The audit took place on 28 March 2019. The audit was focused in the barrier function of evacuation to the sea using lifeboats, and covered the company’s facilities that have an AoC.

Background

Deficiencies were identified in lifeboats on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) in 2005. Since then, the industry and the supervisory authorities have worked to strengthen knowledge in this area and to improve the technical condition of these craft.

Close follow-up of evacuation to the sea is still required. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, which is the responsible ministry for the PSA, supports this assessment and has asked the authority to follow the matter up through audits.

The main challenges facing lifeboats used in petroleum operations on the NCS include the following:

Free-fall lifeboats:

  • Hull strength
  • Safety of people on board, particularly the effect of acceleration forces on the human body
  • Propulsion

Davit-lowered lifeboats:

  • Hull strength
  • Safe and effective detachment of hooks after launching
  • Safety of people on board, particularly the effect of acceleration forces on the human body
  • Propulsion

Objective

The objective of the audit was to verify that the technical, organisational and operational barrier elements for safeguarding the evacuation-to-the-sea barrier function have been established, used and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations, such that at all times the personnel on board can be evacuated quickly and efficiently.

Result

The audit identified one non-conformity with the regulatory requirements. This concerns the establishment of performance requirements for the evacuation-to-the-sea barrier function.

What happens now?

We have asked Seadrill to report to us on how the non-conformity will be addressed. The deadline for feedback has been set at 10 July 2019.