The following summarises the points covered at the March meetings of both EPOL and OREEF. Should you have any queries on the content, please contact us through OEER.
EPOL
- The EPOL website has now been included on the new OEER website, created by OEUK, who will maintain and update it as required. A summary of each EPOL meeting will be placed on the website, and full minutes sent to EPOL members.
- It was proposed to resurrect the former media subgroup to look at reviewing the media guidelines and wider preparedness and exercise coordination.
- It was proposed to establish a subgroup to explore the implications and practicalities of dealing with acute psychiatric emergencies offshore with reference to the guidance for this, which is also due for review by the Topside Medical Forum.
- HMCG has added a second phoneline for topside doctors to contact them about medical evacuations, for additional resilience.
- It was proposed that the EPOL group consider whether to include a disclaimer in their guidance – this will be subject to further discussion at the next meeting.
- OPRED provided feedback from their 2024 Tier 3 exercises, with accompanying slides.
- The OPRED Oil Pollution Emergency Plan guidance will be updated this year
- OEUK held a workshop in Jan 2025 to explore industry issues related to the activation of Severe Weather Action Plans (SWAP) simultaneously by multiple operators during a severe weather episode. It appears there could be challenges around mass downmanning/evacuation due to the high demand for helicopters, vessels and emergency response consultants by different operators all at once. OEUK will undertake further industry liaison to assess and address this, and it was proposed that an EPOL-led exercise is planned for multiple operators to further test the response.
- OEUK held a workshop in Jan 2025 on the subject of big persons offshore to address safety issues. Now exploring the feasibility of introducing a safe weight limit for those working in relevant roles offshore.
- It was proposed to update the EPOL website with contacts for reporting incidents and with a link to obtain the offshore security guidance.
- Police Scotland recently delivered their redesigned ILO course to officers in Nov 2024 and will hold their next ILO course on 26-29 May 2025. A summary was also provided of recent offshore deaths and emergencies involving Police, and statistics were provided of the EILU’s exercising and training activities in 2025.
- Discussion took place on the potential risk of drugs and drug-users travelling offshore, and relevant screening methods used to help prevent this. The transport of prescribed medication offshore was also discussed and it was noted there is a move to standardise the method of carrying medication during flights.
- The OEUK Security Committee have reviewed and published their 3 security guides and are organising an offshore security and resilience conference on 30 April 2025.
- Guidance on drone sightings will be prepared for inclusion on the EPOL website.
- The next EPOL meeting will be on Wed 4 June 2025, hosted by Boskalis
OREEF
- Roy Dickson indicated his intention to pass on the role of chairperson of the group with the current vice chair, Sarah Bray, likely to take his place. Discussion regarding a replacement vice chair.
- Positive conversation regarding learning and feedback following recent incidents took place.
- HM Coastguard noted good practice and communications during incidents although noted the importance of marine coordination teams having relevant telephone numbers of all assets working on site, including visiting ones e.g. jack-ups.
- Weight restrictions on SAR helicopters was raised and highlighted as a consideration for industry, where individuals may be in excess of 125kgs.
- Police discussing options for pooling resources across the country to provide an offshore trained cadre of officers.
- Recent HSE letters were discussed, including the Sheriff’s Recommendations to Industry following an onshore wind fatality, Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels – HSE and Generator Room Heavy Metal Dust Build Up – Potential for Health Risk.
- Extensive discussion took place regarding a proposal from Gibb Medical and Rescue on emergency medical provisions and SAR and highlighted the requirement for further assessment on risks.
- Prometheus Medical provided an overview of their capabilities and recommendations for industry, as part of the guest presentation agenda item.
Working group updates
- Website – now complete www.oeer.uk
- Environmental – work to create guidance/template for Marine Pollution Contingency Plans
- Performance standards – ToR agreed and first meeting scheduled.
- Beacons – guidance written and soon to be circulated to OREEF group for comment
- TRIREX – Planning for Exercises Albert (April) and Blyth (June) well underway. Blyth expected to be larger than anything attempted before within the industry.
AOB points
- G+ guidance on immersion suits to be reviewed regarding water temperature
- Benefits of post trauma emotional support discussed
- OREEF communications plan to be developed
- New non-profit organisation, IASARC, with likely benefit and interest to industry