1 INTRODUCTION
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.1079(28) – Recommendations for the Training and Certification of Personnel on Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs) – (Adopted on 4 December 2013) - Appendix 1 – Guidance on Drills and Exercises - 1 INTRODUCTION

1 INTRODUCTION

  1.1 This Guidance is offered to aid in the development of an effective programme of drills and exercises for training and assessment of basic offshore emergency response. Drills and exercises are a primary means of testing and maintaining the emergency response arrangements of a mobile offshore MOU. They also are an integral part of the system of providing basic safety training and other emergency response training to individuals and evaluating individual skills and knowledge in these areas.

  1.2 Definitions

  1.2.1 Exercise means a test of the emergency response arrangements under as near realistic conditions as possible on the MOU and involves all MOU personnel.

  1.2.2 Drill means a form of exercise which provides the opportunity to practice elements of the system. Drills are carried out under realistic conditions while allowing for instruction and training, e.g. breathing apparatus drills for the fire team, casualty handling for first aid and stretcher teams, etc.

  1.3 Drill and exercise programme

  1.3.1 The drill and exercise programme should be an integral part of the MOU's training programme. For drills and exercises that are intended to develop, maintain and assess competencies which are too risky or too complex to perform on board the MOU, e.g. lifeboat launching in rough seas, approved simulators may be used, in accordance with flag State and/or coastal State requirements. However in the absence of these, a recognized industry standard to enhance the realism of the drill and the exercise should be considered. The design of a programme of drills and exercises can be considered on four levels.

  Offshore/onshore exercises

  1.3.2 Since many MOUs rely on shore-based support during response to major emergencies, these exercises are intended to test and develop communications and relationships between the MOU and onshore emergency support teams. To maximize the benefits of such exercises, considerable coordination and planning may be required.

  1.3.3 Arrangements should be made for independent observers, i.e. persons not involved in the actual exercise, to monitor both the offshore and onshore elements of the exercise and provide objective assessment and feedback.

  1.3.4 Offshore/onshore exercises should be held at such intervals as to allow each OIM to participate in at least one such exercise every three years, i.e. the nominal frequency should be approximately an 18-month interval.

  Offshore exercises

  1.3.5 These exercises are intended to test and develop communications and relationships for those on board the MOU and for the MOU's emergency support teams. They are also used to test and develop integrated emergency response arrangements for MOUs engaged in combined operations.

  1.3.6 When possible, arrangements should be made for independent observers, i.e. persons not involved in the actual exercise, to monitor the exercise and provide objective assessment and feedback.

  Routine drills

  1.3.7 A programme of routine drills is established to provide systematic practical training and experience in the elements of basic offshore emergency response. The programme should ensure that all the elements of required individual and team competence in basic offshore emergency preparedness training are regularly tested. Various elements can be tested during a drill.

  1.3.8 Consideration should also be given to carrying out drills in order to provide training and heighten awareness prior to conducting non-routine or hazardous operations.

  Assessment drills

  1.3.9 A programme of assessment drills should be specifically established to provide for periodic and systematic demonstration of individual competence in the elements of basic safety training. Other elements of emergency response as may be determined to be appropriate for the MOU may also be assessed.

  1.4 Evaluation and assessment

  1.4.1 Assessors should be assigned for each exercise and drill. If practicable, assessors should not be active participants in the drill or exercise, so that they can dedicate their time and attention to training and assessment.

  1.4.2 All assessors should:

  • .1 have an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of the competence to be assessed;

  • .2 be qualified in the tasks for which the assessment is being made; and

  • .3 have received appropriate guidance in assessment methods and practice and have gained practical assessment experience.

  1.4.3 Arrangements should be made periodically which permit the OIM, PIC or other supervisors, to be released from their normal emergency response role to monitor the key aspects of the MOU's drills.

  1.4.4 As a matter of routine, personnel with key emergency response roles should monitor the performance in their areas and ensure that appropriate action is taken to resolve any problems which are identified.

  1.4.5 Drills should be structured so as to also demonstrate that associated emergency appliances and equipment are complete, in good working order and ready for immediate use.

  1.4.6 A debriefing should be held after each drill exercise for training purposes and to assist in the overall assessment and evaluation.

  1.5 Records and follow-up

  1.5.1 Records, similar to the samples provided in attachment 1, should be maintained, describing the scope of all drills which are conducted. More detailed reports may be appropriate for exercises.

  1.5.2 Records should include any recommendations for improvements or modification which were identified with respect to emergency procedures, drill or exercise procedures, or equipment.

  1.5.3 A record, similar to the sample provided in attachment 2, should be maintained of all assessment drills. When assessment drills are completed, suitable endorsements should also be made in individuals' training record books, training passports or other appropriate records.

  1.5.4 A system should be established to ensure that all recommendations are properly considered and appropriate action taken.

  1.6 Special precautions

  1.6.1 For MOUs that may be working with open wells, the status of the well and the safety of well operations should be given special consideration.

  1.6.2 For MOUs involved in combined operations, the effect of the drill or exercise on the other MOU or facility should be considered. Nevertheless, the development of drill and exercise scenarios addressing combined operations is encouraged.

Parent topic: Appendix 1 – Guidance on Drills and Exercises
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