The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), the trade body for the oil industry, has published the second edition of its Guidelines on the Marine Assessment of F(P)SOs
The publication is a complete framework for assessing floating (production) storage and offloading (F(P)SO) marine sections against international legislation and best practice in the industry. It may also complement any other internal assessments that the F(P)SO operating company may carry out as part of its auditing process.
The main body of the publication consists of 12 questionnaires and relevant guidance, each covering a different part of F(P)SO.
These include marine interfaces and how they relate to areas such as topside production, turret mooring, subsea systems, hydrocarbon offtake systems, pilots, vessel support operators and local authorities. Four appendices look at the documents supporting the assessment process.
“This new edition of a key OCIMF publication addresses the full range of marine activities associated with F(P)SO operations,” said OCIMF Director Rob Drysdale.
“It is a thorough, self-contained and user-friendly piece of guidance that can help assessors judge how far an operation complies with the appropriate legislation and accepted the best practice. As always, the ultimate objective is to help ensure the safe, effective and efficient operation of these vital facilities,” he added.
Guidelines on the Marine Assessment of F(P)SOs is part of a wide body of guidance and practice codes concerned with identifying, assessing and controlling the risks associated with F(P)SO operations.
OCIMF’s International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) remains the vital reference, while other organisations such as Oil & Gas UK provide further recommendations. Some F(P)SO facilities may operate under national guidelines that take precedence.
