A DAY IN THE LIFE
TYPICAL DAY
Wind Turbine Technicians depart for their daily work on the windfarm from Wells- next-the-Sea, with a winter population of 2,500 which swells to over 10,000 in the busy summer months when many people arrive to enjoy a holiday in Norfolk.
It is normal for technicians to arrive/check in half an hour prior to sailing time, to ensure the manifests are correct, that the personnel are checked in and taxis/cargo movements logged. Of course just to add to this, the port of Wells-next-the-Sea is tidal, so all these processes have to tie in the with the tide times.
On departure from the outer harbour, personnel step on board their transfer vessel, swipe their card, and are immediately logged onto the tracking system, with their locations logged in real-time on each turbine or substation they visit. They are also traced when leaving the turbines by way of swipe-cards system authorisation. The Marine Co- ordinators can then follow movements of all personnel in the field.
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications are paramount for the centre and all personnel have a licence for radio VHF use, (which is required by law). There are 5 huge screens at the centre; AIS – automatic identity system – which flag up any ships over 500 gross tonnes and any vessels at sea, within the vicinity, logging their identification and destination. Another screen shows all 88 turbines.
Trainee Marine Co-ordinator, Gary Lorimer (left) and Peter Sommerfield
Cargo arrives 2 miles from the warehouse and it is the role of the Marine Co-ordinators to liaise with the harbour authorities to ensure safety and expediency.
The vessel ‘Frank T’ – owned and managed by the Port of Wells, transfers cargo from the inner harbour in Wells to the specially constructed outer harbour and from there onto the vessel, ensuring all is loaded correctly and personnel logged who will be travelling offshore.
‘CALM, CARING & COMPASSIONATE’ LOGGING
Stringent checks and controls are paramount, and all personnel travelling are registered in the Offshore Profile system, where they record their medical and required access training certificates which verify their fitness and competence to work offshore. Once registered in the system personnel are issued with an identity card.
WEATHER MONITORING There is a secondary monitor for weather and is vital for several reasons – not only does it flag up the
vessels in the area, but also the wave swell. The situation is continuously monitored to check the swell is stable – should it increase there is a need to wait for more clement weather.
MENTOR
During the construction of the wind farm, Statoil was manager of the project. Meindert Jan van de Velde of Statoil has been Peter’s mentor, bestowing a wealth of knowledge, in short - a walking oracle. Peter worked as his deputy during the construction phase. Meindert handed over the reins to Peter in August 2012 and has now returned to Norway, although Peter says he is always on hand – should he require advice.
UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES There is always a priority to make sure there are enough vessels for personnel. This was especially paramount during the construction phase with many parallel activities offshore, however the team always take into account unforeseen circumstances e.g. vessel breakdown – on one occasion 3 such vessels were out of action at the same time!
CONTINGENCY PLANS
In those circumstances contingency plans came to the fore, therefore a well rehearsed operation was put into play and this situation was dealt with the minimum of disruption!
Peter has also had to deal with medical evacuations, ranging from toothache to chest pains. It is the Marine Co- ordinator’s role to liaise with lifeboats, coastguards and medical professionals to evacuate and ensure safe transfer to hospitals for relevant treatment, with calmness and expediency.
AIMS AND ASPIRATIONS Peter is contracted till June 2013 – he would love to remain at Sheringham Shoal, as there are so many opportunities within Scira.
Scira is a new company and the position offers a continual learning curve, is well managed and also provides facilities to enable wind farms to operate at maximum efficiency as well as fulfilling future needs.
HOBBIES
As a patriotic Welshman - he is a passionate spectator of Rugby Union! Reading, swimming and walking with his four legged friend!
3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOU? At this point Peter modestly wavered in answering this question, then a colleague graciously stepped in and quoted ‘calm, caring and compassionate’.
Three qualities essential in dealing with this busy offshore environment. Peter’s colleague also added how well respected Peter is within the company, and how they know, should they need advice, he is reliable to the end and delivers support, knowing that everything will be covered ... quite an accolade and a deserved one too.
Fliss Chaffer Wind Energy Network
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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