In a radical departure from established offshore North Sea rescue philosophy, BP ...

In a radical departure from established offshore North Sea rescue philosophy, BP is to replace the area standby vessel with dedicated search and rescue (SAR) helicopters, writes Brian Warshaw. It is anticipated that the first helicopter will be ordered in May 2001, and be used for an extensive six- to 12-month evaluation, working parallel to the current procedures for rescuing personnel in the water. For almost a year, BP has been in discussion with its workforce, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and the Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel Association (ERRVA). With platform safety representatives and the trade union group showing support for further studies, BP staged a two-day demonstration with the French Air Force, using one of their Super Puma Mark II SAR helicopters. It is reported that the manoeuvrability and speed of the helicopter was impressive - homing in to within five metres of a lighthouse. The helicopter has auto-hover facilities and, it is claimed, can remain on station in wind speeds rising to 65 knots when wave height can reach up to 10 metres. The all-weather rescue capability of the Super Puma Mark II is enhanced by electro-optical sensors, radar, and a heat-seeking forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) camera. Using the latest personal locator beacons that BP is about to introduce for all offshore personnel, the helicopters can detect a person in the water at 16 kilometres distance. Consideration is also being given to the helicopter carrying a diver delivery vehicle, which the winchman could drive underneath the platform to effect a rescue, before returning to the open sea to lift them onboard the helicopter. To satisfy the requirements of the Prevention of Fire & Explosion, and Emergency (PFEER) regulations, the performance standards for rescuing people from the water in the event of a platform emergency or helicopter accident is two hours. It is anticipated that the SAR helicopter could reach any location within 45 minutes and effect a rescue in seas of greater ferocity than could a standby vessel. The PFEER regulations also demand that in the event of a man-overboard accident to somebody working over the side of a platform, such as a scaffolder or painter, rescue should be accomplished in four minutes for the first person and within 20 minutes for the last person involved in the incident. This will be achieved by use of a fast rescue craft (FRC) attached to each platform or group of platforms in a field. BP says that its motive for reviewing a system that has operated for 25 years is generated by the 50% growth in field ownership, brought about by the acquisition of Amoco, with its geographical cluster of locations, and changes following Lord Cullen’s report into the Piper Alpha platform disaster in 1988. The company denies that cost saving is behind the decision, claiming that operating costs for standby vessels and SAR helicopters are comparable at an annual £24mn, and the capital cost of the helicopters would be several million. The helicopters will displace 17 standby vessels, although BP may retain up to 11 of the present fleet for operations relating to drilling and floating production systems. Should the HSE approve the change, the SAR helicopters will enter service in 2003, with full deployment in 2004. Four helicopters will probably be based on operating platforms available at ten minutes response, with two located onshore ready to fly within an hour. A number of modified commercial helicopters will also be available for rescue work. It is intended that the standby vessel will remain for a period of time after the SAR helicopters have been introduced to validate the safety case for the platforms. Concurrent with the BP decision, Statoil has announced that it will station a SAR helicopter on the Heidrun platform from July this year. Thor Haakon Helgesen, Vice President for the Halten/Nordland area, said that the decision had been taken, together with Shell and Norske Hydro, to strengthen the emergency response procedures. One standby vessel will be taken out of service, with others being progressively replaced by more modern vessels.