CASE STUDIES
OIL FIELD SECURITY & LIAISON OFFSHORE NIGERIA

Scenario:

A major Oil company wanted to provide an Offshore Security Vessel to a new field development close offshore to the Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Threat:

  • The threat was invasion of the field from the host communities on the coast adjacent to the field.
  • Fishing vessels bottom trawling for shrimp posing a threat to the subsurface fibre optics, umbilicals etc in a field that is only in 25m of water.
Concept:

IMSA personnel were involved in the development of the field security procedures for the MEZ and also the introduction of RIBs for patrolling and interdiction.
The roll also included liaison between the Federal Nigerian Navy personnel onboard the Field Security Vessel and the Oil Company.



Conclusion:

Although there were invasions of the field on a regular basis from the local communities and incursions from fishing vessels, no loss of life was recorded and no major damage incurred. This was down to the procedures that were developed by IMSA personnel.

These procedures were borne out of the experience of the IMSA personnel in maritime security techniques and experience worldwide that include:

  • British military Maritime Security experience.
  • Liaison with foreign military formations.
  • RIB operations in hostile environments.
  • Commercial understanding of the Oil companies priorities.
  • Effective use of Security Vessels in an MEZ.




SUPER YACHT ANTI PIRACY ESCORT

SITUATION.

In June 2005 a 40m motor yacht was transiting the Somalia coast in severe weather conditions when the female deckhand fell down a stairway breaking her arm. Because of the weather conditions the deckhand was in great pain and the Captain decided to take shelter close inshore in a sheltered bay.

A few hours after anchoring the vessel was approached by several craft bearing local militia. The local militia opened fire with several weapons causing damage to the upper deck.

The crew had three weapons used by the owner and guests when onboard. These consisted of a shotgun, hunting rifle and an elephant gun. They returned fire and the militia retreated, probably because they did not expect any resistance. However this was a situation that could change at any moment and it was decided to leave the shelter of the bay and return to Mombassa to decide on future actions.

The craft management agency in consultation with the insurance company and the owners decided that an experienced anti-piracy escort was required. Myself and one other were tasked to Mombassa to advise and escort the vessel and crew from Mombassa to Port Suez.

PROBLEM.

In discussion with the Captain and crew it was apparent that they had no:

  • Experience of sailing in hostile environments.
  • Knowledge of IMO guidelines.
  • Actions to take to protect their vessel.

SOLUTION.
  • Instructed the Captain and crew on ISPS awareness.
  • Instructed the Captain and crew on IMO guidelines. E.g. Minimum of 50miles offshore; time transits of hostile areas for hours of darkness; do not go between islands and the mainland, i.e. Socotra and keep a regular radar watch.
  • OSSL (Over Side Security Lights. A wall of light was achieved by buying locally simple halogen security lights. These were fixed to the upper deck railings and could be operated from inside the vessel.
  • A radar watch was utilised using the main radar for navigation (Range 12 miles) and the smaller radar (Range 3-4 miles) as detection against smaller vessels such as may be used by potential hostile parties.
  • An alarm system to alert the crew.
  • Actions to take on sighting suspicious boats.


CONCLUSION.

The crew benefited from instruction and exercises given. Consequently they were more confident in their own ability to transit hostile environments in safety.