IMCAThe International Marine Contractors AssociationRepresents offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies.

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Incorporating AODC and DPVOAVAT Registration No: GB 653339823

Safety, Environment & Legislation

Information Note IMCA SEL 08/01 March 2001

Guidelines on Procedures forTransfer of Personnel by Basket on the UK Continental Shelf

Members will have noted from recent minutes the development of the enclosed guidelineson the above by the SEL Core Committee in conjunction with the North Sea Chapter ofthe International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC).

These guidelines are intended to aid risk assessment and the development of appropriateprocedures for the safe transfer of personnel using personnel transfer baskets.

This guidance applies to both soft rope and rigid steel baskets but is not meant to favourany particular make of personnel transfer basket. All means for personnel transfer have aunique hazard/risk profile and should be assessed separately, extending to the particularconditions on each occasion of use and the wishes of the personnel being transferred

It is stressed that these guidelines have been developed specifically for transfer operationson the UKCS and that, due to different established working arrangements in othergeographical locations, the guidelines are not viewed as being necessarily applicable forglobal application.

Those members who receive information notes in e-mail format will also receive a printedcopy of the guidelines in the next few days.

IMCA

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRILLING CONTRACTORSNorth Sea Chapter

The

CaTel: +44 (0) 20 7931 817

Inf

The information contained hereFor the avoidance of doubt no legal liab

Guidelines on Procedures for

Transfer of Personnel by Basketon the UK Continental ShelfInternational Marine Contractors AssociationIncorporating AODC and DPVOA

rlyle House, 235 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1EJ, UK1 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7931 8935 E-mail: imca@imca-int.com Website: http://www.imca-int.com

ormation Note IMCA SEL 08/01March 2001

in is given for guidance only and endeavours to reflect best industry practice.ility shall attach to any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.

Guidelines on Procedures for Transfer of Personnel by Basket

on the UK Continental Shelf

Produced jointly by the International Marine Contractors Association andInternational Association of Drilling Contractors North Sea Chapter

Introduction

These joint International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA)/International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) North SeaChapter guidelines address the transfer of personnel using personneltransfer baskets on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS)and in the territorial waters adjacent to Great Britain. They areintended to aid risk assessment and the development of appropriateprocedures for the safe transfer of personnel using personneltransfer baskets.

This guidance applies to both soft rope and rigid steel baskets but isnot meant to favour any particular make of personnel transferbasket. All means for personnel transfer have a unique hazard/riskprofile and should be assessed separately, extending to theparticular conditions on each occasion of use and the wishes of thepersonnel being transferred.

Release Revision 1 March 2001 Page 1

Guidelines on Procedures for the Transfer of Personnelby Basket on the UK Continental Shelf

1 Background

Personnel transfer from vessel to vessel, mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) oroffshore installation to vessel, MODU/vessel to worksite (including installations andjackets not equipped with a helideck) has been successfully carried out usingpersonnel transfer baskets in many operating locales over a number of years.

The number of recorded incidents with this type of transfer is low. However it isimportant that when using this mode of transfer correct risk assessment proceduresexist and are followed. Establishing policies and following set procedures, safetyguidelines, and risk assessments will further reduce the risks involved.

This document sets out guidelines on the use of such personnel baskets to transferpersonnel.

2 Use of Personnel Basket Transfer

The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) of an installation/MODU and /or the masterof a vessel might decide to use a personnel transfer basket for the transfer of people incases where the use of other means of transferring people is impractical or less safeand where the requirements set out in these guidelines are followed.

It is inappropriate to use personnel baskets for the purpose of routine crew changes inthe open sea when other methods of transfer are available. The normal method usedto effect crew changes in the open stretches of the North Sea to/fromvessels/installations/MODUs fitted with helidecks would be by helicopter transfer.However for the transfer of personnel to/from locations which are subject to motion(e.g. vessels/MODUs etc.) the use of personnel transfer baskets could be appropriateprovided the requirements set out in these guidelines are followed.

3 Transfer Methods Available

While this guideline covers personnel transfer using personnel transfer baskets to/fromvessels/installations/MODUs, alternative methods are available.

Special transfer methods can be employed such as fast rescue craft transfer andhelicopter winching, but these transfer methods are outwith the scope of theseguidelines.

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4 Risk Assessment

Before any transfer of personnel is undertaken using a transfer basket a risk assessmentshould be carried out by those knowledgeable in the use of personnel transfer baskets.The use of this type of transfer will depend on a number of factors including thenecessity of the transfer and the prevailing environmental conditions.

The following factors should be taken into consideration

i) the necessity of the transferii) alternatives available iii) the suitability of the vessel(s) to maintain stationiv) the availability of sufficient clear space both at the embarkation and landing

locations

v) the likely route of the basket during transfervi) visibilityvii) sea-state and wind speedviii) the wind speed limitations of the crane to be usedix) the wishes of the persons being transferred

When carrying out the risk assessment, the hazards associated with the basket transferto be undertaken should be considered. The risks associated with each identifiedhazard should be assessed and appropriate risk reduction methods introduced tocontrol the risks. The Step Change document Task Risk Assessment Guide, August20001, provides a useful framework for a good risk assessment.

5 Responsibilities

The duties of personnel in supervising or involved in the personnel basket transfershould be clearly defined. The people likely to involved are the OIM of theinstallation/MODU (if appropriate), the master of the vessel involved in the transfer,the crane driver/ operator, the personnel being transferred, the deck operatives at bothends of the transfer, the standby/attendant vessel/helicopter, and any other personnominated by the OIM or master to undertake specific duties.

Transfer operations are normally conducted under the appropriate permit to worksystem.

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6 Factors to be taken into Account Prior to Transfer

6.1 General Lifting Procedure

During transfer to/from an installation or vessel, it is good practice to minimisethe height of the basket above the deck (generally to a maximum of twometres) before swinging over the open sea. Consideration should also begiven to restricting the height of the basket above the open sea; this will bedependent on the prevailing sea sate.

6.2 Obstructions

Transfers should only take place when there is sufficient clear space at boththe point of embarkation and the point of landing of the basket. As part of therisk assessment, consideration should be given to the likely route of the basketto minimise the risk of the personnel striking work equipment, structures, orother objects during the transfer. A permanent basket transfer landing areacould be considered.

6.3 Weather Conditions

It is important that the prevailing and forecast weather conditions are takeninto account in planning the transfer operation. Factors to be considered arevisibility, wind and sea state and other items as featured in the installationrescue and recovery plan. Companies should give guidance on the windspeed and the sea state tolerances. The wind speed limitation on craneoperations should also be indicated.

If transfer by basket at night is necessary the transfer areas must be adequatelyilluminated.

6.4 Suitability of Vessel(s) involved in the Transfer Operation

The size, manoeuvrability and capability to maintain station of any vesselinvolved in the transfer operation should be considered. The vessels motion(pitch and roll) in the sea conditions (wave height, wave period) and speedshould be taken into account when planning the transfer operation.

6.5 Lifting Equipment

The crane used in the transfer operation should be adequate and suitable forlifting persons. Freefall or non-powered lowering should NOT be used duringpersonnel basket transfer operations.

6.6 Rigging Prior to Transfer

It is vital that the transfer basket is correctly rigged onto the crane prior totransfer and the rigging is checked. The security of all shackles, safety slingsand hooks should be checked. The crane hook pennant should be of

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sufficient length to keep the hook well clear of the personnel beingtransferred.

Tag lines are often attached to the underside of the basket to enable control ofthe swing when raising and lowering the basket. Consideration needs to begiven to the length/position of the tag lines to guard against the possibility ofthe tag lines becoming snagged.

6.7 Personnel Basket Maintenance/Testing/Inspection

The personnel basket should be in good condition at the time of use andchecked before use. The basket should be marked with its safe working load(SWL). It should be appropriately certified with a current certificate of testand/or inspection. The basket must not be operated beyond its safe workingload.

Procedures should be available setting out methods of maintenance andstorage together with instructions related to inspection before use.

6.8 Training

Personnel being transferred should have sufficient instruction and trainingbefore the transfer takes place. They should be aware of the appropriatemethod of holding on during the transfer and how to disembark safely fromthe basket on landing. If any persons are being transferred who have notpreviously been transferred by the means being used, then someone who isexperienced should accompany them.

The transfer of any person should only be undertaken with their agreement.No one should be transferred by personnel basket against his or her wishes.

A trained crane operator who has experience of transferring personnel bybasket transfer should operate the crane.

6.9 Communications

Radio communication should be established on an agreed radio frequencyand maintained during the transfer operation. Radio communication needs tobe established between the crane operator, and the persons in charge of thevessel/installation both to and from which the transfer is being undertaken.

The crane operator should have a good view of the transfer areas, thepersonnel to be transferred and the banksman/deck officer at the two transferlocations.

6.10 Briefing Prior to Transfer

All participants involved in the transfer should be briefed prior to the transferto ensure that the procedures to be followed are understood.

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7 Additional Requirements for Transfer

7.1 Survival/PPE Equipment

Depending on the geographical location of the transfer operation, personnel tobe transferred should wear life jackets and other PPE suitable for the watertemperature and sea conditions. Consideration should be given to the use of asuitable means of illumination for personnel during for night transfers.

7.2 Procedure during Transfer

The procedure to be followed will depend on the type of basket being used.Personnel being transferred should follow the manufacturers instructions,taking into account any special precautions stipulated by the installation.

The person in charge of the transfer must be familiar with the type of unitbeing used and should be satisfied that everyone is correctly positioned andready for the transfer to commence. Procedures detailing the method to beused in moving the basket (e.g. detailing height above deck, swinging overopen sea) during transfer should be available.

7.3 Rescue Arrangements

In the event of an emergency, arrangements should be in place for carryingout a rescue. Throughout the operation, a lifebuoy, boat hook, heaving lineand any other appropriate accessories should be available for use in anemergency. Where an offshore installation (or MODU) is involved in thetransfer operation, recovery arrangements should be made with the standbyvessel, helicopter, or other rescue unit as appropriate. The offshoreinstallation (MODU) should instigate the appropriate state of alert for thetransfer operation according to its evacuation, escape, and rescue plan.

7.4 Transfer of Injured Personnel

When the basket is to be used to transfer a sick or injured person, then theinjured party should be accompanied by two crew members if theconfiguration of the unit being used permits this to be done and it is safe to doso.

References

1 Task Risk Assessment Guide, August 2000Copies of the guide are available in printed form and on CD-ROM from:Step Change Support TeamTalisman House, 163 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6BZ, UKTel: +44 (0) 1224 35 2960, Fax: +44 (0) 1224 35 4960E-mail: info@stepchangeinsafety.net

Guidelines IntroductionGuidelines Cover PageIntroductionBackgroundUse of Personnel Basket TransferTransfer Methods AvailableRisk AssessmentResponsibilitiesFactors to be taken into Account Prior to TransferGeneral Lifting ProcedureObstructionsWeather ConditionsSuitability of Vessel(s) involved in the Transfer OperationLifting EquipmentRigging Prior to TransferPersonnel Basket Maintenance/Testing/InspectionTrainingCommunicationsBriefing Prior to Transfer

Additional Requirements for TransferSurvival/PPE EquipmentProcedure during TransferRescue ArrangementsTransfer of Injured Personnel