Management of Mid-Atlantic Offshore Development Risks

Careful attention must be given to identification, evaluation, and control of risks associated with development of mid-Atlantic offshore oil and gas if environmental damage and development delays are to avoided. A number of approaches to safety, or risk management, are possible, but all seek to answer the central management question, "Am I safe enough?" System safety methods are now available which can assist us in making intelligent decisions on safety measures to be incorporated in offshore development plans. Development of offshore oil and gas resources has brought new risks to exploratory and development drilling, production, and transportation operations. Concern over these risks prompted a number of studies. After a brief review of these studies, the authors describes investigations in two areas: oil discharges in the Gulf of Mexico and worldwide accidents involving mobile offshore drilling units. A number of measures to reduce risks are being considered or have already been taken by government and industry. Greater application of system safety procedures offers new potential for reducing the risks in offshore development.