The Role of Environmental Inspections in Offshore Rig Integrity
In today’s offshore energy landscape, environmental responsibility is more than a regulatory requirement, it’s a core component of operational excellence.
At ABL, we understand that preventing unplanned discharges and ensuring compliance with environmental standards is critical to protecting our oceans and sustaining industry reputation.
In this blog, Billy McBain, a seasoned Rig Inspector with over 14 years of experience, shares insights into the purpose, process, and value of Environmental Inspections in offshore drilling operations.
What is an Environmental Inspection?
A thorough Environmental Inspection provides Operators with assurance that a Drilling Contractor’s environmental policies, procedures, routines, and contingency plans are robust and effective. These inspections can be conducted as part of a full Rig Inspection or as a standalone scope.
Pre-Inspection preparation
Before stepping onboard, Inspectors often visit the Drilling Contractor’s onshore offices. This allows for early engagement with key personnel and a preliminary review of documentation, policies, and procedures.
ISO 14001 and Environmental Management Systems
Some Drilling Contractors and their rigs are certified to ISO 14001 standards, while others align their systems with its principles. Either way, this signals a commitment to environmental protection, pollution prevention, and continuous improvement. Inspectors assess how these commitments are implemented in practice.
Reviewing Environmental Aspects and Impacts
Effective environmental leadership and communication onboard are essential. Inspectors evaluate how well environmental information is shared and understood by the crew, and whether awareness of environmental risks is embedded in daily operations.
A key part of the inspection involves reviewing the Environmental Aspects & Impacts Register. A strong register considers normal, abnormal, and emergency operations. Inspectors also assess the effectiveness of Environmental Committees or ‘Green Teams’.
Documentation and Compliance Checks
Inspectors review a wide range of documentation and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and industry best practices, including:
- SOPEP / OPEP
- Spill Response Plans
- Discharge records
- COSHH practices
- Chemical handling
- SECE maintenance records
- Mud system integrity
- Fuel and fluid transfers
- Waste management
- Emissions tracking
Example image from inspection
Onboard Observations and Visual Inspections
Where possible, Inspectors observe live operations such as fuel bunkering. They also conduct visual inspections of key areas and systems, including:
- Drill floor and drainage
- Mud systems and storage
- Engine rooms and machinery spaces
- Deck areas and spill kits
- Waste streams and containment
- 3rd party equipment (e.g., ROVs, cement units)
By the end of the Inspection Period, as well as checking compliance, the Inspector will have a good overall feel for whether the rig or is capable of acting in an environmentally responsible manner.
Common Findings and Lessons Learned
During recent Environmental Inspections on various types of rigs operating both within the UKCS and internationally, a number of issues which breached regulations / best practices, or had the potential to lead to unplanned discharges to the Environment, included the following:
- Dry cement discharged overboard
- Unsecured mud pit dump valves
- Corroded bulk transfer lines
- Poor chemical storage
- Aged or damaged hydraulic hoses
- Outdated Environmental Registers
- Non-compliance with F-Gas regulations
Example image from inspection
These findings highlight the importance of regular, thorough inspections to identify and rectify potential environmental risks before they escalate.
Conclusion
Environmental Inspections are a vital tool in ensuring offshore rigs operate responsibly and in line with both regulatory and industry expectations. They not only help identify risks but also promote a culture of continuous improvement and environmental stewardship. With experienced Inspectors like Billy McBain, ABL supports Operators in maintaining high environmental standards across their assets.
Learn More About Our Rig Inspection Services
Want to ensure your offshore operations meet the highest environmental standards? Learn how our experts can support your environmental compliance and operational excellence: