Floating ignition source drifts near to production platform

IMCA has received a report of a very serious threat to the safety of a gas production platform, caused by rafts containing bundles of lit cooking gas tank sets. These had been deployed by fishing boats to attract fish and drifted toward the gas production platforms. Such floating lights are an ignition source potentially hazardous to oil and gas operations.

The company involved reports that fishing boats violating the 500 metre safety zone have become a significant problem, increasing the risk of collisions, and endangering the security and safety of personnel and equipment. It has suggested the following possible solutions:

• a continuation of monitoring and reporting of safety zone violation incidents;
• an increased security watch;
• alerting other locations to ensure that they are aware of such potential floating ignition sources;
• continuing PR and friendly communication with fishery groups to make the fisherman aware of the potential danger to themselves and to gas production operations;
• discussion with authorities to find appropriate ways to solve the problem and enforce the law.