VDRs for Offshore Platforms

[Old Bakelite]

As is so often the sad norm, it takes blood to write regulations that improve safety.

In the wake of the latest maritime tragedy on the Deepwater Horizon, I wonder if some sort of Offshore Platform Data Recorder, similar to the VDR for commercial vessels, might be considered useful technology for the future.

Naturally the investigation has a very long way to go to get to the root cause, and confirm or otherwise the endless speculation, but it will be interesting to see the final report and what results.

My own personal, and often cynical, opinion of the VDR is that it is useful and is there for all the right reasons. However, when you peel back the onion all the way, I am not convinced that the lawyers and insurance companies are truly in favor. Sometimes (like nearly all the times!), it is better if they do not know the real cause of an incident, and so can wriggle off the hook.

I guess there are similarities to the fact that not one of us would agree to having a recording device in our cars. If for example, an accident is caused by going over the posted speed limit, then the insurance company has a "get out of jail free" card and the lawyer has no one to sue.

[Marc0]

The original idea for VDRs was a good one, however implementation has not met expectations. This is because there is no standard for VDR recording, playback, or downloading. There is no requirement for hydrostatic release for a VDR data capsule. In addition, most VDRs store the data for a limited amountof time, so data must be retrieved quickly after an accident.

As a result, most investigating bodies are able to make only limited use of VDR data. Even when the data is retrieved, playback is problematic for the investigator. The data can only be played by proprietary software from the manufacturer. The manufacturer has no obligation to provide the software to the invstigator. Even when the software is provided, it may not function properly. The playback problem occurs for every different type, model, make of VDR, the process must be repeated for each incident.

In addition, in accidents where a vessel sinks, the VDR data is often not retrievable, unless there is a hydrostatically released data capsule, which may not operate properly. In extreme cases of fire or explosion the VDR capsule is destroyed, even though the material is hardened. Many people think of aviation data recorders that survive crashes. In the maritime context the capsule may be exposed to many hours of fire and heat that can be intense enough to melt steel. If the Deepsea Horizon had some kind of data recorder, the data would probably not have survived the fire.

VDR's are likely not that much of a problem for the USCG or the NTSB, but others do encounter problems.

Point is that the current problems with VDRs should be straghtened out before expanding the requirement to rigs.

[injunear]

Point is that the current problems with VDRs should be straghtened out before expanding the requirement to rigs.

Common sense be damned. Get ready for the mad scramble of politicians to weigh in without a clue.

[Old Bakelite]

Point is that the current problems with VDRs should be straightened out before expanding the requirement to rigs.

I do not necessarily agree with waiting for the maritime industry to sort out its VDR issues. Times have changed and technology has changed. Take the opportunity to learn where the maritime VDR has gone wrong and look at what could work specifically for the offshore industry...if anything.

[Old Bakelite]

...Get ready for the mad scramble of politicians to weigh in without a clue.

The perfect chance then for Industry to lead by example?

[Marc0]

I do not necessarily agree with waiting for the maritime industry to sort out its VDR issues. Times have changed and technology has changed. Take the opportunity to learn where the maritime VDR has gone wrong and look at what could work specifically for the offshore industry...if anything.

MODU's like the Deepsea Horizon are part of the maritime industry and are regulated by the IMO, Flag States, and Coastal States, just like other vessels. The regulations themselves differ somewhat.

I'm not saying that data recorders should not be placed aboard rigs, just that it should be done right and not rushed into. Actually, I'm not sure, but self-propelled MODU's may already be required to have VDRs. VDR's are required by SOLAS Chapter 5 and the MODU Code does refer to SOLAS Chapter 5 in a number of places.

If a requirement fo data recorders were imposed right away, it would most likely be an extension of the current IMO standards and requirements for VDRs to MODUs.

In addition to the technical issues with VDRs, there are many legal issues that should be fixed. Ownership of the VDR data is one. VDR data should be owned by the Flag State. The Flag State should be required to share all VDR data with other States participating in the investigation. VDR data should be required to be kept confidential, except as needed to support the conclusions of investigation reports or as evidence in criminal trials. Currently VDR data is owned by the vessel owner and is not required to be shared among investigating States. Ownership of the data by the vessel owner means that the data can be subpoenaed for use in civil litigation. I believe that if the data were owned by the Flag State it would be kept out of civil litigation.

The utility of data recorders on MODU's would also be somewhat questionable. Aside from Deepsea Horizon, there are not many serious casualties invloving MODUs.

[Old Bakelite]

... Aside from Deep[water] Horizon, there are not many serious casualties invloving MODUs.

And I truly hope that continues to be the case. Estonia unfortunately was not the last of the ferry (or other), incidents, and equally unfortunately, VDR does not mean incidents will no longer happen.

Granted the VDR is really designed for bridge operations for when you take to the land or hit something, but the offshore platform needs monitoring and recording of a different kind. Whether MODU or bolted to the sea floor, an Offshore Platform Data Recorder would be different to the VDR as we know it. Perhaps tarring it with the VDR brush gives this topic a negative impact from the get go, because let's face it, apart from the VDR manufacturers and installers/recertifiers, who else is really all that in favor of them anyway?

I guess if the MODU is self propelled then maybe it has to meet the SOLAS regs and offshore regs...so probably down by the head with safety features and equipment.

[Orniphobe]

In the wake of the latest maritime tragedy on the Deepwater Horizon, I wonder if some sort of Offshore Platform Data Recorder, similar to the VDR for commercial vessels, might be considered useful technology for the future.

The Deepewater Horizon was required to have a VDR. It was located on the elevator shaft, behind the bridge. I don't see it in the later pictures, it must have burnt.

I'm not sure what you meant by offshore platform. The Deepwater Horizon is a self-propelled MODU. The VDR was required. DP MODU's usually also have a DP Logger and VMS "History Station." Does anybody know if production facilities like Thunderhorse, Ursa, Nakika have VDR? I notice some have AIS, some don't.

[cmjeff]

The Deepwater Horizon was required to have a VDR.

Yes but the VDR is only required to record navigational equipment and bridge microphone recordings. It is not required (but I'm willing to bet this changes soon) to record drilling equipment or record audio from the driller's cabin so it would be of limited use to investigators of this incident.

Has anyone seen a VDR that records drilling activities? I know some company's use live feeds (with no audio) but this is subject to an active satellite link.

[Old Bakelite]

...I'm not sure what you meant by offshore platform.

I am not sure I did either! And please excuse my ignorance. My only experience of these things was trying not to hit them in the North Sea, especially when they turned up before the chart corrections did!

I guess my first mistake was making any reference to VDR and all the dirty laundry that comes with that topic.

So if a drilling "thing" can move itself, then it is a vessel and has to follow vessel rules...SOLAS, VDR, GMDSS etc.

When it parks to do drilling and attaches itself to the ground, with some drill bits and tubes, it must turn into a drilling platform of some sort....it is not technically an "anchored" vessel, or is it? If so, then it must now follow some sort of drilling rig code and so I just [naively] lumped it in with all the other platforms that are fixed to the sea floor in some way, either drilling or producing or whatever they do....that is what I meant by "offshore platform".

[Orniphobe]

The client, cementers, subsea hands all have some sort of recorder or event printer. Some is live fed to Town. Nothing like a VDR that you could recover after an incident though and no audio that I know of. I just know I was hit on an audit because our times weren't synch'd with the DP logger.

There must be some BCO's on here. Do the fixed floating production facilities have VDR?

[Marc0]

So if a drilling "thing" can move itself, then it is a vessel and has to follow vessel rules...SOLAS, VDR, GMDSS etc.

SOLAS V does apply to all vessels on all voyages, so you're right that the VDR is required. All other navigational equipment in SOLAS V would also be required. For all MODU's. GMDSS only applies because the MODU Code says SOLAS IV applies. SOLAS I, XI-1 (ISM), and XI-2 (ISPS) only apply if engaged on an international voyage.

Just because it's a vessel doesn't mean all the same rules apply.

[Old Bakelite]

...Just because it's a vessel doesn't mean all the same rules apply.

Right...so clear as mud then!

New questions: Once this SOLAS I, IV and V vessel is on site and doing its oil business, do the Mates still keep "navigational" watches on the bridge? Is the Captain still the Captain?

[Marc0]

Generally (this is for minimum required manning) the Master is required to be licensed while a MODU is in transit. On station, a Master or OIM is required. Non-propelled MODUs are not necessarily required to have mates at all. Self-propelled MODUs would be required to have 2 mates while in transit. On station the mates may be barge supervisor or ballast control operator. On some non-propelled MODU's, the only required position is Master / OIM.

If the MODU is kept on station by DP, DP operators would be needed, but are not actually required. There is no formal licensing or endorsement for DP operator yet.

So, no on station, navigational watches do not need to be maintained. The "captain" may be an unlicensed OIM, but maybe he gets called Captain Joe anyway?