Chris Giljam’s Post

Practical tips for 5-Yearly Lifeboat Inspections in anchorage It's common for ship managers to seek for multiple services during a short anchorage stay. However, managing 5-yearly inspections of lifeboats, davits, and load tests can be challenging. While the job can be completed in 1 day, there are essential considerations for every technical superintendent when scheduling these tasks: 🔹Davits: Most importantly, have the davits operated and checked by the crew. Nothing is more annoying than having technicians, load test equipment, etc., all onboard, and the davits are not working. 🔹Divers:  If divers are operating in the area, lifeboat launching is prohibited for their safety. 🔹Bunkering or provisions delivery:  To prevent delays in lifeboat launching, schedule vessel bunkering or provision activities a day before or after the load test if they might interfere with lifeboat operations. 🔹Communication with Classification Society (CS):  Clear communication with the service company and the Classification Society is vital for load test calculations and procedures. Misunderstandings with surveyors can cause time wastage during load tests. 🔹Weather: Wait for suitable weather and sea conditions for the test, as conducting it in poor conditions can endanger the crew and potentially damage the boat. ~~~~~ I'm Chris, with 18+ years of experience in ship safety services. I can help you resolve issues with 🧯FFE/LSA, lifeboats, calibrations, or bridge electronics without any hassle. Drop me a DM to discuss. #maritime #shipsandshipping #lsa #ffe #lifeboats

Turn your 5-yearly LSA in anchorage into success. Ship managers often seek for multiple services during a short anchorage stay. While the job could finish in one day, there are important things for every technical superintendent to think about when planning these tasks: 🔹Davits:  Most importantly, have the davits operated and checked by the crew. Nothing is more annoying than having technicians, load test equipment, etc., all onboard, and the davits are NOT working. 🔹Divers:  If divers are operating in the area, lifeboat launching is PROHIBITED for their safety. 🔹Bunkering or provisions delivery:  To prevent delays schedule vessel bunkering or provision activities BEFORE or AFTER the load test if they might interfere with lifeboat operations. 🔹Communication with Classification Society (CS):  Clear communication with the service company and the Classification Society is vital for load test procedures. Misunderstandings with surveyors can cause TIME WASTAGE during load tests. 🔹Weather: Always take into account weather conditions too and avoid conditions that can endanger the crew and potentially DAMAGE the boat. What would you add from your experience? Let’s talk in the comments. ~~~~~ I’m Chris, with 18+ years of experience in ship safety services. Need assistance with 🧯🔥FFE/LSA, lifeboats, calibrations, or bridge electronics? Drop me a DM to discuss. #maritime #shipsandshipping #lsa #ffe #lifeboats

I am honestly tired of seeing constant usage of different names for the same type of vessels. It is too often when charter is asking a 24 months of experience on specific type of vessels, while having limited understanding of what abbreviations are standing for. Then charterer is passing the ball to the vessel owners, and they are subsequently to crewing agents. With all respect, I have numerous occasions when crewing agent does not have a simple knowledge of offshore vessel types. Which is subsequently were keeping myself off job for prolonged time. My dear friends, please refer to this article for a base explanation. PSV and OSV, are mostly the same type of vessels. Large OSV and MPSV, are mostly same type of vessels. Most of Large OSV are having all possibilities to conduct any operations, including Air and Saturation Diving, as all this this equipment is easily fit on a main deck, and may come in containers. With maybe only a Sat Dive is require a dedicated space for SPHL and moon pool, for a bell deployment. Please, just please, do not put people who are desperately looking for a job, in a position, when they need to prove this simple things. If Charterer is looking for a crew, let say, for a well maintenance vessel, be ready to explain that OSV, Utility, SOV, MPSV, DSV, Accommodation Vessel/Barge, are all operating in a vicinity of a platforms, and may only difirintiate off having, or not having a special gangway on board. If Charterer is looking for an AHTS crew, please, confirm if they are looking for a towing crew, otherwise, most of the vessels I have seen operated all over the world, just doung the same supply operations. Yes, special types of operations such as Diving Support, Cable/Pipe laying, Seismic survey and Well Installation Heavy Lift Vessels are super specific and require additional knowledge about operations But I have proven numerous times, if you are able to perform on Saturation Diving Vessel, when you're are in charge of Divers deployed 100 meters below water level with ROV helping them, and Subsea Crane deploying 21+ inch 100 meter long pipe over their head, you will be able to do more simple operations easily. Let's work all together to make hiring process easier, and sometimes Charterer more aware of such simple, but crucial things.

Late post survey activity: Sharing knowledge and prepping the crew for upcoming projects during our charter vessel survey. It's not just about the job, it's about professionalism and continuous improvement! #maritime #surveyvessel #crewtraining

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 As a professional diver, I've seen firsthand how crucial regular underwater inspections and maintenance are to ensuring the safety and efficiency of marine operations. Whether it's maintaining super-tankers, inspecting offshore platforms, or repairing petrochemical suction chambers, each task requires precision, skill, and a commitment to safety. 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙋𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚: 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: Implementing strict safety checks and weather analysis ensures the protection of divers and the integrity of operations. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards before they become critical issues. 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Leading a team of skilled divers in high-stress environments underscores the importance of effective communication and teamwork. Each member plays a vital role in the success of the operation. Efficiency and Reliability: Detailed inspections and timely maintenance of marine structures, such as super-tankers and offshore platforms, ensure they operate efficiently and reliably. This includes everything from cleaning propeller shafts to inspecting boat landing systems. 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Sustainable practices in underwater operations not only protect marine life but also ensure long-term operational efficiency. This involves using environmentally friendly methods and technologies during repairs and maintenance. 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲: Utilizing advanced diving techniques and tools, such as hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, allows for precise and effective underwater repairs. This technical acumen is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of marine assets. 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙄𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨❓ Regular underwater inspections and maintenance are critical to preventing costly downtimes and ensuring the longevity of marine infrastructure. They play a vital role in maritime safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we can all contribute to safer and more efficient marine operations. #UnderwaterInspections #MarineMaintenance #DivingSafety #OffshoreOperations #MarineEngineering #EnvironmentalStewardship #Teamwork #TechnicalDiving #MaritimeSafety #SustainablePractices

The Importance of Lifeboat Davit Replacement❗ In the offshore industry, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation of all operations. The well-being of our crew hinges on the robustness of our safety measures. Lifeboats, our lifelines in emergencies, dictate the maximum number of #PersonsonBoard (POB) #platforms or #FPSOs can accommodate. 🔍 Operational Readiness Affects Capacity A non-functional lifeboat system directly limits the number of personnel a facility can host. This isn’t just a safety issue; it’s a matter of operational continuity. When lifeboats are down, production can stall, emphasizing the critical nature of these systems. 🛠 Components of a Lifeboat System A lifeboat system isn’t just about the boat itself; it includes the retrieval mechanism, often a davit system. Both elements must be in top condition to ensure a swift and safe evacuation. 🔄 Why Replace Lifeboat Davits? At Conbit, we’ve seen various reasons for lifeboat davit replacement: ✅ End of Design Life: Like all equipment, davit systems have a lifespan. Replacing them upon expiry ensures reliability. ✅Inspection Failures: If a davit doesn’t pass rigorous inspections and certifications, it’s time for an upgrade. ✅Capacity Enhancement: Upgrading lifeboat systems can increase POB limits, aligning with facility expansions. By proactively replacing lifeboat davits, we not only comply with regulations but also safeguard the most valuable asset—people. One of the last #lifeboatdavit replacements we've done in the #GulfofMexico for a major operator is available through a white paper. Let me know in the comments or a personal message if you want to have it sent over to you 👇 #OffshoreSafety #LifeboatDavit #MaritimeOperations #Conbit

Dynamic Positioning Systems For many offshore operations it is necessary to keep a vessel at a fix position and heading. Traditionally this has been done using an anchor spread. Nowadays, Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems are replacing anchors. A Dynamic Positioning system is able to control the position and heading of a vessel by using thrusters that are constantly active and automatically balance the environmental forces (wind, waves, current etc.). Environmental forces tend to move the vessel off the desired position while the automatically controlled thrust balances those forces and keeps the vessel in position The main components of any DP system are the positioning system, the DP computer and the thrusters. The positioning system, usually a GPS, monitors the position of the vessel. When the vessel moves off the intended position the DP computer will calculate the required thrust which will then be applying by the thrusters in order to maintain the position of the vessel. The use of DP systems Dynamic positioning systems are typically used by offshore vessels for accurate maneuvering, for maintaining a fixed position or for track keeping (pipe/cable laying). We usually find DP systems on: Offshore drilling vessels (Drilling ships and Semi-submersibles). A Drilling vessel will use DP to remain in a fix location while drilling in deep water. Offshore support vessels: Platform supply vessels (PSVs), Well intervention vessels, Diving Support Vessels. Support vessel use DP to stay in a safe distance from offshore platforms and drilling rigs. Pipe-laying and offshore construction vessels. Pipe-laying vessels use DP for position keeping and track keeping. Dredging vessels. Suction Hopper dredgers, Rock-dumping vessels, Trenching vessels Shuttle Tankers. Shuttle tankers during offloading of FPSOs. The first DP system was installed in 1961 on the vessel ‘Eureka’. The components of a DP systems There are 5 main component in a DP systems: Control Systems. The DP control system calculates the offets between the measured values of position and heading and the required values (setpoint values). Based on the calculated offsets the control system calculated the forces that the thrusters must generate in order to reduce the errors to zero. Power generation Thrusters and propulsion Environmental reference Position and Heading reference

Smooth sailing ahead with ShipSmith's underwater hull cleaning services! Did you know that regular hull cleaning is crucial for maintaining peak fuel efficiency? Don't let your vessel lag behind! Our expert technicians are armed with state-of-the-art equipment and top-notch training to keep your ship's hull pristine, no matter the conditions. In today's fast-paced maritime industry, efficiency is key to staying ahead of the competition. That's why ShipSmith is here to ensure that your vessel operates at its absolute best. With our biannual cleaning program, you can rest assured that your ship is always performing at peak levels, contributing to your business growth and success. Navigating underwater complexities is our specialty. Our team of class-certified divers guarantees a thorough inspection of your vessel, meticulously scrutinizing every detail. We know that even the tiniest imperfection can spell trouble later on, which is why we spare no effort in our examination process. So why wait? Dive into the future of ship maintenance with ShipSmith today and experience the difference for yourself. Your vessel—and your bottom line—will thank you! #shipsmith #shiprepair #underwater #hullcleaning #inspection #survey #expert #engineers #experince #business #offerings #services #costeffective

VESSEL REVIEW: UK offshore support company NR Marine Services has taken delivery of a new catamaran crewboat built by Isle of Wight-based Diverse Marine. Named 'NR Predator', the vessel boasts a hull form that incorporates an ultra-fine entry for excellent head sea performance and tower access but with high reserves of buoyancy above the main chine. This allows for equally good following and stern quarter seakeeping performance. The new crewboat has an LOA of 27.6 metres (90.6 feet), a beam of 9.8 metres (32 feet), a draught of 2.4 metres (7.9 feet), a depth of five metres (16 feet), and space for 24 technicians and four crewmembers. A 100-square-metre (1,100-square-foot) open deck can carry two 10-foot containers or cargo totalling 30 tonnes. The open deck also has a crane and a dedicated area for dangerous goods. Diverse Marine said it worked closely with NR Marine Services, the designer, as well as operators, to refine the hull design by changing the lower chine concept and reducing hydrodynamic drag by 18 per cent at peak and 11 per cent at operational speeds. In the builder’s view, the result is a fast and efficient vessel demonstrating very low fuel consumption at higher speeds compared to similar craft, as well as high levels of turbine access availability. Full article link in comments.

Barge operations in the offshore oil and gas sector encompass a wide range of activities and functions. Here are some key aspects: 1. Transportation: Barges are used to transport personnel, equipment, supplies, and materials to and from offshore installations such as drilling rigs, production platforms, and construction sites. They can carry heavy machinery, pipes, modules, and other essential components required for offshore operations. 2. Accommodation: Some barges are equipped with living quarters to accommodate personnel working on offshore projects. These accommodation barges provide facilities such as sleeping quarters, dining areas, recreational areas, and office space, allowing workers to stay near their work sites for extended periods. 3. Support for Construction and Installation: Barges serve as platforms for construction and installation activities in offshore oil and gas fields. They provide stable working surfaces for assembling and installing equipment, structures, pipelines, and other infrastructure components. Barges equipped with cranes, winches, and other lifting equipment are particularly useful for these tasks. 4. Diving and ROV Operations: Barges support underwater activities such as diving operations and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspections. They provide a stable base for launching and recovering dive teams and ROVs, as well as for storing diving and ROV equipment. 5. Drilling Support: Barges are used to support drilling operations in offshore fields. They may serve as drilling platforms for shallow-water wells or as bases for positioning drilling rigs and equipment in deeper waters. Barges equipped with dynamic positioning systems can maintain position and stability even in challenging offshore environments. 6. Maintenance and Decommissioning: Barges play a role in the maintenance and decommissioning of offshore installations. They provide support for activities such as equipment repairs, maintenance inspections, and well plugging and abandonment operations. Overall, barge operations are essential for the efficient and safe development, production, and maintenance of offshore oil and gas resources. They provide versatile and flexible solutions for transporting personnel and equipment, supporting construction and installation activities, and facilitating various other offshore operations.