Call for offshore verification to move with the times

The organisation is piloting a new verification approach that utilises digital technologies, particularly data mining techniques and smart software that were not available 30 years ago when verification was first introduced to the UK.

DNV GL believes that this approach will improve the benefits contributed by the independent verifiers to offshore safety by taking a more focused approach towards assessing management of risks without increasing cost to the duty holder and while more effectively meeting the intent of the current legislation. 

Several North Sea operators have been working closely with DNV GL to review how the verifier can improve its contribution to the management of offshore safety. 

Jack Downie, Head of Development and Innovation, UK Verification Services at DNV GL and author of the paper, said: “Through discussion with many duty holders, we know that there is a common understanding that the current verification system has not evolved in line with industry’s new reality. 

“Much has changed in the last 30 years; our collective understanding of major accident hazards and the contribution made by safety and environmental critical plant and equipment has improved, safe systems of work are more advanced, computerised maintenance management systems have developed and offshore communication and technology is unrecognisable compared to the 1990s.

“Our paper at SPE Offshore Europe will present a critical review of the verifier role and whether it still meets the original intent of the process that was created by Lord Cullen through the Safety Case Regulations (1996).”

The paper will give examples of deficiencies in the current verification system and launch DNV GL’s proposed more efficient and encompassing service which follows the principles of process safety and will ensure that the verifier is looking at the right risks at the right time.

The aim of this new approach is to enhance the ability of the verifier, and therefore the duty holder, to visualise signals of deterioration in performance of their hazard management.

DNV GL is to hold workshops with duty holders over the next few months and begin pilot assessments early in 2020 where technical results will be compared directly with traditional methods. The offshore workforce will be engaged through offshore meetings and requests for feedback.

The DNV GL paper ‘Next Generation Verification of Offshore Assets’ will be presented on Tuesday 3rd September at 15:30hrs at SPE Offshore Europe being held for the first time at P&J Live, Aberdeen's new £333 million state-of-the-art event complex.

The conference programme includes a three parallel stream technical conference with 75 technical papers and a two stream keynote programme with more than 70 senior executives discussing key industry issues in 12 two hour sessions.