§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the findings of his Department's inquiries into reported breaches of the safety code for emergency stand-by vessels attending offshore installations.
§ Mr. EyreMy Department has investigated reports that stand-by vessels attending offshore installations habitually exceeded the limits on station recommended in the stand-by vessel code. These inquiries were principally concerned with the examination of the official log books of 87 stand-by vessels representing 900 voyages undertaken during a period of approximately two years ending in May 1981.
The code recommends a maximum continuous period on stand-by duty of 21 days or 28 days in certain circumstances. The investigation disclosed that of the total voyages made during the period in question 40 per cent. were 21 days or less on station; 51 per cent. between 22 and 28 days and 5 per cent. of 29–30 days. The maximum periods on station revealed were two voyages, of 44 and 46 days respectively. In four ships the logs were not completed and the relevant information could not be checked. Overall, of 900 voyages covered in the investigation, 78 per cent. were strictly within, or only marginally exceeded, the guidance in the code and 91 per 440W cent. of all periods on station were of 28 days or less. In a relatively few instances observance of the code's recommendations was below an acceptable standard, but with regard to safety and operational standards generally there is no evidence that the code is being flouted or widely disregarded by operators to the detriment of safety. I am, none the less, concerned to ensure that the code reflects the highest practicable safety standards and is responsibly observed in all aspects. With this in mind my Department will be discussing with the stand-by vessel operators and charterers further modifications to the code and also improved monitoring arrangements.