Concerns have been raised in many sectors regarding the safety and reliability of offshore platforms. In this paper, the history of offshore operations and technology development is reviewed to demonstrate the level of platform safety achieved by industry operating under a self-verification program. Key differences between self-verification and mandatory, independent third-party verification systems are identified. The impact of third party verification on offshore development projects, particularly in the area of design, review, and inspection practices, is discussed. In conclusion, the author suggests that self verification by industry will be more effective than a third-party verification system in meeting industry's and the nation's needs for offshore development with a prudent level of platform safety.
Substantial interest and concern from many sectors are focused today on the safety and reliability of offshore platforms. Industry has always operated with a high degree of concern for platform safety; it has evidenced its concern by developing and applying the technology and practices required for design, fabrication, installation, and operation of platforms that have a high degree of structural safety even under extreme environmental loadings. Regulatory bodies, in formulating their response to these same concerns, have given considerable attention recently to independent third-party verification or certification programs. Third-party verification requirements have been established in the North Sea and other areas and have been recommended for the U. S. Outer Continental Shelf.
The industry has historically operated under a self-verification system that has served industry and the nation well. Operations under mandatory, external third-party verification systems differ substantially from those under self-verification. Effects of the differences can have strong impacts on timing, design requirements, technology development, and general practices for platform projects. These impacts are of sufficient importance to the nation's ability to develop offshore petroleum resources that they constitute a basis for deliberate caution on the part of all who are considering implementation of third-party systems.
This paper presents the views of a member of industry regarding third-party verification. First, a brief history of platform operations is given to indicate the level of structural safety and technology development achieved by the industry under a self-verification system. The paper then gives a brief exposition of the structure and key elements of verification programs. Finally, it discusses impact of third-party verification programs on offshore platform projects. Major consequences of third-party verification programs are identified.
In considering the industry's record for structural reliability, it is pertinent to review a few points germane to the history of offshore operations and technology development. These points reflect (1) the level of technology development today and over the history of platform operations, (2) applicability of present technology to new operating areas, (3) availability of technology to all operators, and (4) the level of structural safety achieved by industry.
