Our inspection methods are rooted in the understanding that the “purpose” of the inspection is to ensure is the successful completion of the drilling plan with as few safety, performance, schedule, or cost variances as possible.
Determining if a rig is fit for purpose requires an integrated system engineering activity that involves more than running through an off-the-shelf inspection plan. Rather, the inspection plan must be fully aligned with the goal of achieving successful completion of the drilling campaign.
As such, Athens Group Services takes a much broader view of the inspection plan, working with our clients to identify the key contributors to achieving a successful outcome — and how those contributors impact the chance of successful outcome. The tools, methods, and procedures used in a true fit-for-purpose inspection program are deliberately and fully integrated with the successful outcome. The fit-for-purpose plan is developed in full cooperation with the operator and drilling contractor to evaluate the five key contributors to an effective rig inspection:
- History
The operational, maintenance, and compliance history of the equipment system is reviewed.
- Current Condition
A visual inspection of the equipment systems along with all current supporting maintenance, testing, and certification records.
- Current operational capability
The equipment system is functionally tested for correct operation according to the intended drilling plan.
- Personnel, processes, and procedures related to the compliance, maintenance and operation support.
The ability of the crew to maintain equipment system operations and certifications is evaluated.
- Compliance with necessary and relevant regulations, standards, requirements, and best practices.
The history, condition, operation and supporting survey results are evaluated against all relevant regulatory, standards, client specific, and best practice.
Each Athens Group Services inspection plan is tailored to provide the coverage necessary to match the schedule, budget, and successful outcome as defined by the client. Typical survey coverages include:
- Condition and Compliance Survey
An evaluation of the condition of the equipment systems, crew, and supporting processes though visual inspection, observation, and measurement. The system functions are executed to determine operational or nonoperational condition. Compliance is evaluated to determine as in/out of compliance with the relevant regulations or standards.
- Suitability Survey (Rig Selection, Acceptance or Uptake)
A determination of the equipment systems, crew, and supporting processes’ ability to meet a set of application-specific criterion. The system functions are tested according to an application-specific test plan to determine if the system can execute the required application. Compliance is evaluated with respect to regional or other relevant requirements.
- External Forces Survey
An evaluation of the external factors that affect the rig condition or the condition trend. This survey determines why the system is in the condition it is in.
- Trend / Forecast Survey
Based on the impact of the external forces, we evaluate the potential future condition or suitability of the system. The probability that the system will maintain a good condition or deteriorate due to external factors is considered.
Over time, we have continuously applied the fundamentals of integrated systems engineering to cover the complete electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and controls environment. We’re now pioneering a better approach to cybersecurity that considers software quality as a core component of cybersecurity. Contact us to learn more about how our fit-for-purpose systems approach to rig inspection can help de-risk your next drilling campaign.
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Insurance Coverage for Cyber Incident Losses