Equipment
Remotely Operated Vehicle
Remotely operated underwater vehicles and associated hardware.
Documents
- 202631 Mar
Source control planning and procedures information paper
This information paper sets out regulatory expectations for offshore loss-of-well-control preparedness across environment plans, well operations management plans and safety cases. It covers capping-stack selection and deployment, relief-well design and dynamic kill analysis, plume modelling, subsea dispersant supply, water-column monitoring, response-time modelling, coordinated operations and readiness exercises.
- 202622 Jan
Dropped GRP cover during subsea lifting
A GRP manifold cover detached during subsea relocation and dropped approximately 7 m, without injury or damage to the manifold or bottom structure. Findings identified excessive loading during a crane mode transition and erroneous lifting-rod calculations. Revised lift planning removed the mode switch and used deployment lifting points; keeping divers clear prevented potential serious injury.
- 202531 Jul
Near miss: High voltage arc inside tether termination manifold
A dislodged HPU conductor caused arcing inside an ROV tether termination manifold. Subsequent checks identified reduced insulation resistance and gas, whose origin was unconfirmed without testing. The flash examines unapproved termination lugs and records re-termination, system testing and recommendations to assess crimping tools and review procedures and gas-venting precautions.
- 202518 Jun
BSEE: Umbilical termination failure leads to dropped ROV
An ROV dropped to the seafloor during recovery when its umbilical parted at the cursor rail transition. Faulty resin casing and improperly arranged armoured strands compromised the attachment despite a previous successful pull test. BSEE recommends termination inspection procedures, re-termination training and pre-job connection checks. No personnel harm or seabed asset damage occurred.
- 20254 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 499 - Failed Umbilical Termination Results in Dropped Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
An ROV dropped to the seafloor during recovery when its umbilical termination failed at a cursor transition point. Faulty resin and improperly positioned armoured strands were identified despite a previous successful pull test. BSEE recommends termination inspection procedures, training and pre-job connection checks. No personnel harm or seabed asset damage occurred.
- 20256 Mar
Diver lifted off seabed
A diver’s umbilical snagged on another bell’s clump weight, lifting the diver approximately 4–5 m above the seabed during adjustment. Services remained intact. The flash describes stopping the operation and clearing the umbilical, and recommends second-diver or ROV monitoring when divers pass close to objects being lifted.
- 202520 Feb
NOPSEMA – Fauna entanglement
An IMCA safety flash relays a NOPSEMA alert about a shark trapped in a rope loop on an electrical flying lead and freed using an ROV knife without additional harm. It discusses marine fauna interactions with subsea equipment and measures to consider, including installation-aid removal, alternative designs and protective guards.
- 202427 Nov
LTI: Finger injury during emergency recovery of ROV
During emergency ROV recovery using an FRC and crane, a worker’s left ring finger was pinched while releasing a hook secured to the crane wire, causing amputation to approximately the nail bed. The flash identifies an unplanned, unassessed release step and records revised procedures, risk assessment and regular recovery training.
- 20243 Oct
Fauna entanglement
An environmental alert describes a shark caught in a rope loop on a subsea electrical flying lead and released using an ROV knife without additional harm. It discusses evaluating fauna interaction risks, considering installation-aid removal and safer designs, guarding injury mechanisms, verifying controls and meeting protected-species incident reporting requirements.
- 20242 Jul
ROV dropped to seabed
An ROV fell to the seabed after recovery-system latching problems and umbilical separation. Cold, dirty grease slowed the latch, while the operator could not see the locked-position indicator. The flash identifies maintenance, procedure and supervision shortcomings and describes cleaning, functional verification and renewed procedural assurance.
- 202311 Jan
Lost ROV incident
An ROV became trapped in a platform jacket during routine inspection in strong tidal current. Tether damage interrupted power and telemetry; subsequent recovery failed and the vehicle was lost. The flash identifies inadequate recovery procedures, understaffing and premature beacon battery exhaustion, and records procedural revisions and a current display added to the pilot interface.
- 20219 Dec
ROV main lift failure
An ROV/TMS assembly fell to the seabed during a test-dive launch when its umbilical termination slipped through the socketing; nobody was harmed. Investigation identified inadequate cone size, uneven strand distribution, excessive docking force and resin-related shape changes. Corrective actions included a larger cone and adjustment of docking-head dampers.
- 20212 Dec
UHMPE pull-in rope damaged during mooring connection to buoy
During a subsea buoy mooring connection, a UHMPE pull-in rope escaped ROV control, damaging its arm, while the rope’s other end entered a propeller and was cut. The flash identifies current, propulsion wash, insufficient catenary monitoring and underestimated deck friction, and records amendments to the installation procedure and task plan.
- 202116 Jun
Dropped object – Door detached from TMS during dive
An ROV tether management system lost an aluminium door subsea after both bottom latches failed. The investigation identified an omitted check for secondary retention. The flash recommends checking fixings and reviewing dive checklists; DROPS cone analysis judged damage to nearby subsea assets very unlikely.
- 20212 Jun
Learning outcomes from a real time diver recovery
A saturation diving team reviews recovery of an incapacitated diver into a bell and transfer arrangements through six-metre trunking. Lessons address loose recovery rope, a pocket-mask seal compressed at depth, ROV observation, realistic weighted-mannequin drills, supervisor exercises and proposed greater medic involvement and CPR refresher training.
- 202016 Dec
Broken finger during ROV maintenance
A short service employee fractured his right ring finger while removing an ROV bumper bar alone above head height. The bar snagged, then fell when he could not support its approximately 29 kg weight. Lessons emphasise task assessment, planning, supervision, competence, mentoring and pre-work toolbox talks.
- 202019 Feb
Electric shock resulting in burn
An ROV technician sustained an arm burn from electric shock while bleeding a hydraulic filter in a technical workshop. A cut cable routed through a water drain remained live from a separate transformer despite local lockout. The flash recommends proper cable disconnection, documented modifications, formal change management and supervisor handover.
- 201922 Nov
Cabling in ROV hanger inadvertently severed by the ROV launch and recovery frame
A vessel’s ROV launch and recovery frame struck a bulkhead cable tray, severing electrical cables and hydraulic hoses serving equipment. The damage emerged when an emergency firefighting pump would not start during weekly testing. A documented collision risk had not changed working instructions; actions included procedural review, recovery monitoring and an engineered solution under installation.
- 201922 Nov
Main ROV lift wire umbilical and bullet parted
An inspection-class ROV and its tether management system fell to the seabed during recovery after the main lift connection parted. The flash examines a recently re-terminated, load-tested bullet connection, failed potting compound and high ambient temperatures, and records procedural changes addressing temperature limits, compound quantities and storage details.
- 201925 Jul
Mattress beam landed very close to divers
A mattress lifting beam was lowered dangerously close to saturation divers recovering concrete mattresses on the seabed. The flash identifies lost visual monitoring, poor visibility and failure to stop work. Follow-up checks addressed load separation, diver–crane communications, ROV monitoring, beam visibility aids and incident reporting.
- 20194 Jun
Don’t put your finger in the wrong place: Failure to isolate equipment causes serious finger injury
An ROV manipulator repair resulted in the loss of approximately 1 cm of a worker’s left index finger while checking clevis and hydraulic shaft alignment. The flash identifies live hydraulics, unconsulted manuals and inadequate task risk assessment, and recommends hydraulic isolation, lockout/tagout and adherence to technical instructions.
- 201927 Feb
Subcontractor ROV control room damaged by fire
Fire badly damaged an unmanned ROV control container and suitcase ROV aboard an accommodation jack-up, without personnel injury. An electrical fault at an incorrectly adapted portable air-conditioning connection was identified as the most likely source. The flash highlights inadequate fire protection, unmanaged fire risks and absent evidence of mobilisation checklists.
- 2019
Proposed Well Control Rule Revisions Fact Sheet
Technical fact sheet summarising BSEE’s final revisions to well-control regulations for offshore oil and gas operations. It explains changes to real-time monitoring, independent verification, accumulator requirements and alternating BOP testing schedules, alongside retained provisions for double shear rams, maintenance, ROV intervention and source control.
- 201821 Dec
Umbilical termination failure and loss of ROV
An ROV and its TMS fell to the seabed during recovery after an umbilical termination detached. Examination identified poor termination workmanship and defects, alongside inadequate subcontractor skill and quality verification. Revised procedures require photographic evidence of assembly steps, with quality surveillance recommended for subcontractors. No personnel were injured.
- 201810 Sep
Dropped object: first aid injury during ROV maintenance
During ROV maintenance aboard a vessel in port, a tooling tray guide arm fell onto a technician working underneath. The flash identifies inadequate task-specific risk assessment, poor communication and unsafe removal design. A design improvement eliminated the need to work beneath the equipment.
- 20183 Aug
High potential near miss: unplanned handling of unexploded ordnance
A high-potential near miss involved recovering and handling wartime munitions during subsea debris clearance. ROV operations continued after ammunition emerged, and crew handled recovered items before specialist advice prompted their return to the seabed. The flash identifies information, identification and management failures, calling for reinforced stop-work authority, change management and revised procedures.
- 201719 Oct
Fatality: Crew member crushed between TMS and snubber ring
An ROV crew member suffered fatal injuries after becoming trapped between a tether management system and snubber ring during maintenance. With the investigation ongoing, the flash emphasises risk assessment, documented work instructions, equipment isolation and removing personnel from danger zones when activation is necessary for maintenance.
- 20166 Dec
First aid injury: Electric shock
An ROV supervisor contacted a conductor in the wrong transformer cabinet during fault finding, suffering an electric shock and hand burn. The alternate system received 40V DC despite its breakers being off and potentially held high-voltage capacitive energy. Lessons address isolation, cabinet access, system familiarisation and testing before touch.
- 201618 Oct
Crewman suffers cut to hand – but gloves prevented it being much worse
During a dropped-object sweep in an ROV hangar, a crewman slipped while stepping down from a tether management system and cut his left palm on a cut Jubilee Clip. Appropriate gloves limited the injury. The flash describes removal of the clip, checks of other systems and securing clip ends.
- 20166 Oct
Near-miss: Release of trapped pressure after ROV dive
An incorrectly oriented ROV tooling frame released trapped pressure when a crew loosened an Allen bolt during dismantling. The supervisor evacuated and cordoned off the area while pressure bled down naturally. Subsequent measures included reassessing risks, drilling cross-member holes, checking similar systems and marking correct frame orientation.
- 201612 Sep
Safety Alert 323 - Subsea Flowline Failure Causes Pollution Incident and Delayed Detection Leads to Larger Spill Volume
A subsea flowline released production fluids while personnel interpreted alarms as slugging or plugging, delaying shut-in for several hours. With the failure cause still under investigation, BSEE recommends thorough alarm investigation, revised leak-detection escalation, monitoring of operating data, conditional ROV integrity checks and transient analysis of small-volume leaks.
- 20152 Oct
Dropped object near-miss: ROV wire rope
An ROV positioning near-miss aboard a vessel released approximately 36 m of wire rope weighing 430 kg after the dome contacted a guide wire, which detached from its gantry termination. The flash reports equipment deterioration and procedural shortcomings, recommending certified guideline wires, secondary retention and specific maintenance procedures.
- 20155 Jun
ROV main lift umbilical failure
An ROV lift umbilical parted during recovery, dropping the vehicle to the seabed in 1360 m water depth. Recovery found no damage or injuries. Investigation identified hidden internal damage linked to inadequate lubricant penetration despite certification and scheduled maintenance. The flash recommends strand inspections and improved destructive-test reporting.
- 20158 May
Failure of underwater pan and tilt rotator unit
An ROV camera pan-and-tilt unit exploded after recovery following minor subsea problems, ejecting its attached driver assembly and camera. Flames were extinguished and nobody was injured. The overpressure origin remained under investigation. Lessons address line-of-fire exposure, reducing maintenance work to ALARP, and assessing changed circumstances through management of change.
- 20152 Apr
Winch brake failure
An ROV winch brake failure released approximately 800 m of umbilical in less than 90 seconds, followed by a motor fire; nobody was injured. Analysis suggested a probable secondary brake release-line blockage, without establishing a definitive cause. Manufacturer checks addressed release-pressure decay and motor-to-brake load transfer.
- 201520 Mar
Stored pressure release – hydraulic oil
During trenching ROV reconfiguration, oil released from a hydraulic fitting injured a crewman’s left hand and irritated his face. Pressure trapped on the cylinder’s annulus side could remain undetected by the gauge. Actions included installing pressure detection and drainage fittings, revising work instructions and starting a review of other vehicles.
- 20153 Mar
Environmental Alert 001/2015
An environmental alert describes damage to both multiplex BOP control lines on a MODU in the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area after a securing saddle slipped approximately one metre. It highlights attachment robustness, installation procedures, management oversight, periodic inspection and readiness testing of acoustic, auto-mode and ROV back-up controls.
- 201516 Jan
Unplanned release of 960 litres of hydraulic oil
During vessel transit between piling locations, unintended crane control activation lowered a suspended hammer, tightening its hydraulic umbilical until the coupling parted and the restraint chain snapped. The release totalled 960 litres of hydraulic oil. Identified measures addressed crane inactivity, communications, hose isolation, ROV observation and potential pollution-reduction arrangements.
- 20148 Sep
440V electrical shock incident
A technician received a 440V electric shock while investigating an ROV power distribution unit aboard a vessel, without harm or medical follow-up. The flash identifies unrecognised dual supplies, missing labelling and cover, inadequate familiarisation, and deficient work authorisation and risk assessment. Lessons address supervision, work control and equipment acceptance.
- 201417 Jul
Main ROV lift umbilical parted
An ROV recovery incident involved a parted lift umbilical, with the vehicle and tether management system falling to the seabed and later being recovered. Investigation identified unrestricted winch pull with a short, thin umbilical and malfunctioning latches. Corrective actions addressed latch indications and procedures limiting pull below umbilical breaking strain.
- 20148 Jul
Near-miss: Collapse of ROV launch and recovery system (LARS)
An ROV launch and recovery A-frame collapsed during demobilisation after securing bolts were removed from both supporting hydraulic rams and their feet struck with a sledge hammer. Two supervisors escaped injury. The flash highlights ignored procedures, inadequate work control and competence, and a missed opportunity to stop unsafe work.
- 201410 Apr
Snubber failure
Maintenance of an ROV revealed a detached starboard snubber guide runner and cracked port-side welds. The snubber remained functional but did not stay level; the failed components were outside the load path, with no dropped-object risk. Corrective actions included welding repairs, inspection of another ROV and six-monthly visual inspections.
- 201320 Dec
Near-miss: ROV shackle (potential dropped object)
An ROV shackle pin partially disengaged during subsea boulder removal. The grab was safely landed before assessment, recovery and rigging changes. Potential causes included snagged R-clips and repeated rigging slackening. The flash discusses split-pin securing and, where possible, replacing ROV shackles with a direct bow-shackle and soft-sling arrangement.
- 201329 Nov
High potential dropped object – steel bar, 10 m
During ROV deployment, a steel guide bar weighing approximately 20 kg fell approximately 10 m onto moonpool doors without injury or damage. Umbilical rubbing had loosened its securing bolts following a system upgrade. Recommendations address guide clearance, bolt tightening, secondary retention, planned inspections and management of future alterations.
- 201318 Jun
High potential near-miss: Dropped ROV/TMS leading to equipment damage
This safety flash describes an ROV/TMS and docking head falling from approximately 1 m during launch, following a guide bar falling more than 4 m. Preliminary findings link weld and clevis failures to possible operation with locked damping cylinders. It examines conflicting procedures, design suitability and missed maintenance indications.
- 20133 May
Loss of ROV after umbilical termination failure and damage to ROV during recovery
An ROV and its tether management system were lost during launch following umbilical termination failure. Recovery caused further damage when sharp bullet edges cut a soft sling. The flash examines socket seating, curing and possible un-axial loading, and recommends revised termination procedures, checked bullet design and an emergency recovery strop.
- 201318 Jan
Luff ram clevis failures
Reports repeated luffing-ram clevis failures on an ROV launch and recovery system during testing, recovery and launch. Investigation identified corrosion and deformation, with corrosion partly attributed to an omitted maintenance step; root-cause analysis remained ongoing. Planned maintenance was updated to include rod-eye gap checks, valve adjustment verification and visual inspections.
- 20124 Sep
Near-miss: Potential fall when TMS protection gate came loose
A TMS protection gate became dislodged as crew used its cut-out holds while working atop an ROV. Personnel held a load-bearing post; harnesses and fall arrestors were in use. No injury or equipment damage occurred. The flash encourages checking top-pin security and immediate replacement where downward force dislodges pins.
- 201225 Jan
Near-miss: ROV broke free of cargo strops during heavy seas
An ROV broke free of its securing strops during heavy vessel rolling and swung on its supporting crane wire, narrowly missing two crewmen. Nobody was injured and damage was slight. The investigation identified inadequate fastenings, poor bridge–deck communication, poor judgement of sea conditions and loss of concentration.
- 201125 Nov
Near-miss: Dropped taut wire clump weight
During diving operations, a recovered port taut wire parted while being slewed inboard, dropping its 315 kg clump weight clear of divers and subsea assets. A worn, sharp-edged wire guide had damaged the wire. The flash discusses dropped-object cones, ROV checks of landing locations, repairs and review of inspection routines.
- 20111 Nov
Near-miss: Diver working under suspended load
A subsea work basket landed close to a diver on a manifold during crane deployment. The flash examines reliance on a line out meter, omitted ROV spotting and absent agreed procedures, risk assessment and basket lift planning. Actions address vessel-specific procedures, subsea lift plans and equipment competency training.
- 201127 Oct
Equipment damage – dropped ROV/tether management system (TMS)
A work-class ROV fell to the deck from between 1.5 m and 2.0 m during launch, sustaining significant damage. Unrecognised disengaged latches and unnecessary umbilical slack were reported. Corrective measures included latch alarms, position markers, cameras, communication checks and revised task analysis, alongside engineering reviews addressing interlock development.
- 201129 Jun
Near-miss: security of equipment
An ROV launch and recovery system reached a vessel with an A-frame transport-post pin missing. Routine inspection detected the loss only after several handling stages. The flash highlights potential harm during transport, describes a retaining-pin design under development and encourages checking pin security before lifting and transport.
- 200922 Dec
Loss of ROV: dropped object
An ROV and its tether management system fell to the seabed during recovery after umbilical termination failure. Investigation identified excessive internal bullet friction preventing proper cast wedging and unclear maintenance instructions. Corrective actions included armour-strand inspections, recurring cast photography and replacement of carbon-steel bullets with stainless-steel versions.
- 200910 Nov
Near-miss: Loss of a small crane (‘cherry picker’) wire
A crane deploying a tool basket to a subsea manifold lost its entire winch wire and load near working divers, who were uninjured. The flash identifies lift-planning and change-management errors, ambiguous rope marks and defective depth indication. Subsequent measures address diver separation and independent depth references.
- 200910 Nov
Near-miss: ROV fuse bolt failure
An ROV manipulator fuse bolt ejected its head during pre-dive testing, narrowly missing a technician without injury. Investigation linked the failure to damage sustained during heavy work on the previous dive. The flash recommends manual jaw operation before energising hydraulics, directing arms away from people and assets, and controlling access during deck checks.
- 200923 Oct
Trapped diver umbilical incident resulting in diver fatality
A surface-supplied diver died after his umbilical became fouled on the seabed, with barge movement thought to have interrupted his gas supply. Wet-bell recovery dragged him out twice before the umbilical was freed. Company actions addressed barge movements, in-water tending, emergency briefings, debris surveys and pre-dive communication checks.
- 20092 Jun
Electric shock near-miss
An ROV technician received an electric shock while rerouting a tether, without injury. Energising the tether management system produced induced voltage in isolated conductors, while two earthing clips had become dislodged. The flash examines insecure earthing connections and recommends design improvements, high-voltage training and warning signage.
- 20095 Mar
Bolt failures on Lawson ROV launch and recovery systems
This safety flash alerts members to a Lawson Engineers notice concerning bolt failure in a 3000m launch and recovery system. The failure allowed a latched-in tether management system and ROV to fall onto the deck. The supplied page provides no further incident analysis or recommended controls.
- 20089 Oct
Crew member injured during ROV maintenance
An ROV pilot technician suffered a chin injury requiring six stitches when spring energy was released during manipulator maintenance. The compensator housing was not user serviceable, and manual warnings were not followed. The company recommended servicing by manufacturer-approved agents and sufficient spares for each ROV spread.
- 200810 Apr
Fatal accident in connection with the operation of an A-frame based launch and recovery system (LARS) used for ROV operations
A safety flash describes a fatal trapping incident during ROV umbilical maintenance aboard a vessel in a floating dock. A blackout coincided with uncontrolled winch spooling that lifted the tether management system. Analysis identifies six interacting technical mechanisms and details wiring, controller software and hydraulic isolation modifications to improve emergency stopping.
- 200825 Feb
ROV pilot injured by fibre optic glass
An ROV pilot sustained a shoulder puncture while measuring and repairing fibre-optic cables within an umbilical tether in a workshop. A cable end pierced his skin and broke off, leaving approximately 12 mm of glass fibre beneath the surface. Investigation identified poor awareness of sharp cable-end hazards and consequent at-risk behaviour.
- 200618 Sep
Warning regarding Imenco Minilatch – ROV fell onto deck
This safety flash relays an alert concerning the Imenco Minilatch after an ROV fell from its launch and retrieval latch onto a support vessel’s deck. The brief notice identifies the equipment involved but provides no incident date, cause, injury information or specific preventive measures.
- 20052 May
ROV free-fall incident
A work-class ROV fell approximately 10 metres into the sea during recovery, causing minor damage but no injuries. The investigation identified a procedural lapse and suspected combined umbilical tension involving the winch and A-frame. Recommendations addressed docking-device design, annual destructive umbilical testing, procedures, training and visual operating-envelope indicators.
- 200229 May
Safety Alert 200 - Subsea Equipment Failure Leads to Deepwater GOM Pollution
An incorrectly seated replacement choke was expelled during restart of a deepwater subsea oil well, releasing crude oil and gas. The alert examines unsuccessful ROV visual verification, delayed shut-in and confusing monitoring displays. Recommendations address pre-job emergency discussions, visually verifiable intervention equipment and clearer control-room systems with reduced need for safety-system bypasses.
- 20012 Aug
Hazard potential from equipment using enclosed rechargeable batteries
Two incidents involved exploding rechargeable-battery housings: a Divescan UPS lid was expelled during workshop testing, and an ROV CTD probe battery casing exploded. Neither caused injury. The flash sets out inspection, competent maintenance, precautions for potentially pressurised housings, manufacturer-specified charging and battery-history recording.
- 20012 Aug
ROV winch failure
An ROV launch on a semi-submersible drilling rig ended in uncontrolled winch payout after gearbox bearing failure ejected the output shaft. Input-side braking remained functional but could not control the drum. Nobody was injured. Actions initiated included quarterly gearbox oil analysis and retrofitting retaining plates to similar winches.
- 20011 Aug
Failure of ROV lift umbilical winch brake
A CORMAC ROV umbilical winch suffered uncontrolled payout after excessive brake-plate wear, losing the ROV and umbilical without injury. The flash explains how a pay-in command aided payout and describes motor-against-brake torque testing and company response instructions as short-term measures while a possible manufacturer-agreed modification was investigated.
- 20011 Mar
ROV personnel injury
During hydraulic-leak repairs to an ROV manipulator, an actuator dropped approximately two inches, amputating part of a worker’s index finger placed in a pivot pin hole. The flash identifies shortcomings in task risk assessment and support arrangements, and recommends detailed assessments, adequate equipment support and consideration of pinhole covers.
- 1999Apr
Sinking of stern trawler Gaul with loss of 36 lives
Investigation of Gaul’s loss with 36 crew on North Cape Bank in February 1974, using an ROV wreck survey, video mosaics and hydrodynamic model experiments. The report concludes that breaking waves caused a knock-down followed by downflooding through open closures, and recommends reopening the Formal Investigation.
- 19991 Jan
Subsea lifting and dropped loads
Four incidents concern dropped subsea loads and an inadvertently released ROV. The flash discusses basket drag and snatch loading, displaced shackle retention, single-link load transfer and possible seized latch rollers. Reported measures include strengthened brackets, vessel-specific sea-state limits, secure shackle retention, revised transfer procedures and latch checks.
- Undated
Subsea Tree Dropped During Retrieval Damages Jumper
Investigation of a subsea tree dropped during retrieval from Marubeni’s A002 well, damaging the A004 jumper. Findings examine incomplete retrieval-tool testing, omitted over-pull verification, obstructing ROV debris, an ambiguous locking indicator and misunderstood safe-zone instructions. The report records subsequent recovery and repairs, with no district recommendations at that time.
- Undated
02 - 17 - 2016 17:15 G14224 GB 216 Pollution
Investigates a zinc bromide release during permanent well abandonment at Garden Banks Block 216. Hess estimated 22 barrels entered offshore waters. Subsea vent safety valves left open were identified as the probable cause, with incomplete procedures and drawings possible contributors. An ROV required a different tool to close the valves fully.
- Undated
ROV Descended to Seabed During Recovery After Umbilical Winch Free-Spooling
Investigation of an ROV recovery incident aboard Deepwater Atlas in which an umbilical winch free-spooled and the vehicle descended to the seabed. Contractor and manufacturer analyses attributed gear damage to inadequate lubrication. Emergency stopping depended on the failed gearing. The report examines maintenance evidence, crew response and limitations of the investigation.
- Undated
Kill-Line Gooseneck Disconnection Released Mud During BOP Flushing Preparations
Investigation of a kill-line gooseneck disconnection during preparations to flush BOP lines, releasing approximately 48 barrels of synthetic-base mud into Gulf waters. ROV inspection identified the disconnection. The report attributes it to an absent retainer pin and tugger-line tension, with supervisory and make-up procedure failures contributing.
- Undated
Shallow Water Flow from Wellhead Cement Port During Riserless Drilling
BSEE investigates shallow water flow from a wellhead cement port during riserless drilling at Garden Banks Block 962. Fluid analysis detected limited hydrocarbons. Logging and ROV monitoring examined cement channelling; investigators identified salt contamination as the probable cause. Shell subsequently decided to temporarily abandon the well.
- Undated
Subsea Chemical Leaks Discovered During ROV Survey
BSEE investigates two subsea chemical leaks associated with the De Soto Canyon 4 well, discovered during an ROV survey. The report examines hose-jacket damage, loss of collapse resistance and failure to maintain positive pressure. It discusses uncertain discharge estimates, isolation and repair, and proposed procedural, training, check-valve and low-pressure alarm measures.
- Undated
Oil Release from Shut-In Subsea Well
BSEE investigates an oil release from Shell’s shut-in subsea VA007 well at Mississippi Canyon 940. ROV diagnostics and valve closures stopped the leak; subsequent e-line work identified parted production tubing at a coupling. The spill was estimated at seven barrels over several days. The reason for tubing failure remained unknown.
- Undated
Hand Trapped Between Launch A-Frame and Pedestal During ROV Deployment
BSEE investigates a hand injury during ROV deployment from the West Neptune drillship. A deckman trapped his left hand between the launch A-frame and lower pedestal. The report identifies gaps in task risk assessment and red-zone identification, and records planned assessment updates, labelled observation zones and a physical barrier.
- Undated
Diver’s Fingers Trapped by Casing During Underwater Well Abandonment
BSEE investigates a diver’s finger injuries during underwater well abandonment at Ship Shoal 114. Two cranes positioned casing over a damaged well; the diver slipped and grasped its lip before movement trapped his fingers. The report describes decompression, medical evacuation and subsequent plans considering an ROV or fabricated handhold.
- Undated
Drill String Separated During Drilling and Trapped ROV Tether
BSEE investigates drill-string separation during drilling at Garden Banks Block 959. An unforeseen torque event exceeded a double-shouldered connection’s limits, damaging threads and allowing separation. Falling pipe trapped an ROV tether, restricting movement without interrupting wellhead monitoring. No injuries were reported, and the district made no recurrence-prevention recommendations.
- Undated
Umbilical Breach Released Methanol and Ethylene Glycol During Abandonment
Investigation of an umbilical breach during abandonment at Boomvang SPAR, releasing approximately 41 barrels of methanol and ethylene glycol. The report identifies marine growth trapping centralisers and a suspected cutting impact. Subsurface guides prevented visual confirmation, while the winch lacked load or tension monitoring. ROV observations documented tube damage.
- Undated
Guidance on decommissioning debris surveys and seabed clearance verification
Guidance distinguishes debris recovery from seabed clearance verification during oil and gas decommissioning. It explains when ROV recovery, geophysical surveys and over-trawl methods are appropriate, considering safety zones, seabed disturbance and protected habitats. It also addresses chain-mat remediation of snagging hazards, regulatory review and marine licensing requirements.