In the high-stakes world of offshore subsea operations, strength in collaboration between Maritime Industry service providers, Oil & Gas Industry EPCI contractors and operators is essential to safe and efficient operations.
But when these two industries come together, they bring different safety cultures, standards, and expectations which can create real challenges, particularly in relation to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) performance.
As an example, here are 5 key HSE issues that often arise in joint offshore projects:
1. Differing Safety Cultures
Oil & Gas organisations typically enforce rigorous, process-heavy Control of Work practices, HSE & Risk Management systems, while Maritime crews may rely on compliance with a comprehensive range of international, national, and regional regulations e.g., International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and national maritime laws. Misalignment in standards can lead to confusion and inconsistent practices offshore.
2. Communication & Interface Risks
Multiple parties e.g., ROV teams, Diving, and vessel marine crew must operate in sync. Without a shared HSE language and clear lines of authority, risks can become amplified.
3. Emergency Response Gaps
Diving incidents, equipment failures, or spills require immediate action. But conflicting emergency protocols between vessel operators and project owners can delay response.
4. Environmental Accountability
Who’s responsible for waste, discharges, or ESG compliance? Without clearly defined roles, environmental risks can fall through the cracks.
5. Workforce Integration
Mixed crews mean varied training, PPE standards, and sometimes language barriers; all of which can reduce situational awareness and increase risk.
💡 Takeaway:
In offshore operations, shared risk demands shared responsibility. HSE success depends on early alignment, cross-training, open communication, bridging arrangements, technical assurance, and intentional efforts by Leadership to establish unified safety culture.
What’s your experience?
Have you encountered HSE challenges in cross-industry offshore projects? How did you overcome them?
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