(73c) “Bridging SEMS Between the Owner, Operator, and Contractor”

As of November 2011, offshore platforms have been required to develop and implement a Safety and Environmental Management (SEMS) Program. The offshore industry has many unique challenges that their onshore counterparts have not had to face. One of the biggest challenges facing the offshore industry is the various organizations involved. In addition to the challenges of managing and enforcing the exchange between the owners and designated operator; there are often many contractors who lead various specialty operations and proprietary equipment/processes.  Determining the individual with the sole responsibility, determining which companies' SEMS program to enforce, the high level of communication required between all of the entities, and the meticulous bridging of documents are just a few of the challenges facing these complicated relationships.

This intent of the presentation will be to outline the common challenges that have been discovered during the time leading up to the November deadline. How to tackle these challenges moving forward, including practical solutions and areas of concern to look out for.