The Crucial Role of a Surveyor on an Offshore Rig

Surveyors play a pivotal role in offshore rig operations. They are often present during pressure testing as third-party verifiers and vital communicators between various companies and departments. Time is money in this industry, and clients depend on timely, accurate information and documentation, especially when things do not go exactly as planned.

At Aquila Engineering, our field service engineers rely on advanced tools like the Oculus platform to ensure precise monitoring and real-time decision-making. Oculus provides unparalleled insight, enabling surveyors to track operations, detect issues early, and communicate findings seamlessly across teams.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at a day in the life of a surveyor on an offshore rig, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining safe and efficient operations. From coordinating with key teams to overseeing inspections, we’ll explore how surveyors ensure compliance and keep everything running smoothly.

Morning

Early Morning: Preparation and Coordination 

The day begins with the surveyor reviewing the schedule and ensuring all tools and documentation are in order. This day involves a casing test alongside a blind shear ram test, conducted periodically based on the tested components. The tests will take place from the Toolpusher's panel, located on the bridge of the drillship. 

Mid-Morning: Conducting Tests and Monitoring 

During the blind shear ram test, the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) performs its routine dive to inspect the riser and BOP (Blowout Preventer). The ROV operator alerts the Senior Subsea engineer on the bridge, reporting a flow between the middle pipe ram bonnet and the triple body on the BOP.

The surveyor, Subsea supervisor, and Senior Subsea engineer quickly check the monitors to confirm the ROV's findings. The sight of the leak raises immediate concerns of a potential catastrophic failure if the flow is wellbore fluid, which would necessitate a stack pull. 

Late Morning: Assessing the Situation 

The surveyor informs the company man about the potential problem, prompting him to come to the bridge. Coincidentally, the rig manager, who is visiting the rig, joins the group along with the Captain, Maintenance supervisor, Subsea department, and drilling superintendent.

Despite closely monitoring the situation via video feed, it’s unclear whether the leaking fluid is wellbore fluid or BOP control fluid.

Early Afternoon: Troubleshooting and Communication 

Hours of meetings and troubleshooting ensue. Throughout this period, the surveyor maintains constant communication with the onboard Company men, the BOP reliability team, and the Subject Matter Expert (SME).

They also keep the Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) informed of each step and the findings to ensure full transparency.

Late Afternoon: Resolution and Documentation 

Fortunately, the leak was identified as minor and was caused by the BOP control fluid. With permission from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), operations can continue. The rig completes a risk assessment, and the Aquila team swiftly produces a statement of fact and availability analysis.

These documents, along with the troubleshooting and leak rate findings, are submitted to BSEE, supporting the decision to proceed safely without compromising the rig, well, or environment. 

Evening

Reflecting on Success 

Thanks to the team's meticulous attention to detail, documentation, communication, and troubleshooting, the client secures BSEE’s permission to continue operations.

The surveyor’s role in facilitating communication and documentation proves essential, showcasing just another day in the life of a field service engineer. 

The Crucial Impact of Offshore Surveyors 

A field service engineer's day, especially as a surveyor on an offshore rig, is demanding but crucial. Their expertise and coordination ensure that operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently, exemplifying the importance of their role in the broader context of offshore drilling operations.

If you'd like to learn more about our Field Service Engineering solutions, contact us today!