Assessing the human factor in offloading operations


Quantifying risks during offloading operations by the assessment of human factors has recently been the subject of a fascinating study at MARIN. Resulting in many interesting findings, the study has led MARIN to initiate a JIP as well.


ments in bridge simulators and during offloading operations.


Offloading hydrocarbons from an FPSO to a shuttle tanker comes with high risks. Whereas most research focuses on technical failure, approximately 80% of all accidents during marine and offshore activities are caused by human influences (Health and Safety Executive, 2003). In order to obtain more insight into accidents caused by the human factor, explorative research has been performed concerning FPSO-tanker offloading operations for which failure probabilities have been determined over time.


As it is reported that in up to 23% of collisions and groundings, fatigue was a causal factor (TNO, 2005), research focused on quantifying risks during FPSO-tanker offloading operations in three different watchkeeping schedules of mooring masters.


Wendie Uitterhoeve w.uitterhoeve@marin.nl 14 report


In order to obtain the most complete results possible, three different types of measure- ments have been used; physiological, subjective and performance measurements. These have been used in series measure-


This explorative research showed that 24-hour watches led to the highest failure probabili- ties, compared to 6-hour and 12-hour watches. From these findings it would be advisable to implement watchkeeping schedules with shorter shift lengths such as the above-mentioned 6 or 12-hour watches.


Though this study was of an explorative nature, it gives some great suggestions for further research both in terms of the meas- urement methodology, as well as concerning the results obtained.


In cooperation with MARIN, the research was performed by Karin van Vliet as part of her graduation research for an MSc degree in Offshore Engineering at Delft University of Technology. Due to the interesting results and the enthusiastic reactions from organi- sations involved in offloading operations, MARIN has decided to continue with this research in the Joint Industry Project OFFRISK. In order to obtain sufficient academic depth, the research will be performed as part of a PhD. The results and recommendations of the JIP should enable organisations to reduce the risks and therefore, costs of offloading operations. Participants are welcome to join the OFFRISK initiative.


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