OIM | Offshore Installation Manager Controlling Emergencies

The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) Controlling Emergencies Standard introduces and describes the competence statements, safety training and further practice for OIMs controlling emergencies. It also explains how competence shall be assessed and certified for this role.

The OIM

OIMs or candidates for appointment to the position of OIM are likely to come from differing backgrounds and bring to the position different ranges of skills, knowledge and experience.  It is therefore not possible to identify a particular training course or series of courses which would meet the varied training needs that may be identified.

 It must be recognised that this document is only part of a broader training programme. There will also be company and installation specific emergency response training most of which will be conducted offshore as drills and exercises.

It is the responsibility of the Duty Holder to ensure the competency of the OIM Controlling Emergencies. A major factor in the judgement should be the performance of the OIM in controlling emergencies under simulated conditions according to this OPITO Standard. It is however important to note that such simulated assessments should be firmly placed in the context of the overall process employed by the Duty Holder. This process should include the Company selection, training and on the job appraisal and assessment procedures, the competence profile of the OIM or potential OIM together with the record of their past experience, particularly any experience of controlling real incidents or emergencies.

Maintaining a state of readiness

It is recommended that an individual training programme based on identified training needs should be prepared for prospective OIMs and for OIMs in position. All OIMs should receive training to enable them to undertake the control of emergencies and be deemed competent before they are appointed.

Training for the control of emergencies should include regular exercises for the OIM with their offshore emergency management team and other key personnel with specific emergency response duties. OIMs in post should participate in at least one offshore emergency exercise per annum designed to practice and test the essential functions and responsibilities associated with the emergency response role, and to test the interfaces with other relevant members of the offshore Emergency Response Team, including communication with key members of the onshore Management Team. Participation should be recorded and any improvement actions identified in conjunction with members of the Installation Emergency Management Team.

It is also advised that at least every three years, OIMs should participate in an exercise in which they are not briefed as to the content and be given feedback of their performance by a trained and independent observer.

OIM control emergencies assessment

Candidates are assessed under simulated conditions using a minimum of three and a maximum of four emergency scenarios based on the type of asset where the candidate is normally required to fulfil the OIM role as agreed and confirmed by the Duty Holder.

Evaluation of candidates will be by continuous observation of their performance during their tenure(s) as an OIM, based around a major incident chosen from each of the following Types: 

• Type A - a major emergency that is readily controllable if managed appropriately.
• Type B - a major emergency which could escalate if not controlled.
• Type C - a major emergency that the EM is unable to control leading to a full evacuation of the facility.

Realistic emergency scenarios must cover:

1. Threat to life
2. Threat to environment
3. Threat to plant and equipment

Scenarios must be based on a different major incident from the range specified below:

• Well Control Incident
• Explosion and fire
• Unignited Hydrocarbon or Toxic Gas Release
• Accommodation fire
• Helicopter incident
• Pipeline incident
• Collision or wave damage causing structural collapse
• Loss of stability (for mobile assets only)
• Foundation failure (for Jack ups)

The candidate must be assessed against all of the following events at least once across the range of incidents, using appropriate combinations for each incident:

• (a) Evacuation or abandonment of facility by air and/or sea
• (b) Injured personnel or loss of life
• (c) Missing personnel or man overboard
• (d) Loss of communication
• (e) Loss of containment
• (f) Multiple casualties
• (g) Loss of evacuation, muster points or temporary refuge
• (h) Stressed Personnel (individual ineffectiveness or mass panic)
• (i) Extreme weather conditions
• (j) Environmental concerns and effects
• (k) Loss of essential facilities
• (l) Loss of key personnel
• (m) Rapidly developing situation leading to information overload
• (n) Loss of positioning (where appropriate)

Why take a OIM controlling emergency course?

The oil and gas industry recognises that a major objective is to prevent incidents occurring and, if they do occur, to control them and minimise their effect. It is important, therefore, to set common standards and to ensure that personnel are continuously trained, assessed and re-assessed against these summaries of best practice.

It is a requirement of The Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response) Regulations 1995, that the Duty Holder appoints ‘competent persons’ to be in charge and manage an emergency should it occur on board the installation. Having OIMs assessed against the OPITO OIM Controlling Emergencies standard by an external provider as well as being part of an ongoing training and exercise program, ensures compliance with this legislation.