Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs) - Their need, role, design and operational features

This publication is a comprehensive introduction to emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRVs). It opens with several case studies that highlight the important work carried out by ERRVs, before going on to look at:

• the regulations and guidance that underpin ERRV operations (both regional and international)
• ERRV design features, systems and equipment
• training, familiarisation and manning (including onboard drills)
• ERRV operations
• emergency response and rescue (including the launch and recovery of rescue craft).

The importance of the emergency response and rescue vessel (ERRV) within the marine

industry is often overlooked. This may be due to the fact that the role of the ERRV can

appear to be limited to standby duties and emergency situations.

However, the ERRV is a vessel that is actually utilised for many varied tasks associated

both with work on board the installation to which it is assigned and within the general

offshore environment. An ERRV may be required to perform routine standby duties during

overside work from the installation or during helicopter landing and take-off operations, to perform in-field transfers or be assigned collision avoidance duties. All of these tasks require specific skills, training and levels of competence unique to the vessel type. Training, drills and exercises are, therefore, a major part of life on board an ERRV, and the roles on board demand a level of competence that is routinely and continually tested and assessed.

Routine operations may be performed in harsh weather conditions and the vessels must

maintain station twenty four hours a day. Unlike other offshore support vessels, such as dive support vessels, platform supply vessels or anchor handling vessels, the ERRV is a constant presence at offshore platforms, semi-submersible drilling rigs and jack-ups. There is no respite from its duties and the vessel and crew must remain diligent, alert and in a constant state of readiness.

Introduction

Foreword

About the Author

Acknowledgements

1. Incidents and Casualties

2. Regulations and Guidance

3. ERRV Design Features

4. ERRV Systems and Equipment

5. ERRV Manning, Familiarisation and Training

6. ERRV Operations

7. Emergency Response and Rescue Operations

WPGL

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.

Gary Ritchie

Gary Ritchie is currently the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO) for the Subsea 7 fleet. After beginning his career serving on board bulk and container vessels, he transferred to the offshore industry, where his previous experience includes the roles of marine superintendent and marine compliance engineer.