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Stand-by vessel duties, equipment and standards

This article describes the Stand-by vessel (SBV) and Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) duties, equipment and standards

1. Duties

The Master of the stand-by vessel shall ensure that:

  • Portable radio sets and other life-saying equipment are maintained in good working conditions at all times.
  • A 24-hour radio and visual watch on the rig is maintained. In the event of an emergency arising, the stand-by vessel will proceed to the rig or search area immediately. The emergency signal from the rig will give details of the type of emergency (rig fire, man overboard, etc.). Further instructions will be given when alongside. In the event of a power failure, a red flare will be fired.
  • The stand-by vessel maintains a position 600-900 m (2000-3000 ft) from the rig. Subject to weather conditions, closer positioning may be required when special work is being carried out on the rig. If required, a suitable anchor and buoy will be laid.
  • When visibility is poor, the rig will be advised of the position of the stand-by vessel with respect to the rig.
  • Engines are on stand-by during the approach and departure of helicopters to ensure prompt assistance in the event of an emergency.
  • Before leaving the location, permission is obtained from the Company Representative. This will only be given when a relief vessel is in the immediate vicinity.
  • In the event of a helicopter ditching, assistance will be rendered immediately and the Company Representative informed.
  • Regular emergency drills are held in conjunction with the rig and helicopters, so that new crew members are fully conversant with safety procedures.
  • He is aware of the flight approach and take off path of the helicopter to the rig. (The flight path may be changed for each well location).
  • A position is taken up clear of the helicopter approach and take-off paths.

2. Equipment and standards

The important mechanical standards for Stand-By Vessels (SBV), apart from sea-worthiness, should include

2.1 Manoeuvrability

It should not be a requirement for a Stand-by vessel (SBV) to manoeuvre close to damaged installations. Rather it should maintain a safe distance and use its Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) to pick up survivors from the installation if this is possible. It should be able to manoeuve to pick up survivors from the water or clinging to wreckage. This requires it to be highly manoeuvrable and able to maintain its position.

2.2 Visibility

The master should be able to keep the rescue areas in full view from the bridge, and be able to approach a person or object in the water while retaining total control of the vessel. The Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) launching area should be fully visible from the bridge.

2.3 Lighting

At least two searchlights, each capable of being remotely controlled from the bridge, and between them covering the full 360 deg, should be available. There should also be adequate local lighting in the pick-up and launching areas.

2.4 Communication

The Stand-by vessel (SBV) must be able to contact its FRCs, the installation and nearby vessels and aircraft, as well as to maintain conversational contact between the master and the crew.

2.5 Survivor recovery from water

Scrambling nets and ladders are only suitable for use by fit and uninjured personnel. If an accident has caused the escape of people to the sea it is very likely that some will be injured, possibly severely. At the time of writing there are no recommendations available for alternative methods, although investigations are in progress.

Note that when the Fast Rescue Crafts have been deployed, with three of the SBV crew in each, there must be sufficient crew left on the SBV to assist injured survivors onto the SBV from either an FRC or from the water and to provide any necessary first aid.

2.6 Fast rescue craft

Two Fast Rescue Crafts should be carried on Stand-by vessel (SBV)s, ready for immediate use and each capable of carrying at least the driver plus two crew and nine people. They should be of the rigid hull inflatable type, and self-righting.

It is preferred to have FRCs which are fitted with water-jet propulsion. Their engines can be either petrol or diesel (diesel is preferred) and should be capable of being maintained while the SBV is on station.

Fast Rescue Crafts must be capable of being launched while the Stand-by vessel (SBV) is under way, and be capable of at least 20 knots in average sea states.

2.7 Fast Rescue Craft launching and recovery

A rapid launching facility for FRCs should be installed, so that the FRC can be put into the water with engine running as soon as the crew is ready. Consideration should be given to the need to recover an FRC with a badly injured survivor who would be endangered by conventional recovery.