SEMS

SEMS is a performance-focused tool designed to enhance the safety of offshore drilling operations by reducing the risk, frequency and severity of accidents.

What is SEMS?

SEMS is a new regulatory requirement from BSEE (Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement), a U.S. Government Agency that promotes safety, protection, and conservation of the environment and resources offshore. All deep-water offshore operators are required to comply with the requirements of this regulation which will include an independent audit to be conducted by an accredited audit service provider like DNV for SEMS II. Given the inherent risk associated with offshore oil and gas offshore exploration the industry has recognized the need to mitigate these risks.

Effective risk management enables you to perform well in an context of uncertainty and helps build sustainable business performance over time. A structured approach ensures that you are proactive rather than reactive in your efforts to protect your key assets.

What is the benefit?

The major benefit of SEMS is the enhancement of the safety of your offshore oil and gas exploration operations. This program will not only help ensure safer working conditions for offshore workers, it will also help protect the environment by helping to mitigate the risks associated with operation. 

SEMS has four main objectives:

• Endorse performance-based operating procedures
• Continue developing better offshore safety and environmental performance records
• Address the many factors of accidental events caused by human and organizational malfunction
• Cooperate with industry to advocate public concerns of offshore and environmental safety

What is the SEMS process?

Initially, SEMS was created in 1990 by the National Research Council’s Marine Board research that determined that the current regulation propelled the industry to develop an unsafe operations culture. This culture is one of the main drivers in the development of the SEMS requirements, a more systematic approach to promoting safer offshore oil and gas operations.

The SEMS process includes:

1. General provisions 
2. Safety and environmental information 
3. Hazards analysis 
4. Management of change 
5. Operating procedures 
6. Safe work practices 
7. Training 
8. Mechanical integrity 
9. Pre-startup review 
10. Emergency response and control 
11. Investigation of incidents 
12. Audits 
13. Records and documentation

How can I prepare for certification?

Certification requires a number of steps that will identify your specific needs. Listed below are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your SEMS certification:

• Obtain the standard
• Review the current literature and software
• Assemble a team and define your strategy
• Determine your company’s training needs
• Review consultant options
• Develop a management systems manual
• Develop procedures
• Implement your management system
• Consider a pre-assessment
• Select DNV  as your Audit Services Provider