Main features of a blowout contingency plan shall include:
- single phone call approach from the wellsite, to activate the plan. This will allow field personnel to concentrate their efforts on personnel/equipment protection and well control;
- emergency control centre for coordination of rescue and fire fighting operations;
- emergency response teams;
- emergency response facilities;
- emergency well control equipment.
- pollution control equipment;
- specific emergency procedures.
Blowout response facilities may include:
- transport facilities;
- Multipurpose Service Vessels (MSVs);
- other specially equipped emergency response vessels (i.e. supply vessels and aircraft);
- medical facilities;
- anti pollution vessels/aircraft;
- fire fighting tenders;
- computerised information system with up-to-date positions and classifications of emergency response vessels.
8.2 Emergency procedures
Emergency procedures are defined by the environment in which the operations are taking place, such as:
- geographical area (remoteness of the location);
- onshore/offshore;
- population;
- level of government involvement;
- availability/coordination of third party assistance and medical facilities.
When emergency procedures are prepared, the following should be considered:
- ensure compliance with local regulations/legislation;
- include government interfaces;
- procedures to be linked to other formal contingency plans of Operating Company or third parties (e.g. evacuation/medical/oil spills, etc.);
- emergency planning zone;
- evacuation plans (rig site personnel and/or public);
- medical aid;
- environmental considerations;
- shutdown procedures for ignition sources;
- ignition criteria for critical sour gas wells (depending on the proximity of public facilities or community);
- disconnecting procedures for MODUs;
- closing procedures for watertight doors and hatches;
- survey accuracy;
- relief well drilling;
- BOP equipment stockpile (fire fighting/mud mixing/pumping equipment, kill manifold, capping equipment);
- SSSV and emergency shutdown systems.
8.3 Emergency response exercises
Contingency plans shall be prepared and regular emergency response exercises shall be carried out to ensure that the required emergency actions are well known by all parties that may be involved, and to test logistics and equipment.