Code No: 742
Video Running Time: 24 minutes
Offshore anchor handling is a specialised operation. Due to the
economic pressures always associated with drilling rig operations,
anchor handling always has an element of urgency attached to it.
This presents a number of safety issues that are described in this
training package comprising a video and booklet.
Weather is the first consideration when a rig move is planned.
The charterer's Marine Representative looks for a weather
window to allow the entire operation, once started, to be
completed. This aspect has variable significance in different parts
of the world, but the North Sea is a particularly sensitive one.
The anchor-handling vessel must be prepared for the job and the
master expects to have an advance copy of the Rig Movement
Procedure. The officers on board check that they have all the
chains and wire ropes required, as well as all the equipment and
supplies that will be needed during the rig movement. If possible
the Marine Representative should visit the ship's officers to
discuss the job prior to departure.
The master describes the job to all concerned and conducts a
risk assessment exercise relating to each operational detail. In
turn the officers hold 'tool box' risk assessments with the
deck crew to ensure that everyone understands what is involved,
what risks are present and what safety measures are needed to
reduce these to a minimum. Once on station, inside the 500 metre
zone, a suitable time is agreed for starting the job. The vessel
has to position itself very close to the rig and wind, currents and
sea state are critical factors if the job is to be done safely. A
communication link is established between the Marine Representative
on the rig and the ship's master to enable frequent
communication during each phase of the operation, whether lifting
the anchor or placing it on the seabed.
The package emphasises the importance of good preparation,
detailed knowledge of the job, continuous risk assessment and a
methodical execution of each phase of the operation. These are the
bases of a successful operation.
