Transocean has applied for an Acknowledgement of Compliance (AoC) for Transocean Norge.

In connection with an AoC application, the PSA conducts audits within selected specialist domains. On 17 and 18 June 2019, we carried out an audit of emergency preparedness on board Transocean Norge while it was lying in the Oslo Fjord. This was a follow-up to the audit conducted from 22 to 25 January 2019 at the Sembcorp Marine Ltd shipyard in Singapore.

During the audit, the facility was in the process of being prepared for operation on the NCS. The facility is owned and operated by Transocean. Transocean Norge is a semi-submersible facility of the Moss CS60 design.

Objective

The objective of the audit was to follow up a report on emergency preparedness subsequent to the AoC verification conducted at the Singapore shipyard from 22 to 25 January 2019, and to verify the facility’s technical condition and relevant parts of the management system in order to monitor compliance with the requirements of the petroleum regulations.

Result

Non-conformities were identified relating to:

  • Emergency response equipment
  • Lifeboats

One improvement point was identified concerning systematic emergency preparedness training.

What happens now?

We have asked Transocean to report on how the ow the non-conformities will be addressed. We have also asked the company for an assessment of the improvement point we observed, by 9 August 2019.

For us to issue an AoC, all known safety-critical non-conformities must be rectified and the facility must have been issued with maritime certificates from the relevant flag state.

What is an Acknowledgement of Compliance?

An Acknowledgement of Compliance (AoC) is a statement from us expressing the authorities' confidence that petroleum activities can be performed by a mobile facility in compliance with the regulations.

The AoC decision is based on information provided by the applicant in an individual application. The document must cover technical aspects of the facility and the company's organisation and systems for safety management.

The details are verified by us by means of spot checks in selected areas. This is done through audits and/or by putting questions to the drilling contractor.