen
visually or not; they could then be contacted by radio via Global
Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) procedures. Vessels of
300 GRT and upwards should be equipped with AIS by 2006. Full
implementation is due in 2008. Dutyholders for Installations in
high-density/high-risk areas may consider installing such detection
equipment as more and more vessels become equipped (refer to
Addendum 2).

In all cases the operator should ensure that detection methods are appropriate to
the probability of collision and potential consequences for the location and the
time required for effective response. They should also ensure that surveillance
data is interpreted by skilled marine personnel (also refer to SBV Guidelines
Section 3.2 on Errant Vessels.)

Communications

Whatever detection method is used, the operator of that system


(normally the ERRV master) must have access to communications equipment
and procedures which:

Enable him to contact an approaching vessel by radio via GMDSS


procedures including use of VHF calling channels (see note above on AIS)

Have back-up communications equipment with which to attract the attention


of an approaching vessel; these may include sirens, searchlights, signalling
lamps, maroons and rockets

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Be able to communicate with the OIM and hence alert him of the
approaching threat

Contact other vessels in the area to alert them to the threat and/or
seek assistance

3.4.2 Manning and Equipment

Manning

Both the Installation and the vessel(s) with responsibility for detecting
approaching vessels should be competently manned to carry out their duties.
If detection and communication is the responsibility of a support vessel,
then sufficient watchkeepers with appropriate, verified skills and competence
should be provided. The Dutyholder must be satisfied of this, whether or not he
is directly responsible for providing the vessel (refer to Offshore Support Vessel
(OSV) Code Appendices 2 and 3).

If detection, assessment and subsequent communication are the responsibility of


Installation personnel, then the Installation should be manned accordingly with
sufficient personnel, having the appropriate skills and knowledge, on duty
continuously.

Except in congested waters, the probability of collision is low. None the less
responsibilities in such an event must be clearly understood by both Installation
and support vessel personnel, regardless of the probability. Management must
ensure that responsible personnel are constantly alert. Procedures and
contingency plans should be exercised regularly to achieve this.

Equipment

Dutyholders should ensure that specialist equipment appropriate to the


probability of collision and potential consequences is provided and maintained
correctly. This may include:

Radar surveillance systems of appropriate range and definition

Radar beacons where indicated

Identification systems such as AIS

Communications systems, not only between Installations and attendant


vessels but also for communicating with approaching vessels by VHF radio
and in accordance with GMDSS procedures

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3.4.3 Assessing the Threat

In the case of a potential collision, the OIM will have to assess many things in a
short time, considerations will include:

Speed of approach and time to CPA/collision?

Time required by Installation to take action?

Is vessel following a normal route?

Is vessel apparently under power or drifting?

If drifting, is it under control?

Have communications been established with the vessel?

What other options are available for contact?

What is the size of the vessel and hence potential impact energy?

Are other marine traffic or Installations in the area likely to affect vessels
course and actions?

Weather conditions, their potential effects on the vessels actions and on


any evacuation?

Are there other vessels that may assist?

Where on the Installation is collision likely, is this a particularly


vulnerable point?

At what point should the Installation consider shutting down vulnerable


operations?

At what point should an evacuation commence?

Refer to SBV Guidelines in Addendum 4 and 5 of this document Collision


Avoidance Strategy flowchart and notes on contingency planning below.

3.4.4 Contingency Plans

Each Installation should have in place succinct procedures for action when a
passing vessel poses a collision risk. Contingency planning should include:

Responsibilities for detection, communication and assessment of the threat

Time to possible impact for alerting the Installation to the threat

Time to possible impact for initiating shutdown of plant and evacuation

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The decision points and actions for a controlled shutdown and evacuation in
the case of drifting vessel threat

Actions of attendant vessel(s) in case of imminent threat

Estimating the point of impact for given wind and tide conditions and its
effects on the evacuation plan

Refer to Paragraph 2.6.

Note: The plan needs to differentiate between actions required in case of a


powered vessel threat, when time is likely to be extremely short
and a drifting vessel when more time is available for considered action.

Actions of attendant vessels should not present hazards to the lives of crews,
increase the probability of collision by modifying the behaviour of the
approaching vessel or impair the attendant vessels ability to rescue personnel if
the collision should occur.

The Dutyholder should set parameters for implementing various levels of


response appropriate to the location, Installation and local traffic patterns.
The parameters for activating contingency plans may include:

Vessel on a steady course with CPA <X.X NM expected to pass through


Installation Safety Zone in XX minutes

Vessel due to pass through Safety Zone in XX minutes, has failed to


communicate or failed to respond to attendant vessel communications

Vessel on apparent collision course due to impact Installation within


XX minutes

Dutyholder should determine the values (XX) as part of the Safety Case
risk assessment.

Refer also to the EER assessment guidance in the SCRs (SI 1992/2885)
and PFEER.

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3.4.5 Follow-up

Every incident or potential incident should be reported and followed up.


Only by so doing can the potential for collision can be properly assessed (refer
to Paragraph 2.8). In all cases, lessons and outcome should be fed back to the
Installation and vessel personnel and to respective managements.

4 ATTENDANT VESSELS
4.1 Introduction
Cargo operations account for the largest number of recorded infield vessel
collisions in the UK sector, followed by standby vessels, anchor handlers,
diving vessels, and a few survey vessel incidents. Collisions involving the last
two groups were almost exclusively caused by mechanical failure.
Collisions between construction/accommodation vessels and Installations are
almost unknown but are none the less foreseeable. They would probably result
from mooring/mechanical failure or stress of weather.

These results are consistent with exposure. Supply vessels are required to work
very close to Installations in marginal weather conditions as there is an increase
in recorded incidents in late autumn and winter. EERVs although constantly in
the vicinity of UK Installations, only make a close approach to cover overside
working. Collision incidents increases during the summer maintenance season
when more close standby is required. Although diving vessels set up very close
to an Installation, they are less frequent visitors, have more sophisticated control
systems and skilled Bridge Teams familiar with the risks.

Among the more obvious and frequently reported causes of attendant vessel
collisions are:

Equipment failure

Personnel misjudgement

Weather (which includes environmental factors such as wind, tide, current


and wave drift and may also be considered to be misjudgement)

The Health and Safety Executive Report on Effective Collision Risk


Management (OTO 1999 052), breaks down reported causes by vessel and
operation at time of impact and Section 6.3 of the report should be consulted for
further details. In very broad terms it shows about 40% misjudgement, 30%
equipment failure, 10% weather and 20% unspecified causes. Misjudgement is
significant during close support work by supply vessels.

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4.2 Assessing the Potential for Collision


The potential for attendant vessel collision is related to the working area,
weather and tidal conditions, frequency of vessel visits and the operating culture
in relation to marine activities. These should be examined in greater or lesser
detail by means of risk assessment which includes marine expertise (ideally the
vessel operators).

The potential consequences to the Installation of a collision vary with the speed,
size and type of vessel. The point of contact on the vessel is also a factor.
Although this document does not address consequences of collision in detail
following are some considerations:

A small supply or standby vessel which experiences a slow sideways


collision imparts low impact energy at the point of contact

A large supply vessel at near full speed colliding bow on would cause
severe damage

Anchor handlers are very stiff in the region of the stern roller and can cause
severe local damage even at relatively low speed

Among the underlying causes of attendant vessel collisions are:

Failure to ensure adequate, competent and knowledgeable crew on both


vessel and Installation

Lack of marine understanding by Installation personnel eg calling in a supply


vessel in marginal conditions

Excessive numbers of Installation visits due to poor planning

Excessive time standing by for the next lift or remaining connected to a


bulk hose

Standby vessels dodging too close to or upwind of the Installation

Steering directly for the Installation on approach

Poor relationships/communications between vessel and Installation which


fails to promote good planning and early warning of developing problems

Not consulting the master or not trusting his judgement

Inadequate bridge manning and hence failure to anticipate a developing


problem when the senior watchkeeper is distracted by other tasks

Bridge personnel distracted by other tasks eg communications, paperwork

Not adhering to procedures/guidelines

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Poorly sited or inadequate reach cranes

Weather side working in marginal conditions

Bulk hoses of the wrong length

Lack of appreciation, by vessel personnel, of the dynamics of working with


floating Installations, particularly those free to rotate

Lack of understanding of thrusters/wash interaction when working with


powered floating Installations

Selection of vessels unsuitable for the task

Multi role vessels with inadequate power or manoeuvrability

Vessel crew fatigue, often a consequence of inadequate work planning

Any of the above can be exacerbated by an unexpected equipment failure or


worsening weather. As these causes are foreseeable, they should be
planned against.

At no time should the vessel master or officers be under any pressure or


obligation, either direct or indirect, to commence or continue with operations
where the safety of personnel, the vessel or the Installation is prejudiced.

No operation should be undertaken without prior assessment of the risks.


This may be a toolbox talk using checklists for routine operations or a more
formal risk assessment for unusual or exceptional operations. In all cases key
personnel who will be carrying out the task must be involved in the risk
assessment (refer to OSV Code Section 9.6 Weather Side Working Risk
Assessments).

4.3 Minimising the Probability of Collision

4.3.1 Vessel Suitability and Vetting

The Dutyholder must be satisfied that vessels visiting and/or working at their
Installations are suitable for the task. It is the owners responsibility to provide a
vessel which is fit-for-purpose, given an accurate scope of work.

Support vessels must be capable of operating at the location, in the worst


expected weather and tidal conditions, be suitable for the planned work and
the peculiarities of the Installation. For example, a large modern supply vessel
may be more suitable due to higher operating standards and power,
despite greater potential impact energy. A small, underpowered and poorly
manned vessel may be less suitable due to the greater potential for loss of
control. Other considerations include:

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Strong tides

Heavy passing traffic

Excessive overhang

Freedom of the Installation to weathervane

Dynamic positioning and thruster interaction between vessel and Installation

Working alongside ship-shape Installations

Short crane reach

Cranes limited to one side

When Dutyholders do not directly charter support vessels, they must still satisfy
themselves as to vessel suitability and capability. They should agree vetting
procedures with the operator or service company responsible for providing the
vessels. Refer to the Guidance for Health and Safety Management Systems
Interfacing issued by Step Change in Safety.

Term chartered vessels should be inspected on behalf of the management by a


Marine Specialist, familiar with the workscope. Pool vessels should have at
least an in-date UKOOA Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID),
backed up by spot inspections. For spot chartered vessels, the Dutyholder must
make a judgement on the necessity of a specific fitness-for-purpose inspection
based on the vessels specification, plus the vessel and its owners reputation in
the area. If in doubt the vessel should be inspected, its capability and the crews
competence verified.

In general vessels should operate in line with the UKOOA OSV Code and/or the
Standby Vessel Operations and Survey Guidelines. Examples of industry
standard codes and inspection/audit formats are given in the Addendum 4.

The Dutyholder should also ensure that the vessel and its crew:

Understand what is expected of it

Hold the field/Installation data card (OSV Code Appendix 8 and Appendix E)

Holds vessel operator procedures relevant to the particular operation

Hold and familiar with appropriate UKOOA guidelines mentioned above

Hold any field or operator-specific information

Aware of and in possession of any specific CRM procedures for the location

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4.3.2 Manning

All field vessels must be manned by marine crews adequate and competent for:

The type of vessel

The type of operation

The locality and peculiarities of the Installation

The required working hours and rotation

Supply vessels are not normally manned for round the clock cargo operations,
hence if such operations are likely, sufficient bridge and deck personnel must be
carried to ensure adequate rest, including a night master or driving mate.

Anchor handling vessels chartered for extended operations should be manned


for round the clock working. Otherwise, vessel rest periods must be built into
the programme.

Similarly, standby vessels are not normally manned for extended round the
clock close standby. If such support is anticipated, then manning should
be adjusted.

As part of the vessel vetting process, manning standards and procedures should
be verified. These should include:

Two-man bridge manning within an Installation Safety Zone (supply and


standby vessels)

Engine room manning at critical periods, including safety zones

Adequate deck crew for cargo operations

Adequate crew for anchor handling, including round the clock working if
required

In heavy traffic areas, consider need for additional bridge watchkeepers


specifically for detection and communications duties

In general, sufficient manning for adequate crew rest and avoidance


of fatigue

Refer to OSV Code Appendices 1 and 2 on Manning and Training and the
International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) CMID.

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4.4 Collision Avoidance Measures

4.4.1 Support Vessel Operations

Masters and Installation personnel must be prepared for potential problems


whilst vessel is in close proximity and must make adequate contingency plans.
These plans should be exercised at regular intervals, when safe to do so,
particularly in relation to potential control/mechanical/propulsion failures.

During field operations the master and Installation personnel should continually
review prevailing conditions and actual operation as an ongoing risk
assessment, factors to be reviewed include:

Environmental conditions, for example tidal conditions, changes in wind


direction and strength and seastate

Changes in workscope, for example extended duration and commencement


of hose work

Human factors, for example likely duration of task, fatigue and rest periods

In general refer to the guidelines Task-based Risk Assessment produced by Step


Change in Safety.

It is the masters prerogative to modify or suspend any operation which involves


unacceptable hazards to personnel, the vessel or the Installation. He should
discuss this with Installation personnel unless the urgency of the situation
demands immediate action. The master should question any instructions
received, which potentially hazard personnel, the vessel or the Installation.

The work programme and/or field rotation should be planned so as to minimise


Installation visits. Vessel movements within the field should be based on the
precautions below plus any others appropriate to the particular trade, operation
or location:

Steer offset courses to or from Installations during passage

Establish suitability of current environmental conditions and trends for the


work programme at the particular location

Anticipate the effects of future weather and currents

Avoid passing close up wind or tide when on passage or when dodging on


low power

Two competent persons on the bridge whilst approaching and in the


Safety Zone

Complete Safety Zone pre-entry checklists as per requirements of the


data card

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Obtain permission from the Installation before entering the Safety Zone

Before approach, confirm readiness to work a supply vessel in the most


expeditious manner, in a safe location and with minimum time alongside

Approach the Installation at a safe speed and heading

Before final approach, set-up the vessel minimum 50m from the proposed
working location in order to assess the actual environmental conditions,
motion and behaviour of the vessel

Be aware of different handling characteristics between light and loaded


conditions

Do not retain vessel alongside the Installation for extended periods of


standby when not employed

Do not retain vessel with hoses connected for extended periods when not
transferring cargo

Be aware of the limited capability of some multirole vessels

Move outside the Safety Zone when not required in close proximity to the
Installation

Further guidance is given in:

OSV Code Section 7.5.2 on checks before entering Safety Zone

OSV Code Section 8 on CRM for infield vessels

OSV Code Section 9 for general guidance on Installation vessel operations


and 9.6 for weather side working practices

OSV Code Appendix 11 for pre-entry checklists

SBV Guidelines Section 2 on approaching the Installation

4.4.2 Installation/Vessel Communications

Good communications between vessels and Installations are essential to ensure


understanding of priorities and to assist in the Identification of hazards.
These should include:

Dedicated clear radio channels or other means of communication

An established, accessible point of contact on the Installation whenever the


vessel is working in close proximity

Review of proposed work programmes between Installation and vessel,


taking account of the masters specialist expertise

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A procedure for constant review of weather conditions and


working conditions

Agreed emergency communications plan and contingency plan,


which includes a safe escape route

Also refer to OSV Code Section 9.2.

4.4.3 Special Precautions Weather Vaning and DP Installations

Floating production storage and offtake units and drill ships involve particular
marine hazards different from fixed platforms, jack-ups and anchored semi-
submersibles. The peculiarities below may increase the potential for collision with
attendant vessels.

1. With the exception of a few semi-submersible production units, they tend to


be ship shaped.

2. Most are moored to a single point and to some extent free to rotate and
align with wind/current/tide.

3. Some are controlled by thrusters and partially or wholly maintain position


and heading by (thrusters can interact with those of a vessel working
alongside).

4. They may have limited reach carnage.

5. Supply vessels may have problems adopting a weather kindly heading when
working cargo with these Installations.

Generally, such Installations are straight sided, their motion is unpredictable and
may involve unexpected thrusters wash.

Precautions for support vessels working in close proximity to such Installations


precautions include:

Prior to setting up, vessel and Installation personnel should discuss and
understand the particular hazards of the operation

Appreciation by vessel personnel that a weather vaning Installation may


move unpredictably

Understanding of thruster interaction between the Installation and vessel

Appreciation by Installation personnel that they must keep vessel advised of


any actions which could increase the potential for collision

Contingency plans, including a safe escape route for the vessel, in the event
of a rapid change in the situation

Also refer to OSV Code Appendix 14.

Issue 1 February 2003 33


Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

4.5 Contingency Plans


Each Installation should have in place a succinct contingency plan for
immediate actions in case of an attendant vessel collision. These actions may
include, according to location, Installation and the type of operation:

Rapid evacuation of the Installation personnel, if required

Rescue of the attendant vessel crew

Dealing with a ruptured riser or pipeline

Fire and/or explosion

Location of sensitive seabed facilities in the vicinity of the Installation

Shutting down production and/or pipelines

Refer to the Evacuation, Escape and Rescue Assessment guidance in the Safety
Case Regulations (SI 1992/2885). Also refer to Paragraph 2.6 of this guide.

4.6 Follow-up
Every incident or potential incident should be reported and followed up.
Only by so doing can the potential for collision be properly assessed
(refer to Paragraph 2.8). In all cases, lessons and outcome should be fed back to
Installation and vessel personnel and managements.

34 Issue 1 February 2003


Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

5 OFFTAKE TANKERS
5.1 Introduction
In a few cases, offtake tankers load from fixed platforms but are more are often
associated with FPSO/Floating Storage Units (FSUs), transhipping and
transporting the produced crude oil to shore terminals. Transhipment may take
place via a separate loading buoy or directly from the FPSO/FSU. Having two
large vessels loaded with hazardous cargo in close proximity for extended
periods introduces obvious hazards. Any collision, even at low speed may cause
significant damage with major consequences to life, the environment and the
business of the operator.

Precautions and controls are given in detail in the UKOOA Tandem Loading
Guidelines. Further expert guidance is given in the Oil Companies International
Marine Form (OCIMF) Offshore Safety Loading Guidelines.

5.2 Assessing the Potential for Collision


Factors associated with offtake tanker operations which can affect the
probability of collision include:

Frequency and duration of offtakes

Whether hawser connected

If DP, the DP class

Whether offtakers are dedicated to the particular operation

Relative congestion of the field

Whether either or both vessels are thrusters controlled or free to rotate

Whether support vessels are used for mooring and towing assistance either
for alignment or maintaining tension

Experience shows that underlying factors may include:

Reliability of position referencing systems for DP tankers the possibility of


references dropping out must be allowed for in risk assessment

Standards of propulsion/control system redundancy in non-dedicated offtake


tankers and the potential for power failure and position loss

Use of heavy fuel in some non-DP tankers again with potential for
power failure

Issue 1 February 2003 35


Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Changeover from automatic to manual controls (some propulsion systems are


known to fail at full pitch and the time to regain control before significant
momentum is gained) is critical

Differences between tanker trade and offshore DP practice; this may affect
bridge and engine room manning practices and DP tanker bridge
management for example a tanker master normally retains control, whereas
in diving vessels dedicated DP operators man the consol; engine room
controls must be manned during offtake to allow for immediate response to
problems

Training and familiarisation of tanker crews again a function of the


different cultures

Fish-tailing and surging the tendency of FPSO/FSUs to move in a seaway


in a manner difficult to follow accurately with manual or DP control of the
offtaker; excessive movement can result in mooring failure or collision

Thruster failure modes as above some are known to fail at full pitch

Main propulsion failure if continuous running is required to maintain


mooring tension, propulsion failure may result in collision with the storage
vessel or buoy

Pressure to continue production or transhipment may persuade masters to


moor and remain moored in marginal conditions so as to maintain production
or offtake

These factors, the capability of the offtaker together with the operating
standards and procedures should be the subject of risk assessment for each
combination of field and offtaker.

5.3 Minimising the Probability of Collision


Specific guidance on two-vessel offtake operations is given in IMCA document
M161 Design and Operation of DP Vessels Two-vessel Operations.

The Dutyholders management must ensure:

That only suitable vessels are chartered

That vessel suitability is verified by persons with the necessary experience


and knowledge

That operating methods and procedures both for the tanker and the offtake
operation are appropriate to the identified hazards of that particular location

That the system is audited at appropriate intervals

36 Issue 1 February 2003


Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

The various responsibilities should be set out in the JOPs as should the means of
implementing them.

5.3.1 Offtake Tanker Suitability:

Overall the vessel equipment and manning should be confirmed as suitable for
and capable of carrying out the transhipment operation in the worst conditions
anticipated.

Detailed guidance has been developed by OCIMF, Intertanko, IMCA and the
UKOOA FPSO Committee. This guidance is listed in Addendum 7 of this
document.

5.3.2 Equipment

Offtake tankers equipment should meet the following criteria:

Propulsion, control and DP systems, where fitted, should be adequate, to


moor, remain on location and unmoor safely in the most severe operating
environmental conditions anticipated, with adequate reserve power and
sufficient redundancy

DP offtake tankers should meet Equipment Class 2 of International Maritime


Organisation (IMO) Circular 645; in addition no known single failure mode
should cause an emergency disconnect or cause a position excursion which
necessitates emergency release of the loading hose and/or mooring hawser, if
used

Mooring systems and equipment, if used, should be adequate, with sufficient


reserves in terms of numbers and strength, to moor up expeditiously and
remain on station in the worst anticipated operating conditions

Where thrusters are required to run continuously to maintain mooring tension


or maintain station, sufficient redundancy of generation, propulsion, control
and fuel systems should be available

Thrusters should normally fail to zero pitch or at last order; where thrusters
fail to full pitch, then procedures for promptly regaining control should be in
force

Position reference systems should include sufficient redundancy and


diversity that loss or corruption of one system will not cause a loss of
position; where DP computers use a reference voting system, no two systems
should fail or be corrupted by the same fault or error; systems for identifying
failures and regaining control should be sufficiently robust

The offtake tanker should undergo an annual DP trial in the IMCA format
or similar.

Issue 1 February 2003 37


Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

5.3.3 Manning

Provision of adequate and competent crew is critical to safe offtake operations:

Manning should be adequate to provide sufficient alert, skilled personnel for


all critical tasks on the bridge, in engine room and on deck for the duration of
the offtake operation, including arrival and departure from the field

Manning practices should be appropriate to the hazards involved in loss of


position; this should include at the least double manning of the bridge
(the master should not be one of the DP operators) and continuous manning
of the engine control room

Key personnel should be properly qualified, have experience of the vessel


and offshore transhipment operations and at least have knowledge of the
particular operation or one that is similar

Any changes of personnel should include adequate handover, overlap and


replacement by personnel of similar knowledge and experience

Detailed guidance on personnel competence is given in UKOOA Tandem


Loading Guidelines Volume 1 Appendix C Key Personnel Competency
Matrices.

5.3.4 Vetting

The suitability of the offtake vessel should be demonstrated using an industry


standard format or system. Examples of such systems are given in Addendum 4.

The vetting process is critical when chartering non-dedicated vessels,


spot vessels or ones which are unfamiliar in the particular trade.
Despite possible time pressures, allowance must be made for the
vetting process.

5.3.5 FMEA

Tankers used for offshore offtake should be subjected to a systematic Failure


Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) carried out by a specialist contractor.
The report should be available to vessel personnel and made available to
potential charterers/field operators. Any deficiencies noted should be allowed
for in operating practices and procedures involving the vessel.

If any significant changes are made to generating, propulsion or control


systems, the FMEA should be repeated. Inspectors vetting a vessel should
confirm that the FMEA report is current. Annual DP trials confirm performance
against the FMEA.

38 Issue 1 February 2003


Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

5.4 Collision Avoidance Measures

5.4.1 Operating Procedures

Succinct field-specific operating procedures should be produced and made


available to offtake tankers. Field/vessel-specific JOPs should be developed.
These procedures should cover as necessary:

Operating parameters and constraints

Controlling environmental conditions and decision points

Communications provisions

Step-by-step arrival and departure procedures

Propulsion, control and stationkeeping requirements and methodology


including towage assistance where used

Differences where appropriate between: fixed point (buoy) and tandem


mooring; between DP and non-DP offtakers

Managing thruster interaction

Abort decision points: mooring, transhipping and unmooring

Emergency shutdown, disconnect and departure parameters and procedures

Safe vessel escape routes

The procedures should be supported by relevant checklists at required points in


the operation. Some examples are given in Addendum 5.

Where field operations require use of a TAV, this should be covered in the
procedures. Refer to UKOOA Tandem Loading Guidelines Volume 2.

5.4.2 Contingency Planning

Each field in which offtake operations take place should have a standard
contingency plan which can be adapted to individual offtakers in consultation
with the master.

Contingency plans for regular offtakers should be included in the JOPs. At the
least, standard and specific plans should address:

Significant offtaker propulsion or control problem during approach

Loss of position control at any time during the operation

Offtaker adrift, out of control, in the field

Issue 1 February 2003 39


Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Loss of or high mooring tension (hawser connected operations)

Collision or close quarters event between offtaker and FPSO

Abort parameters

Significant offtaker propulsion or control problem during departure

Fire and/or explosion

Support vessel casualty

Offtaker specific plans on both units should be confirmed by arrival checklists.


Elements of the plan should be exercised periodically with dedicated offtakers.

Refer to general remarks in Paragraph 2.6.

5.4.3 Reporting and Follow-up

It is only by accurate reporting of all incidents, near misses and close quarters
events that the industries and individual operators can properly assess the level
of risk. When collated and analysed these reports will aid implementation of
further risk reduction and control measures, where they are needed.

Field operators should implement procedures for recording all incidents


and near misses. Suitable reporting forms and systems have been developed by
IMCA and UKOOA FPSO Committee. Examples are referenced in
the Addenda.

Whenever a loss of position or more serious incident occurs the


Dutyholder should:

Carry out an investigation, in cooperation with the vessel operator and


regulatory agency where appropriate

Implement any lessons learned

Repeat the risk assessment and feedback the results to involved vessels,
vessel operators and field personnel

40 Issue 1 February 2003


Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 1
Glossary of Terms

The following terms when used in this document have the meaning as
given below.

Attendant Vessel A vessel with legitimate business, supporting or working


at the Installation, one with permission to enter the
Installation Safety Zone.

Close Quarters One where a vessel is in such close proximity to another


Situation vessel or fixed object that the navigator has to take
urgent avoiding action or where there is imminent
potential for collision

Damage Criteria
(Installation)

Catastrophic: Damage resulting in shutdown of the Installation,


including major structural damage and/or loss of
stability, possibly resulting in evacuation and/or loss
of life.

Severe: Damage affecting the integrity of the Installation


sufficient as to require repair in the immediate or short
term (up to one month).

Moderate: Damage requiring repair in the medium (up to 6 months)


or longer (over 6 months) term.

Minor: Damage not affecting the integrity of the Installation.

Dutyholder The Dutyholder is the person who has the legal


responsibility for the Safety Case and for implementing
the health and safety responsibilities associated with it.
In the case of a fixed Installation, it is normally the
operator. For a mobile Installation, it is normally the
owner/manager. The Dutyholder is defined in the
Management and Administration Regulations (MARs).

Errant Vessel A vessel which has failed to take avoiding action on


approaching a fixed or moored Installation or has failed
to respond to communications from the Installation or its
attendant vessel(s); a vessel which poses or appears to
pose a threat of collision with the Installation or its
attendant vessels.

Glossary
Issue 1 February 2003 Add 1-1
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Incident Collision or unintentional contact between vessel


and Installation.

Installation An offshore unit engaged in exploration for or


exploitation of hydrocarbons resources. May include
fixed platforms, mobile drilling units (floating or
self-elevating), floating production or Floating
Production Storage and Offtake (FPSO) units.

Major Accident
Hazard (MAH) A hazard with the potential for serious personal injury
resulting from: fire/explosion or the release of a
dangerous substance; major damage to the structure or
loss of stability; other hazard with the potential for five
or more casualties. A Major Accident Hazard (MAH) is
defined in the Safety Case Regulations (SCRs). The
principle hazards are summarised in the Purpose and
Scope of this document.

Near Miss Circumstances which could have escalated into an


incident and/or circumstances which require activation
of emergency response procedures on the Installation.

For attendant vessels a near miss may include:

A loss of position control which if uncorrected could


have resulted in a collision

An offtake tanker incident with the potential to cause


a collision

Activation of emergency procedures related to


collision risk on the Installation

Location-specific near miss parameters developed by


Dutyholders

For passing vessels:

A Safety Zone infringement is a vessel passing within


500m of the Installation

Failure of an approaching vessel, with Closet Point


Approach (CPA) <500m to respond to calls from the
Emergency Rescue and Recovery Vessel (ERRV)
or Installation

Activation of emergency procedures on the


Installation such as a precautionary muster

Glossary
Add 1-2 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Offtake Tanker
(or Offtaker) A tanker used for exporting produced oil from offshore
fields via loading buoys, subsea connections or direct
from storage vessels. Normally specially modified
and equipped.

Passing Vessel A vessel on passage to somewhere else, one that should


keep clear of the Installation Safety Zone.

Safety Zone The 500m radius exclusion zone established around all
active surface Installations and some subsea Installations
in the UK sector. In the case of floating storage units, it
may be extended to include the swinging area of vessel
and any tandem moored offtaker.

Support Vessel An attendant vessel with specific duties at the


Installation such as supply, towage, standby, diving etc.

Traffic Density The following values give a comparison of densities in


the UK Sector:

Low <1,000 passing vessels per year


Low to Medium 1,000 to 5,000 vessels per year
Medium to High 5,000 to 20,000 vessels per year
High >20,000 vessels per year

The degree of concentration of traffic into narrow


channels should also be taken into account when
comparing the densities.

Glossary
Issue 1 February 2003 Add 1-3
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 2
Promulgation and Detection Passing Vessels

Location Traffic Promulgation Detection Additional


Type Density Precautions

1. Fixed Light Advance notices ERRV radar Obscured sectors


platform, to mariners covered during
open Clear surveillance close standby
location Marking on and reporting
charts responsibilities Clearly understood
joint coverage
Standard Maintain alertness by arrangements
markings regular exercises

2. Mobile Light Advance notices ERRV radar Obscured sectors


Installation, covered during
open Navigation Installation radar if close standby
location warnings before available and manned
and during time Clearly understood
on location Clear surveillance arrangements for
and reporting any joint coverage
Standard responsibilities
markings
Maintain alertness by
regular exercises

3. NUI Moderate Advance notices ERRV radar when Clearly understood


to mariners manned arrangements for
any joint coverage
Marking on Coverage from
charts nearby Installation if Responsibilities
available clearly understood
Standard
markings

Consider racon

4. Fixed Moderate Advance notices Radar surveillance Clearly understood


platform to mariners from platform arrangements for
near busy transmitted to ERRV any joint coverage
traffic route Marking on
charts AIS detection Responsibilities
clearly understood
Standard Consider extra bridge
markings watchkeepers Risk assess any
multirole coverage
Consider racon

Promulgation and Detection Passing Vessels


Issue 1 February 2003 Add 2-1
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Location Traffic Promulgation Detection Additional


Type Density Precautions

5. Mobile Moderate Advance notices Radar surveillance Clearly understood


Installation from Installation arrangements for
near busy Navigation transmitted to ERRV any joint coverage
traffic warnings before
route. and during time AIS detection Responsibilities
on location clearly understood
Consider extra bridge
Standard watchkeepers Risk assess any
markings multirole coverage

Consider racon

6. Mobile Moderate Advance notices Radar surveillance Dedicated ERRV


Installation to heavy from Installation coverage
in busy Navigation transmitted to ERRV
traffic area warnings before Responsibilities
or near and during time AIS detection clearly understood
traffic node on location
Extra bridge
Securite watchkeepers
messages from
ERRV

Standard
markings

Consider racon

7. NUI in Moderate Advance notices As the previous point Clearly understood


busy traffic to heavy to mariners when manned responsibilities and
area or near hierarchy on
traffic node Marking on Dedicated coverage nearby Installation/
charts from nearby ERRV
Installation or ERRV
Standard preferred
markings; racon
Consider extra bridge
Any special watchkeepers
precautions per
consent to locate

Note: Any detection systems required by the above should be properly maintained
hence reflecting their importance.

Promulgation and Detection Passing Vessels


Add 2-2 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 3
Systems Audits
The Dutyholder should routinely and regularly audit the collision avoidance system.
Auditors, either internal or external should have sufficient independence to
objectively review working of the systems. They should report directly to the
appropriate level of management.

The formats which follow are intended as templates for auditing arrangements at
individual Installations and fields. They are not definitive and should be adapted to
local requirements.

1 SYSTEM MANAGEMENT (ALL SITUATIONS)


Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person

1. Manager responsible for collision avoidance


assurance nominated?

2. Internal/external Auditor nominated? Auditor should not be part of


the Installation operations
department.

3. Does Auditor report directly to nominated Manager Auditor should have direct
on effectiveness of collision avoidance system? access to appropriate
management level without
filtering by operations
management.

4. Has an agreed Policy Statement been developed and Should be endorsed by senior
issued to Line and Installation Managers? management.

5. Do Line and Installation Managers understand the Auditor should take samples of
purpose and principles of collision avoidance? level of understanding.

6. Are there sufficient personnel within the organisation


with the necessary marine competence?

7. Are vessel operators and mobile unit operators fully Review with vessel operators
integrated into the system? Do they understand the and crew.
principles of collision avoidance?

8. Are evacuation and rescue arrangements adequate and Check contingency


appropriate to the risks? arrangements in event
lifeboats lost/damaged.

Systems Audits
Issue 1 February 2003 Add 3-1
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person

9. Have joint arrangements (eg for shared ERRV Who arranges and charters
coverage or when Dutyholder does not arrange ERRVs?
support vessels) been agreed? Are they understood by
line/Installation managers?

10. Is there a robust system for vessel/Installation


personnel to feed concerns to the management?

11. Is there an effective system for reporting collision


incidents and near misses?

12. Do Installation and vessel personnel understand the


importance of reporting near misses?

13. Are incidents and near misses analysed, trends


actioned and lessons fed back to operating personnel
and vessel personnel?

2 PASSING VESSEL PROCEDURES


(ALL SITUATIONS)
Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person

1. Are reporting lines to responsible Manager clear? There should be clear lines
from the Manager responsible
for implementing passing
vessel arrangements.

3. Has the probability of a passing vessel collision


been assessed?

4. Are the means of detecting and communicating with Refer to Addendum 2.


an approaching vessel appropriate to the risk at the
particular location? Are they maintained properly?

5. Are the means of promulgating the Installations Refer to Addendum 2.


presence adequate and appropriate to the
probability of collision and potential consequences
at the location?

6. Do OIMs, Installation and vessel personnel Auditor should take samples of


understand the risks and the purpose of the collision level of understanding.

Systems Audits
Add 3-2 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person
avoidance system?

Systems Audits
Issue 1 February 2003 Add 3-3
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person

7. Are there location-specific collision


avoidance procedures?

8. Do the procedures address situations when sectors are Are the responsibilities clearly
obscured during close standby and when a single understood?
ERRV covers more than one Installation?

9. Are the procedures reviewed with the ERRV/guard Ensure that vessel personnel
vessel and other support vessels during routine visits? understand their
responsibilities.

10. Who will review the procedures during these visits? Include regular and spot
How does he/she report any concerns to management? /relief vessels.

11. Do support vessels understand the importance of


passing vessel surveillance?

12. Who charters ERRV/guard vessel?

13. When the Dutyholder does not charter ERRVs and


other support vessels, how does he ensure suitability
for surveillance?

14. Is there a robust system for vessel/Installation


personnel to feed concerns to the management?

15. Are contingency plans developed for responding Each Installation crew and
rapidly to the threat of collision? Are they each vessel crew should be
exercised regularly? exercised twice per year.

Systems Audits
Add 3-4 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

3 ATTENDANT VESSEL ARRANGEMENTS


(ALL SITUATIONS)
Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person

1. Are reporting lines to responsible Manager clear? There should be clear lines of
reporting and responsibility.

2. Is there a robust system for ensuring the suitability of What are performance
support vessels for the Installation/location and the standards for inspections?
adequacy and competency of the crews?

3. Who is responsible for ensuring suitability of vessels


and competence of crews? How does he/she report to
management?

4. How are vessels confirmed suitable before Check inspection


employment? performance standards.

Term chartered vessels

Pool vessels

Relief vessels

Spot vessels

5. Who charters support vessels? Do they understand


the importance of vessel suitability in collision
avoidance terms?

6. When the Dutyholder does not charter ERRVs and


other support vessels, how does he ensure suitability?

7. Do all support vessels hold field/ Installation Identify person responsible


data cards? for issuance.

8. Are there location-specific collision


avoidance procedures?

9. Are the procedures reviewed with the all support


vessels during routine visits?

10. Who will review the procedures during these visits?


How does he/she report any concerns to
management?

11. Do OIMs, Installation and vessel personnel Discuss with personnel.


understand the risks of vessel platform collision and
the importance of good communications?

12. Do all support vessels complete a pre-entry checklist Check records.


before approaching Installation? How is this
recorded?

Systems Audits
Issue 1 February 2003 Add 3-5
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person

13. Do Installation personnel dealing with support Check qualifications


vessels have sufficient marine understanding for the and experience.
task?

14. Do Installation personnel recognise that frequent Discuss with personnel.


visits and weather side working increase
collision risks?

15. Are support vessels released promptly on completion Check procedures and
of task and not kept standing by unnecessarily? actual activity.

16. Do ERRVs and other vessels dodge in safe areas in


relation to wind and current?

17. Have contingency plans been developed to respond to


serious incidents? Are they exercised regularly ?

18. Do contingency plans address rescue of


vessel personnel?

4 OFFTAKE TANKER ARRANGEMENTS


(FIELD SPECIFIC)
Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person

1. Are reporting lines to responsible Manager clear? There should be clear of


responsibility and reporting.

2. Person responsible for auditing the system nominated? Auditor should report to
senior management.

3. Is there a robust system for ensuring the suitability of Procedures and performance
offtake tankers for the location and the adequacy and standards for vetting.
competency of the crews?

4. Who is responsible for ensuring suitability of vessels


and competence of crews? How does he/she report to
management?

Systems Audits
Add 3-6 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Installation/Field Dutyholder Audit/Review Period

No Activity Responsible Comments


Person

5. What system/format is used for ensuring suitability


before employment:
Offtake tankers

Crews

6. Who charters offtake tankers? Do they understand the What is the relationship with the
importance of vessel suitability and crew competence? Dutyholder?

7. How is the suitability of spot or relief


offtakers verified?

8. Are Joint Operations Procedures (JOPs) in use for each


specified offtaker?

9. Are the JOPs developed/ reviewed with vessel operators


and personnel?

10. Are other support vessels eg TAVs used? How is their


suitability and crew competence verified?

11. Have contingency plans been developed for


emergencies? Are personnel familiar with them?
Are the plans exercised regularly?

12. Do OIMs and personnel and support vessel crews


understand the potential for offtake collisions and the
importance of good communications?

13. Do all offtakers complete a pre-entry checklist before Check records.


approaching Installation? How is this recorded?

14. Do Installation personnel dealing with offtakers have Check experience.


sufficient marine understanding for the task?

15. Do procedures recognise the operating differences


between DP and non-DP offtakers?

16. Are the procedures for monitoring and controlling


hawser tension in non-DP oftakes satisfactory?

17. Is the manning of the bridge consol and engine rooms


during DP operations adequate and satisfactory?

18. Is there a robust system for vessel/Installation personnel


to feed concerns to the management?

20. Do Installation and vessel personnel understand the


importance of reporting near misses?

What reporting system/format is used?

21. Are incident and near misses lessons discussed with and
fed back to Installation and vessel personnel?

Systems Audits
Issue 1 February 2003 Add 3-7
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Systems Audits
Add 3-8 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 4
Vessel Suitability and Inspection Formats

1 COMMON MARINE INSPECTION


DOCUMENT UKOOA
Standard document for assessing offshore support vessels, developed by
UKOOA in association with other stakeholders. Valid for up to one year unless
significant changes occur in the interim. It includes general sections common to
all offshore support vessels plus type-specific appendices.

The format can be obtained from UKOOA or IMCA (refer to Addendum 11).

2 FITNESS-FOR-PURPOSE INSPECTION
When a vessel is chartered for a specific project or task then a
fitness-for-purpose inspection is recommended. This should cover at least:

The specific task or project

Currency of standard inspections such as CMID, the IMCA DP annual


inspection, FMEA etc as appropriate

Adequacy and redundancy of the vessel propulsion and control systems for
the project in anticipated operating conditions

Adequacy of specialised equipment for the project

Adequacy and competency of vessel personnel for the project

Certification status, particularly for lifting gear

3 IMCA DP ANNUAL INSPECTION


This involves a comprehensive set of trials, carried out annually by specialists to
confirm the operability of dynamically positioned vessels. It is recommended
for all DP vessels from survey vessels through to the highest rated
diving/construction vessels and offtake tankers. It confirms currency of the
FMEA report.

The M139 format is available from IMCA, refer to Addendum 11 for contacts.

Vessel Suitability and Inspection Formats


Issue 1 February 2003 Add 4-1
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

4 SHIP INSPECTION REPORT PROGRAMME


(SIRE)
This is a comprehensive inspection document for various classes of tankers
including bulk oil, chemical and gas carriers. Recommended for initial fitness
for purpose assessment of offtake tankers, combined with the annual
DP inspection where relevant.

The SIRE document is published by Witherby and Co on behalf of OCIMF


(refer to Addendum 11 for contacts).

Vessel Suitability and Inspection Formats


Add 4-2 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 5
Field Checklist

1 PRE-FIELD ENTRY
(OSV CODE APPENDIX 11)
1.1 Vessel
1. Weather conditions are suitable.

2. All required propulsion, control and back-up systems are operational.

3. Master and crew are sufficiently rested.

4. Deck crew are briefed and correctly dressed.

5. Vessels programme has been advised/agreed.

6. Communications with the Installation are working.

7. Internal communications on vessel are working.

8. Bulk transfer procedures have been agreed.

9. Full details of cargo discussed/agreed.

10. Notification has been given and received of any expected helicopter
movements.

1.2 Installation
1. The required working zone alongside is clear of other vessels.

2. All non-essential overside discharges in the working zone have been stopped.

3. Standby vessel has been briefed on the operation.

4. Installation personnel are sufficiently rested.

5. Deck crew and crane driver are briefed.

6. Weather limitations have been considered.

7. Vessels programme has been advised/agreed.

8. Crane limitations have been advised to Master.

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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

9. Permission given to offload during diving operations.

10. Bulk transfer procedures have been agreed.

11 Full details of cargo discussed/agreed.

12. Underwater/waterline obstructions which could cause a hazard to the


vessel notified.

2 OSV/FPSO CHECKLIST (OSV CODE


APPENDIX 14)
2.1 Introduction
This checklist details checks and exchange of information to be carried out by
the master of the support vessel and the OIM (or his representative) of the
FPSO. The list is in addition to any other checklists completed prior to entry
into the Safety Zone.

2.2 FPSO Supplementary Checklist

No Check Completed
Yes/No

1. Risk assessment of all operations is to be carried out prior to operations


commencing. To be completed by the Vessel Master, OIM and Crane Operator.

2. FPSO to confirm its heading and that the heading will not alter or be altered
during supply vessel operations.

3. OIM to confirm motion of the FPSO in current conditions eg:

FPSO roll (degrees)

FPSO roll (period)

FPSO pitch (degrees)

FPSO heave (metres)

4. A general exchange of information regarding the disposal of cargo to be


offloaded to the FPSO and back loaded cargo to be received by the OSV.

5. A general exchange of information regarding hose work to be conducted.


This will include the method of lowering the hose to the OSV and available
space for this to be carried out safely. Where practicable sufficient deckspace
must be available or be cleared so that the OSV crew have a safe area in which
to handle the hose.

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6. Confirmation from the OSV Master to any particular limitations on crane


operations or special conditions affecting normal operation of the crane.

7. Information from the OIM as to any particular limitations on crane operations


or special conditions affecting normal operation of the crane.

Field Checklists
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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

3 OFFTAKE TANKER CHECKLISTS


Most field operators use a standard checklist. The formats below are generic
lists designed for offtake tanker use at Single Point Moorings (SPMs) or in
tandem loading. They are not definitive and should be adapted to local use.

Arrival Checklist

Vessel: Loading Point: Date:

Offtaker/Installation contingency
Up-to-date charts of largest scale in use
plans confirmed

Telemetry links (if applicable)


All hazards located and marked on charts
established and tested

Slow down way points established and


No go areas marked on charts
understood

Approach and pick-up plan discussed


Passage plan to loading point agreed and
and agreed with control room and
in effect
support vessel

Field operating manual/JOPs etc read


Deck machinery operational
and understood

Tidal and current data available and checked Deck crew to stations

Pick-up gear tested, inspected and


Current weather suitable, forecast checked
operational

Under keel clearance (including squat)


Stern towing system (if used) ready
established

Appropriate Bridge Team assembled and Required lights/signals


briefed exhibited/available

Abort position/circumstances established and Emergency towing system(s) visually


understood by Bridge Team examined and ready for use

Escape routes identified and understood Anchors cleared for use

Permission to enter Safety Zone from


Main and auxiliary propulsion operational
control room

Watchkeeping arrangements and


Auxiliary generators and steering operational
responsibilities for loading understood

Approach and pick-up plan discussed


Engine room checklist completed and agreed with control room and
support vessel

Appropriate Engine-room Team assembled


and briefed

Field Checklists
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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Arrival Checklist

Vessel: Loading Point: Date:

All navigation, communications and control


systems checked and operational

Bridge Team duties assigned

Main and auxiliary propulsion tested in


both directions

Steering gear tested over full range

All required navigation and control systems


operational

Power distribution system in correct mode for


DP operations

DP system (if fitted) operational

DP operators (if applicable) identified,


responsibilities understood

All radio systems tested operational

Contact made with loading point control room

Contact made with any support/assist vessels

Master: Date:

Departure Checklist

Vessel: Loading Point: Date:

Disconnect sequence and departure track agreed DP operators (if applicable) identified,
and advised to support vessel and control room responsibilities understood

Cargo/ballast operations completed All radio systems tested operational

Abort position/circumstances established


Deck machinery operational
and understood by Bridge Team

Commencement of disconnect operations


Deck crew to stations
agreed with control room

Emergency towing systems ready for use Support vessel advised

Charts of largest scale in use Radios tested and on correct channels

Electronic navigation systems


All hazards located and marked on chart
correctly set up

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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Departure Checklist

Vessel: Loading Point: Date:

No go areas marked on chart Clocks synchronized

Outward passage plan agreed and in effect Telephones/speakers tested

Field operations/JOPs etc read and understood Whistle tested

Required lights/shapes
Tidal and current data available and checked
exhibited/available

Current weather suitable, forecast checked Required flags exhibited/available

Escape routes and safe anchorages identified

Vessel/Installation contingency plans confirmed

Under keel clearance (including squat)


established

Main and auxiliary propulsion operational

Auxiliary generators and steering


gear operational

Engine room checklist completed

Appropriate Engine-room Team assembled


and briefed

All navigation, communications and control


systems checked and operational

Bridge Team duties assigned

Steering gear tested over full range

Power distribution system in correct mode for


DP operations

DP system (if fitted) operational

Master: Date:

Field Checklists
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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

4 COLLISION AVOIDANCE FLOWCHART


(SBV GUIDELINES APPENDIX 3)

Monitor all traffic within a suitable range

No
Does the vessel have a projected CPA of <2nm?

Yes

Monitor vessel closely

No Does the vessel have a projected CPA


of <1nm at 6nm off Installation?

Yes

Continue monitoring vessel. Inform OIM.


Attempt radio contact with vessel.

Yes
Is radio contact made with vessel?

No
Monitor situation closely and continue attempts to contact vessel.
Inform OIM. Call off close standby. Initiate emergency response.
Attempt to intercept vessel and warn-off by all available means.

No
Does vessel still pose a collision risk?

Yes

Update OIM and prepare for potential Installation evacuation.


Continue to monitor situation.

Note: This flowchart uses distance to determine


alert/decision points. Time to CPA is recommended in
practice.

Field Checklists
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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 6
Installation Data Cards

All offshore fields and Installations in the UK sector are required to produce a
data card which includes:

Location

Marine hazards of the Installation/field

Communications details and procedures

Pre-entry checklists required before entering Safety Zone

Marine coordination

Crane and bulk transfer arrangements

This is an essential tool in the Installation/vessel information exchange and


ensures that the vessel is aware of the hazards and peculiarities of the location.
(refer to Section 7.5.1 of the OSV Code).

The Dutyholder is responsible for providing visiting vessels with the data card.
(refer to OSV Code Section 2.2).

An example of a data card is given in Appendix 7 of the UKOOA OSV Code.

Installation Data Cards


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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 7
Incident and Near Miss Reporting Formats

Below are examples of such formats which should be consulted for possible
use where appropriate. Contact the individual organisation to access the format, refer
to Addendum 11.

1. EERVA Warning Off Report

2. Safety Zone Infringement Report OIR 13

3. IMCA Stationkeeping Incident Report Form:

Thruster-assisted vessels

DP vessels

Incident and Near Miss Reporting Formats


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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 8
References Including Relevant Codes and Regulations

1 HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK


1. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

2. Statutory Instructions (SIs):

1992/2885 Offshore Installation (Safety Case) Regulations

1995/743 Offshore Installation (PFEER) Regulations

1996/913 Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and


Construction etc) Regulations

1995/3163 Reporting of Injuries, Death and Dangerous


Occurrences Regulations

3. Health and Safety Management Systems Interfacing (UKOOA)

4. Successful Health and Safety Management, (HS(G) 65)


UK Health and Safety Executive October 1993.

2 COLLISION RISK MANAGEMENT (CRM)


1. Advice to Inspectors Collision Risk Management (PBN 00/06), UK
Health and Safety Executive March 2000.

2. Effective Collision Risk Management for Offshore Installations


(OTO 1999 052), Health and Safety Executive, January 2000.

3 GENERAL
1. Task-based Risk Assessment Step Change in Safety.

2. Management of Emergency Response for Offshore Installations (UKOOA)

References including Relevant Codes and Regulations


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4 PASSING VESSELS
1. Automatic identification of ships

SOLAS Regulation V/19

IMO Draft Resolution A22/9 Annex 2

5 ATTENDANT VESSELS
1. Guidelines for the Safe Management and Operation of Offshore Support
Vessels (UKOOA/CoS).

2. Guidelines for the Safe Management and Operation of Vessels Standing By


Offshore Installations (UKOOA/ERRVA/IADC/BROA).

3. Guidelines for the Survey of Vessels Standing By Offshore Installations


(UKOOA/ERRVA/IADC/BROA).

4. Safety Interface Document for DP Vessel working near an offshore


platform (IMCA, M125 1997).

6 FPSO/FSUS AND OFFTAKE TANKERS


1. Offshore Safety Loading Guidelines (OCIMF, 1999):

Section 6 Joint Operations Manuals

2. Risk Minimisation Guidelines for Shuttle Tanker Operations


(Intertanko 2000).

3. Guidelines for the Design and Operation of DP Vessels


(IMCA, M103 1999).

4. Supplement for Two Vessel Operations (IMCA, M161 2001).

5. Quantified Frequency of Shuttle Tanker Collisions during Offtake


Operations (IMCA Report M150 February 1999).

References including Relevant Codes and Regulations


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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

6. UKOOA Tandem Loading Guidelines:

Background Report:

Appendix E Generic Performance Standards for Shuttle Tankers

Volume 1:

Appendix B Performance Standards

Appendix C Loss of Position and Failure Event Reports

Appendix D Offtake Tanker Key Personnel Competency Matrices

Appendix E Station Keeping Incident Report Form

Volume 2:

Towing Assistance including Performance Standards and Crew


Competency

References including Relevant Codes and Regulations


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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 9
Passing Vessel Ship Collision Assessment

1 ROUTE DATABASES
COAST gives the position of the shipping routes utilised by shipping in UK
waters and the North Sea, the volumes of traffic, the size and speed of vessels
using each route, and the width of the routes. It was developed by CorrOcean
Safetec for UK Health and Safety Executive, DTLR and UKOOA. The main
data sources used include:

Port data provided by LMIS (Lloyds Maritime Information Services)

Offshore traffic surveys carried out by standby vessels

Platform and coastal-based radar systems

Information from offshore operators (standby, supply, shuttle tanker details)

Information from ferry operators

Vessel passage plans

Deep sea pilot route details

The main information contained in the database is:

Route waypoints

Route standard deviations

Distance of route to a user-defined position

Bearing from user-defined position to route

Volume of traffic on each route

Vessel type distribution on each route (merchant, offshore, tanker, ferry)

Size distribution of vessels on each route

The programme may also be linked to a graphical output package that allows
the identified routes to be automatically plotted on Admiralty Raster Charting
Service (ARCS) hydrographic charts.

There is a similar shipping traffic database ShipRoutes which has recently


been developed by Anatec and accepted by DTLR.

Passing Vessel Ship Collision Assessment


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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

2 COLLISION MODELS
There are several commercial ship/Installation collision models that can be used
to calculate the frequency of a passing vessel colliding with an Installation.
Those currently available and the organisations which developed them include:

CRASH DNV

COLLIDE CorrOcean Safetec

COLRISK Anatec

MANS MSCN (Netherlands)

In part, the collision models use data contained in the shipping traffic database
to predict the frequency of a ship/Installation collisions. It is important that the
model uses traffic data which is accurate for the existing or proposed location of
the Installation under consideration.

In general the models calculate collision frequency from:

The annual number of vessels passing the location on particular shipping


routes and their respective proximity to the location

The probability of a vessel being on collision course with the Installation

The probability that the vessel fails to recover from its collision course

The probability that the Installation or ERRV fails to attract the vessels
attention in time to avoid collision

Collision risk reduction measures at the field

Validation of the COLLIDE model predicted 3.77 powered collision up to 1995


and 0.69 drifting vessel collisions. In the same period there were three actual
powered collisions and no drifting collisions. The parameters used by some
these models have been modified to fit the models predictions to historical
incident data.

Passing Vessel Ship Collision Assessment


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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 10
Vessel Impacts Guidance on Loads and
Consequences

1 INTRODUCTION
This addendum gives a brief overview of impact energies to be used in
assessing consequences and directs the user to appropriate references to be used
in calculating the effects of vessel impact on the Installation. It also identifies
gaps in current knowledge in evaluating the effect of vessel impact on topside
equipment. The text applies to fixed as well as floating Installations.

2 LOAD/IMPACT ENERGY
The following text applies to the impact of attendant vessels with fixed
platforms (such as jackets and jack-ups) and compliant Installations such as
articulated columns, semi-submersibles and Tension Leg Platforms (TLPs).
They do not apply to shuttle tanker collisions. Energies to be used in
FPSO/shuttle tanker collisions are discussed in Paragraph 3.3.

Since 1988, it has been standard practice to design for an impact energy
of 14MJ for sideways impact and 11MJ for bow or stern impact (References 3,
4, 11, 12, 15).

These values are based on attendant/support vessels of 5000t displacement


moving at 2m/s. The added mass is assumed to be 0.1 for bow or stern contact
and 0.4 for side impact. The impact energy is in the form of kinetic energy of
the moving vessel together with its added mass. For smaller or larger vessels,
the modified impact energy E in MJ can be calculated using the following
equation:

1 2
E =
2
(M + a ) v
Where: M = the displacement in tonnes

A = added mass of vessel (0.1M for bow or stern impact and 0.4 for
side impact) and

V = velocity of impact in m/s

Note: For new designs the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD)


Regulations (Reference 14) requires that M and V to be assumed to be
not less than 5000t and 2m/s respectively.

Vessel Impacts Guidance On Loads and Consequences


Issue 1 February 2003 Add 10-1
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Impact velocity of 2m/s is based on probable velocity achieved during


erroneous operation or drifting in significant wave height of 4m.

On impact, the vessel and platform will absorb part of the energy as they deform
elastically and plastically (and in fracture if there is such failure). The rest will
remain as kinetic energy when the vessel and part of the fixed platform move
together. At the end of the event the energy spent in elastic deformation will be
converted to kinetic as the vessel rebounds. The rebound is largely due to the
global bending of fixed platform. In the case of floating units, rebound is
less significant.

Plastic deformation and fracture can affect structural integrity and buoyancy/
stability in the case of floating units. They can also affect the integrity of
the equipment supported by the affected members or located behind them.
As the platform bends and then rebounds, the accelerations at deck level can be
significant and equipment can be affected. The following paragraphs briefly
consider the effects of vessel impact on structural integrity, equipment and
buoyancy/stability.

3 STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
3.1 Fixed Structures
Assessment of structural damage due to impact is normally calculated using the
force indentation curves developed by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). They are
presented in References 4 and 5. A more recent set of curves are presented in
Reference 16. These references also provide guidance in using the curves. They
were developed for an impact of a 5000t vessel with infinitely stiff vertical
cylinders of 1.5 and 10m diameters. Even though the applicability of these
curves is limited, they are still being used widely. Unless it is certain that the
use of these of these curves and the analysis method used provides conservative
results, it is prudent to ensure that the energy absorbed by the Installation is not
less than 4MJ (Reference 11).

Detailed methods for calculating damage to leg or braces of jacket structures


can be found in References 4, 16 and 19. The methods described in these
references can also be applied to jack-up units. Techniques specifically
developed for jack-ups can be found in References 5 and 6.

3.2 Semi-Submersibles and Tension Leg Platforms


The information given in References 4, 5 and 16 are also useful in evaluating
the damage to semi-submersibles and TLPs. The columns are the areas most
vulnerable to collision with attendant vessels. These columns generally have
higher energy absorption capacity than jackets or the legs of jack-ups. However,
structural damage can also affect marine integrity by allowing water ingress

Vessel Impacts Guidance On Loads and Consequences


Add 10-2 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

and/or causing damage to pipes essential for marine operations. Additionally,


collision with bracings should not be discounted.

3.3 FPSOs
Analysis of recent collision incidents between shuttle tankers and FPSOs
indicate that impact energy of 40MJ is foreseeable. The curves presented in
References 4, 5 and 16 cannot be used in designing or checking for collision
damage.

4 CONSEQUENCES
4.1 Equipment which can be Damaged or Affected by Collision
Impacted directly:

Riser, Emergency Shutdown (ESD) valves and in rare cases, conductors


are vulnerable in some fixed Installations

Deck equipment located close to possible impact zones is vulnerable in


some FPSOs

Hull of an unladen shuttle tanker which projects above the deck of an


FPSO as it approaches

Equipment supported or shielded by a member damaged by vessel impact:

Risers supported or shielded by chords or braces can be affected by large


deflection or failure of the latter

Excessive deflection or relative displacements of equipment supports as a


result of structural damage

Accelerations due to vessel impact sufficiently high to cause damage to


equipment supports, the equipment itself or its controls

4.2 Potential Consequences of Equipment Damage


Escape of hydrocarbons

Loss of power

Loss of control

Loss of stability/buoyancy

Loss of emergency systems, such as fire fighting or emergency power

Vessel Impacts Guidance On Loads and Consequences


Issue 1 February 2003 Add 10-3
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Degradation of EER systems

Often a combination of these consequences occur.

4.3 Assessing the Potential Consequences


In order to assess the potential consequences of vessel impact, deck
accelerations, the vulnerability and tolerance of various equipment to
accelerations, deflections and the relative displacements or rotation of their
supports should be known.

Investigation of accelerations due to vessel impact on three jacket structures is


reported in Reference 10. The accelerations varied between 0.1 to 0.9g
depending on the structure and location of impact on the deck. There are no
validated, simplified methods to calculate deck accelerations. Finite element
models developed for strength analysis are often used. Some such models may
not be suitable for dynamic loads. Failure to consider the softening effects of
impacted area could also produce unreliable results.

Accelerations significantly greater than 0.1g can cause problems for equipment.
There are no suitable guidelines available to assess the vulnerability of offshore
equipment to such accelerations.

A walkdown study (Reference 9) can identify equipment, which is obviously


vulnerable to lateral loads or accelerations. It cannot identify all potential
problems. In the cases below, ALARP principles should be applied to decide
whether any modifications or further detailed investigations are justified or not.

1. When:

Equipment vulnerability is not fully understood or

Consequences of failure are not obvious

2. When assessing the risks due to equipment failure, if

Levels of accelerations are not known accurately or

Providing robust equipment appears to be difficult or

Acceleration levels can not be reduced

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Add 10-4 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

5 REFERENCES
1. Amdahl, Jorgen and Eberg, Ernst: Ship Collision with Offshore Structures,
Structural Dynamics-EURODYN93 Moan et al (eds) 1993 Balkema
Rotterdam, ISBN 90 5410336 I.

2. Dubbers, R.A.W: A Dynamic Approach to Ship Impact Assessments,


Structural Dynamics EURODYN93, Moan et al. (eds) 1993 Balkema,
Rotterdam, ISBN 90 5410336 1.

3. Det Norske Veritas: Safety Principles and Arrangements (January 2001).

4. Det Norske Veritas (Veritec): Design Guidance For Offshore Steel


Structures Exposed To Accidental Loads (August 1988).

5. Det Norske Veritas: Strength Analysis of Main Structures of Self-eleveting


Units, Classification Notes No 31.5 (February 1992).

6. Det Norske Veritas: Investigation of the Impact Resistance of Jack-ups,


Health and Safety Executive (OTO 98-033).

7. EATEC Limited: Blast and Shock Induced Vibrations in Offshore Jacket


Installations. Health and Safety Executive (OTH 94 430) 1995 ,
ISBN 0-7176-0937-5.

8. Ellinas, C E and Walker, A C: Damage on Offshore Tubular Bracing


Members, IABSE rolloquium (Copenhagen 1983).

9. EQE International Limited: Development of Walkdown Procedures and


Pilot Study for the Assessment of Topsides Equipment Subject to Blast
Induced Vibrations (OTH 93 415).

10. EQE International Limited: Strong Vibration Working Group Phase II JIP:
Final Report, Report No 179-04 R-05 Issue 1 (25 May 2000).

11. Health and Safety Executive: Offshore Installations: Guidance on Design


Construction and Certification (4th Edition Consolidated Edition)
March 1993, ISBN O 11 882116 4.

12. J P Kenny: Protection of Offshore Installations Against Impact, Health and


Safety Executive (OTI 88 535) 1988, ISBN O 11 412927 4.

13. Lloyds Register for Shipping: Boat Impact Study, Health and Safety
Executive (OTH 85 224).

14. Norwegian Petroleum Directorate: Regulations Relating to Load Bearing


Structures in the Petroleum Activities 1998.

15. Norwegian Technology Standards Institution: Norsok Standard, N-003.


Revision 1, February l999, Action and Action Effects.

Vessel Impacts Guidance On Loads and Consequences


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Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

16. Norwegian Technology Standards Institution: Norsok Standard, N-004


Design of Steel Structures, Design Against Accidental Loads (December
1998).

17. Ronalds, B F: Vessel Impact Design for Steel Jackets (OTC 6384) 1990.

18. Visser, W: Resistance of Jack-up Conductors to Boat Impact, Health and


Safety Executive (OTO 98 029).

19. Visser, V (Pim): Ship Collision and Capacity of Brace Members of Fixed
Steel Offshore Platforms, Health and Safety Executive, OTO Report 2002.

Vessel Impacts Guidance On Loads and Consequences


Add 10-6 Issue 1 February 2003
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

Addendum 11
Contacts

1 UK OFFSHORE OPERATORS ASSOCIATION


Second Floor
232-242 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 1AU
UK

www.oilandgas.org.uk

2 UK HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE


Publications:
Health and Safety Executive Books
PO Box 1999
Sudbury
Suffolk CO10 2WA Tel: +44 (0)1787 881165

OTO research reports:


Health and Safety Executive
Research Strategy Unit
Bootle
Merseyside L20 3DL Fax: +44 (0)151 951 3098

Chemicals and Hazardous Installations Division:


Health and Safety Executive
Lord Cullen House
Fraser Place
Aberdeen AB25 3UB Tel: +44 (0)1224 252500

www.hse.gsi.gov.uk

3 MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY


Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southhampton SO15 1EG
UK

www.mcga.gov.uk

Contacts
Issue 1 February 2003 Add 11-1
Ship/Installation Collision Avoidance

4 IMCA
International Marine Contractors Association
Carlyle House
235 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 1EJ
UK

www.imca-int.com

5 EMERGENCY RESCUE AND RESPONSE


VESSELS ASSOCIATION
ERRVA Limited
PO Box 1385
Calne
Wilts SN11 8XP Tel: +44 (0)1249 816618

www.errva.org.uk

6 OIL COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL


MARINE FORUM (PUBLICATIONS)
Witherby & Co
32-36 Aylesbury Street
London EC1R 0ET Tel: +44 (0)207 251 5341
UK Fax: +44 (0)207 251 1296

www.witherbys.com

7 INTERTANKO
International Association of Independent Tanker Owners
Bogstadveien 27B
PO Box 5804 Majorstua
0308 OSLO Tel: +47 2212 2640
Norway Fax: +47 2212 2641

www.intertanko.com

8 STEP CHANGE IN SAFETY


www.stepchangeinsafety.net

Contacts
Add 11-2 Issue 1 February 2003

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