Since 1995, Seacom International Inc. has carved a niche for itself in preparing companies to respond to emergencies. A Canadian firm headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Seacom has worked internationally with large organizations such as Chevron, Exxon-Mobil, PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos), PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela) Petro-Canada and Husky Oil, anticipating worst case scenarios, preparing emergency response plans, providing command and control training, exercising personnel and assessing individual competency so key personnel are prepared to respond appropriately.

But why is preparedness so important? One needs only to look at a developing emergency scenario to understand the critical importance of proper training. Imagine your platform, mobile offshore drilling unit or floating production storage and offloading vessel experiences a fire and explosion, a loss of well control, or a release of gas. Immediately, an alarm is received in the central control room and the installation general alarm sounds. The emergency command centre scrambles into action and within minutes the Offshore Installation Manager has to assess the situation, develop an action plan and implement response strategies in short order. This response is based upon training in command and control, previous experience, accurate monitoring of onboard operations, intelligence on the location and status of all personnel on board, weather conditions and the availability of marine and aviation support.

Today’s on and offshore oil and gas operations and their associated industries place a high priority on safety and prevention by putting in place equipment and procedures to minimize the likelihood of an emergency. However, while working towards having the ‘best’ safety record, responsible operators must also prepare for ‘the worst’ by building a strong emergency response capability. The objective is to ensure that all personnel respond safely, effectively and according to procedure in any emergency situation.

Real offshore emergencies require a quick response. Accordingly, emergency response and preparedness is not as simple as people would think. It works within a complex structure involving many players - from regulatory authorities, onshore and offshore response centres, hospitals, support vessels, project partners and response agencies such as the rescue coordination centres and marine rescue sub-centres.

As a tool to effectively plan for offshore-related emergencies, Seacom developed the Offshore Emergency Management System (OEMS). The system was recently implemented at 23 on and offshore installations including AKAL-C (one of the world’s largest installations), completing a four-year project with PEMEX Exploration and Production. The OEMS is based upon an understanding that all aspects of emergency preparedness (see diagram) have been considered, implemented and undergone critical operational and technical assessment. OEMS effectively removes the assumption of “being prepared” by creating critically measurable short and long-term competencies. The result is an enhanced level of operator/responder confidence and a much safer environment in which to work and, if required, respond.

Paul R. Clay is the President of Seacom International Inc. and the developer of the Offshore Emergency Management System.