The Contingency Organisation
Bases
NOFO has 5 bases along the Norwegian coast. The location of the bases is such that any oil field in Norwegian waters can be reached within the stipulated response time and with enough equipment to satisfy the guidelines for recovered volume.
Oil Recovery Vessels
The oil recovery vessels are standard offshore supply vessels which have been modified to accommodate both the necessary equipment and the recovered oil. All the members have signed a separate “vessel agreement” which makes it possible for NOFO to incorporate any suitable vessel in to the contingency organisation. (The requirements for modifying a supply vessel for oil recovery operations can be obtained from the speaker).
Towing Vessels
The fleet of towing vessels are modified offshore fishing vessels which are under contract to NOFO. They operate as ordinary fishing vessels but have to stay close enough to the coast to meet the required response time.
Contingency Personnel
The contingency personnel who operate the equipment during an emergency are employed by different companies along the Norwegian coast. NOFO has agreements with its employers who give NOFO the right to summon the personnel in case of an emergency and further for necessary training and exercises.
On Scene Commanders
NOFO has available a group of trained on-scene commanders. All participants in the group are employed by members of NOFO. They get necessary time off from their normal duties for training and exercises. Furthermore, they are on a roster and one of them is on dutyat all times.
Tank Vessels
For the disposal of large amounts of recovered oil, NOFO has agreements with the company that operates mostof the shuttle tankers which serve the Norwegian oil industry.
Remote Sensing / Surveillance
In order to carry out efficient operations at night, NOFO has the following surveillance systems available:
- Aerostatic surveillance with infra-red camera
- Surveillance plane (available through the Norwegian authorities) with Side Looking Airborne Radar andinfra-red and ultraviolet scanners.
- Helicopter home infra-red cameras where the images are transmitted to the bridge on the oil recovery vessels
B. Offshore Oil Recovery Operation including Effective Measures to Prevent Oil Spill Drift fromReaching the Shore
Norwegian regulations relating to emergency preparedness in the petroleum activities reads as follows: “The emergency preparedness relating to acute oil pollution shall ensure that any acute oil pollution resulting from activities under the Petroleum Act is effectively collected near the source of discharge as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the emergency preparedness shall ensure effective limitation of acute oil pollution threatening the coastline”
Offshore oil recovery operations require relatively large vessels and heavy equipment which is suitable for the varying weather conditions in open waters. In order to achieve the highest efficiency possible it is important for offshore recovery units to be as self-sufficient as possible. This includes:
- Ample stock of spare parts.
- Personnel who are trained in repairing the equipment in the field. Ideally the same personnel who perform routine maintenance should also operate the equipment in the field. This to ensure good familiarity with the equipment.
- Ample stock of protective clothing and other necessary gear for personnel who come in contact with crude oil.
- The recovery vessels need large enough tank capacity to operate until tank vessels reach the operations area.
- If damages occurs that field repairs cannot rectify, as much spare equipment as possible should be available.
- Offshore operations should as far as possible be pre-planned and described in the contingency manual
