Abstract The nature of oil and gas operations requires transporting people worldwide via land, air or water. In swamps and rivers, small marine vessels are needed to support operations. This paper describes how an oilfield services company implemented journey management practices with its local contractors of small marine vessel companies in the Mahakam Delta in Indonesia.
In the Mahakam Delta in Indonesia, small marine vessels are required to transport people, tools, and equipment to rigs and barges. Risks in the Mahakam Delta are particularly high due to heavy traffic, a variety of boat sizes, curved and narrow river banks, and unpredictable weather conditions. In addition, because most towns in the area are connected by the Mahakam River, local people often use small wooden boats as their private vehicle.
However, local contractors have limited knowledge of health, safety, and environment (HSE) issues or international marine regulations. The contractors may have no management system and the coxswains often have only non-formal experience. No official training or certifications are required other than a government license to operate small marine vessels. Therefore, because of the governmental regulations and risks to people and equipment, developing a journey management plan for small marine operations contractors is especially important to ensure journey management compliance and incident-free activities.
This paper outlines best practices on how to manage sea trucks and ensure that contractors follow local and international regulations. Mentoring, training and observation with intervention are a few ways to communicate best practices in managing journeys for contracted sea trucks. The paper describes how closer attention to journey management planning has resulted in more effective management of small marine operations, with fewer regulatory infractions, lower injury rates, more competent sea truck coxswains and more efficient trips.