In offshore operations, the transfer of personnel between vessels and other offshore structures is a critical activity. This includes crew changes, shift changes between vessels, and transfers between vessels, offshore structures, barges, crew boats, and the quayside.
The offshore renewable energy industry, in particular, has seen a rise in the need for personnel transfers to vessels and structures, a trend that is expected to persist. In this context, personnel transfers primarily involve vessels ranging from 10m to 30m in length, operating independently from a mother vessel or from a port.
Here is an interesting document that offers guidance to the offshore industry on the safe transfer of personnel at sea.
imcasel025.pdf (1.6 MB)
It covers various aspects such as risk assessment, training, competence, responsibility, equipment, and communications. The focus is on the main methods of personnel transfer between vessels, offshore structures, and the quayside.
The primary methods of personnel transfer include personnel transfer carriers, gangways, bridges, accommodation ladders (including motion-compensated hydraulic gangways), small boats or launches, larger crew boats or support vessels, and mating ‘surfer’ structures that enable safe personnel transfer.
For each case, the document addresses the main safety considerations and provides information about specialized equipment, such as ‘surfers,’ and the specific duties or responsibilities of the personnel involved, particularly in terms of communications.