Title: Workboat Guidelines.

IAGC Document Number: 5

Category: IAGC Guidelines.

Date First Issued: 22 April 2002

Revision Number: Revision Date:

Owner: Chair of Contractors Subcommittee

GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF

WORKBOATS IN MARINE
GEOPHYSICAL OPERATIONS.
This guideline has been generated by a work group which
included the following IAGC member company
representatives:

Aker Geo Hans Jorgan Aaker.

CGG Robert Mogg.
Fugro-Geoteam Jon Turner.
PGS Charles Jeffrey `/ Duncan Bliss (Chairperson).
Schlumberger Martin Anderson.
Svitzer (Britsurvey) Capt. Len Skelhorn.
Veritas Sam Borman. Bob Joyce
Western Geophysical Larry Williams.

IAGC offers this guideline to the Geophysical Industry as a reference of best practices, however neither IAGC
nor its members accept any responsibility for the interpretations or actions that users may make.

IAGC will seek endorsement for this guideline from Industry associations. Where endorsement is given, then
recognition will be acknowledged here under:

28 Feb 2003 – The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP)
have given their endorsement to this document.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 2

INDEX
1 Scope and Objectives .............................................................. 4
2 Introduction............................................................................. 5
2.1 Risk Acceptance Criteria:................................................................................................................................ 5

3 Risk Assessment ...................................................................... 6

3.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Design ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Competence..................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.5 Human factors ................................................................................................................................................. 9
3.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ............................................................................................................. 9

4 Operating Procedures........................................................... 10
4.1 Pre-mission planning ..................................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Lowering the Workboat................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3 The launch..................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 The In-Water operation (the mission) ........................................................................................................... 13
4.5 Recovery of the workboat ............................................................................................................................. 14
4.6 Post-mission phase ........................................................................................................................................ 14

5 Auditing ................................................................................. 15
Appendix 1 Manual of permitted operations.
Appendix 2 Example of a workboat daily maintenance checklist.
Appendix 3 Example of a workboat logsheet.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 3

1 Scope and Objectives
The scope of this report is to identify the hazards of workboat usage during towed streamer type operations.
Incidents in the industry have been used to help identify hazards and the underlying causes. Since the issue of
the OGP report 6.42/220 in 1995 (used as the basis of this document), technology and operating methodology
have changed and this guideline reflects these changes. It is recommended that this report be reviewed again no
longer than 5 years from the date of issue.
The following operational factors have been reviewed:
• Equipment design (workboats and launching device).
• Operating constraints.
• Manning and competence.
• Safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Planning and pre-launch procedures.
• Launch and recovery procedures.
• In-water operating procedures.

The main objective of this report is to produce an industry guideline of best practices for the safe usage of
workboats in marine towed streamer seismic operations.
In the context of this document, a workboat is defined as any small craft from which it is intended to conduct
operations such as monitoring/maintenance of in-water equipment or transfer of personnel / goods from the
mother vessel to another point. The workboat when not in use is stored on board a mother vessel.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 4

2 Introduction
This guideline was produced following an extensive review of the use of workboats in marine, towed streamer
geophysical operations. The review was carried out by a task force comprising representatives from seismic
contractors. The task force considered the uses of workboats in towed streamer operations.
This guideline should be used in conjunction with the OGP/ IAGC HSE aspects in a contracting environment
for geophysical operations (schedules and plans), (report no 6.92/317, May 2001).

2.1 Risk Acceptance Criteria:

Client and company should work together to reduce workboat usage by consideration of contractual
requirements and specifications. The risk acceptance criteria should be agreed as part of any interface
document between client and contractor
A basic principle of risk management is to eliminate unnecessary risk activities, however due consideration
must then be given to any alternative activity that must take place as a result.
Minimising the use of workboats is a significant contribution to safer marine geophysical operations; however
there is a need to balance the risk of using workboats against those associated with alternative operations
Careful evaluation should take place prior to the launch of workboats to evaluate need for use, associated risks
and to ensure that all necessary work is achieved in a safe and timely manner.
Organisations and people are usually pursuing a number of different goals at the same time. Some of these are
likely to be in conflict and, if not well managed, unsafe situations can occur.
The survey team often face incompatible goals. A well known example is the conflict between safety and
production when conditions deteriorate. To minimise these conflicts, client and company management should
agree at the start of operations, on operating limits beyond which workboats should not be used.
These operating limits should consider:
• Sea state.
• Water temperature and air temperature.
• Lightning risk.
• Potential for local squalls or sudden changes in weather.
• Darkness and/or reduced visibility (e.g. fog).
• Surf height (in case shore landings are foreseen).
• Marine life.
• The mission itself.
• Condition of crew (e.g. fatigue).
• The level of training / competence.
• Cargo transfer (loading and positioning).
• Crew familiarity with the mission - whether the crew have worked as a team before.
• Type and condition of the equipment and workboat.

It is recommended that a set of permitted operations should be defined by each company for each type of
workboat, with reference to each workboats safe operational limits / design envelopes. See Appendix 1.
In managing the risk, the mother vessel Captain has the overall responsibility for authorising a workboat
operation. The Captain and the workboat Coxswain should separately have the authority to suspend such
operations at any time, with the Captain having overall authority.
All the considerations set out above should be carefully communicated to the workboat crew, so that they are
properly briefed on any residual risk in the operation and will not feel forced to take unnecessary risk.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 5

3 Risk Assessment

3.1 General
In performing the risk assessment on any workboat operation, it is necessary to also identify the key controls
and recoveries. Within this guideline these controls and recoveries have been categorised as:
• Design.
• Maintenance.
• Competence.
• Human factors.
• PPE.
• Operating procedures.
• Emergency response procedures.
There are two distinct phases of risk assessment; a company’s generic risk assessment of workboat activities
and a second phase that should be conducted prior to each mission. This should be achieved through a process
of analysis of incidents and statistics by the company of its workboat operations.
A section on auditing has been included in this guideline as a means to provide feedback into the risk
assessment process.
Any risk assessment for workboats should consider the length of time to recover a casualty to the mother ship
or other point of safety.
In the risk assessment process consideration should be given to the time taken to bring a secondary means of
propulsion into effect.
Consideration should be given to the risk (capsize potential) of the streamer or other piece of towed equipment
being caught on parts of the workboat structure or the extreme case where the workboat may pass under the
cable or other towed equipment. The means of protecting personnel in such a situation should be addressed.

3.2 Design
Three aspects of design are considered here, the workboat itself, the means of launching and recovery and
design of the in-water equipment that is to be worked on.

3.2.1 Workboat Design

The safety of workboat operations can be enhanced by the use of purpose designed boats. A good guideline
for the safe design and operation of workboats is provided by the SOLAS requirements for rescue craft. Note:
It is mandatory to apply the SOLAS requirements for rescue craft.
A further useful source of design criteria is contained in the UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency “Code of
Practice for the safety of small workboats and pilot boats” – also referred to as the “Brown code” ISBN 0 11
5520006, published by HMSO in the UK.
All load bearing equipment e.g. rollers, lifting devices, tow points should be tested, certified and
marked with SWL.
A maximum number of passengers and crew should be specified for each workboat. This should be clearly
marked on the workboat. Procedures should identify a minimum manning arrangement for each workboat.
Preference is given to three.
Capsize reversal type of workboats are recommended.
Hand grips should not be required on the sides of the purpose designed workboat used for in sea operations
due to the possibility of catching / capsize.
Due consideration should be given to the speed of any workboat, it should be matched against it’s primary use
bearing in mind the possible need to make effective progress against a moving mother ship. Equally important

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 6

 is the need for slow speed manoeuvrability when working alongside in-water equipment or coming alongside a
mother vessel.
Safety considerations should take priority in the original design and any subsequent modifications of
workboats. Due consideration should be given to the effects of such modifications on the approving standard
(where relevant).
Preference should be given to the use of off-load release hooks, i.e. the hook will only release when no load is
placed on it.
Consideration should be given to the type of propulsion. Water-jet is the preferred means of propulsion. It is
recommended that a means to clear jet intakes be incorporated into new workboat designs.
Where propellers are used, guards should be installed.
Diesel is the recommended type of fuel.
Fuel tanks should be made from non-flammable material, free of leaks and of a good, sturdy construction.
Refuelling of the workboat at sea should be avoided.
A backup means of propulsion should be considered.
Workboats should be fitted with a kill cord and should be clipped to the coxswain when using the boat at full
speed.
A second key is to be available in case the first is lost.
When working in hot climates, it is recommended that a sun cover should be put over the workboat to protect
the personnel from the effects of the sun.. The workboat should also be protected from the effects of adverse
weather when stowed. Any sun cover must not impede the action of any capsize reversal device that may be
fitted.

3.2.2 Launch & Recovery System Design

Consideration should be given to the placement of any launch and recovery system with regards to the height
above sea level, distance aft of bow wave interference from the mother vessel, means of boarding, towed
equipment and other onboard hazards.
Embarkation points should be engineered to minimise risks.
Sufficient handrails or ropes should be installed at the embarkation deck and on the workboat.
To avoid slips, purpose built corrugated ladder rungs should be installed.
To avoid slips, trips and falls, non-skid surfaces should be applied to rungs, workboat and mother ship’s deck.
Obstructions on the deck should be minimised and clearly highlighted.
To avoid being struck by the lifting hook, a tag line should be used to control the hook. Where cranes are used,
a certified link line should be used where possible to leave the main crane hook well above head height.
To avoid being caught in strops snatching up tight, fixed lifting mechanisms should be considered.
In operations where personnel transfers by workboat are a regular activity, this should be accommodated by
redesign, incorporating a designated personnel transfer area at all points of embarkation, including support
vessels.
Due consideration must be given to the stowage position of the workboat in regards to its safe maintenance and
the launch / recovery device.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 7

 Consideration should be given to providing launch/recovery systems on both sides of the mother vessel to
enable recovery of the workboat without turning the mother vessel.

There should be a designated area with the facilities required to ensure safety during the launch /
recovery process e.g.
Illumination, clear access, no obstructions, with the ship's side clear of protuberances.
3.2.3 In-Water Equipment Design
In-water equipment should be designed to minimise maintenance. It should be designed to minimise manual
handling and other risks. Designs of in-water equipment should reflect the need to minimise the exposure of
crews in workboat operations.
It is recommended that tail buoys are designed to be maintenance free, but where maintenance is deemed
necessary, consideration should be given to:
• Enabling such repairs to be conducted without leaving the workboat.
• Where it is necessary to board a tail buoy for maintenance then provision must be made for safe working
conditions, including access, egress and manual handling issues (such as moving heavy batteries).

3.3 Maintenance
Workboats and launch /recovery mechanism should be included in the mother vessel preventative
maintenance schedule. Manufacturers guidelines should be used as a basis for determining the initial
preventative maintenance periods. Companies should reduce these periods based on experience of failure
rates.
All maintenance to be conducted by a competent person and recorded. A maintenance checklist should be
drawn up to ensure all safety critical elements of the workboat are checked; see Appendix 2. Satisfactory
completion of maintenance should be subject to verification and audit.

3.3.1 Maintaining readiness

The workboat should be kept in a state of readiness with all operational and emergency equipment in place at
all times. A checklist of this equipment should be defined and completed at each inspection. This list should be
subject to regular audit. A minimum list of items which should be carried is included in Appendix 2.
It is recommended that an inspection / test of workboat readiness should be conducted;
• On leaving port (e.g.-after removal from davit, shipyard or shore maintenance).
• Pre-mission.
• Weekly.

3.4 Competence
All personnel associated with workboat operations must have been assessed as competent and have
successfully undertaken the necessary HSE and job related training in compliance with regulatory requirements
and the company’s own HSE policy and procedures.
The competence assessment and training should comply with the OGP/IAGC HSE Competence Assessment &
Training Guidelines (report 6.78/292, June 1999), and the OGP/ IAGC HSE aspects in a contracting
environment for geophysical operations (schedules and plans), (report no 6.92/317, May 2001).
• Where a support vessel (acting as standby vessel) forms part of operation .The support vessel crew must
be fully briefed and competent to carry out their duties as required by the mother vessel.
• It is recommended that at least two members of the workboat crew should have been trained in first aid,
for example STCW95 A-V1/1-3 Elementary First aid or equivalent.
• The priority is to return to the mother vessel or other point of suitable treatment in the event of an injury
or illness.
• Operators of cranes and davits should have received appropriate training and be assessed as competent by
the Captain / Chief Officer.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 8

 • Competent medical support should be available on the seismic vessel as appropriate for the remoteness of
the work location (reference OGP Report 6.30/190, April 1993, Health Management Guidelines for
Remote Land-based Geophysical Operations).

3.5 Human factors

When choosing the crew for a workboat operation consideration should be given to the medical fitness and
general condition of the crew in terms of fitness and fatigue.
The medical requirements for workboat crew should be the same as those required for general seismic
operations. Due consideration should be given to individuals that may be adversely affected by sea-sickness
when in the workboat.
All workboat crew should be comfortable with all aspects of the operation to be undertaken.
When considering the competence of the workboat crew as a whole, consideration should be given to:
• Length of time crew has operated together.
• Type of operation crew has undertaken previously.
• Ensure there is a common language between them and also with the bridge of the mother ship and support
vessel.

3.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The choice of PPE will be dependent on the risks identified; generally the following would be expected to be
available and used for any workboat operation:
• SOLAS approved life jacket (i.e. one that is capable of keeping an unconscious person’s face out of
water).
• Protective non-slip footwear.
• Protection from the elements e.g. thermals, dry suits etc in cold climates / long sleeved tops / trousers,
hats, sunscreen, (safety) sunglasses etc in hot climates.
• Hand protection.
• Eye protection for the coxswain (visor or goggles for spray conditions).
• Head protection where there is a risk of head injury during launch / recovery.
• Other task specific / contract PPE based on risk assessment of the mission.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 9

4 Operating Procedures
In addition to the general operating limits set for use of a specific type of workboat, it may be necessary to set
further limits according to the prevailing conditions at the launch of the workboat - for example, a
combination of weather conditions occurring together, or when the proposed use of the workboat involves
different activities (e.g. tail buoy repair work and personnel transfers).
Certain manual handling activities increase the risk of strains, sprains and back injury. The likelihood of injury
is increased by the movement of the workboat which cannot be easily controlled. Client and company
management should work together to reduce the risks involved in equipment transfers and tail buoy repairs, by
consideration of contractual requirements and specifications.
A workboat operation can be broken down into distinct phases:
• Pre-mission planning.
• Pre-launch inspections and arrangements.
• Lowering the boat.
• The launch (hook / painter release).
• In-water operation (the mission).
• The recovery (painter / hook attachment).
• Post mission phase.
• Post mission debriefing.
Procedures and checklists should be drawn up and completed on a regular basis to cover these different phases
of the operation.
Completion of the checks should be subject to verification and audit.

4.1 Pre-mission planning

Pre-mission safety review meeting covering:
• The equipment status (both in-water and workboat).
• Defining the mission.
• Mission specific risk assessment.
• Emergency procedures.
4.1.1 Equipment status
The pre-mission planning meeting should identify any specific issues pertaining to the condition of the
equipment (such as tangles in the streamer / tail-buoys or previous failures of the workboat) that may have an
effect on the mission. New types of equipment and any changes to procedure required as a result should also be
identified.

4.1.2 Defining the mission

The scope of work to be carried out should be clearly specified at a pre-mission meeting.
Opportunity should be taken to reduce the need to launch the workboat again, bearing in mind not to tire the
crew.
The scope of work and procedure should, if possible, not be changed during an operation. Where this becomes
necessary the changes should be subject to a management of change procedure, including a further risk
assessment. The changes and procedures required should be clearly communicated to the workboat crew and
other relevant personnel.
The mission should be within the competence of the crew.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 10

4.1.3 Mission specific risk assessment
During the pre-mission safety meeting, the risks associated with the specific operation should be considered;
these may include:
• Weather constraints.
• Condition and preparedness of crew.
• Sea state and forecasts.
• Conditions and operational status available for recovery (ability to offer lee).
• Time of day (remaining daylight).
• The in-water operation and relevant controls.
• Any forseeable probability of capsize should not be considered an acceptable option and the mission
should not be conducted under such circumstances.
• Competency and experience requirements for the mission.
• Appropriate PPE for the identified risks.
• Language compatibility of the crew.
• Working in areas containing dangerous marine life.
When shore landing operations are planned, the following should be considered in the pre-launch risk
assessment:
• Scout landing area and surf area, seek local knowledge where available.
• Securing all equipment.
• Method to secure workboat before unloading.
• Consideration should be given to any environmental restrictions that apply or the general impact of
landing.
• Consideration should be given to the security of the workboat and crew.
• The need for a ground anchor.
Preference should always be given to using a harbour or proper quay for shore landings. Operating through the
surf zone is regarded as a high-risk activity.

4.1.4 Emergency procedures

As part of the emergency response plan the following should be identified:
• Contingency arrangements with support craft (support vessel / FRC).
• Check communications and procedures including backup and loss of communication plan.
• Check that required level of first aid experience is available on the workboat.
4.1.5 Pre-launch inspections
A visual inspection of the workboat should be carried out by a competent person immediately prior to every
launch. A checklist to identify the points to be checked should be kept on file and subject to audit. These
checks should, as a minimum, include the following:
Hull Bilges, lockers and hatches.
Inflatable collar (if fitted) Pressure, attachment to hull, valves.
Engine Oil level, coolant (care to be taken if hot from previous launch), fuel, belts,
hoses, drain cocks, oil gauge, temperature gauge (will only show when run for
some time).
Electrical Batteries, charge, breakers, bilge pump, navigation lights, searchlight and horn,
communications and navigation equipment (GPS).
Controls Steering, throttle, gear shift or mono-lever.
Launch / recovery device Lifting lines, hydraulic lines and controls, surrounding deck, edge protection,
attachment and condition of painter lines (both ends).

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 11

 A sample checklist is provided in Appendix 2.
When an independent support vessel is available it should be on standby off from the mother vessel but on the
same side as the workboat is to be launched from.
Where appropriate, other authorities need to be informed of the planned activity (military, coastguard, etc.).
Individual PPE should be checked.
Workboat crew or passengers should not carry sharp objects where these may damage the workboat or their life
jacket.
Check configuration of the towed equipment.
Tools for the mission and other equipment checked and safely stowed and appropriately secured before the
crew embark.
Load equipment whilst the workboat is cradled (if so designed) before the crew embark.
Individual tasks for launch and recovery identified, such as bowman.
Assign boarding, one at a time, preferably at deck level but before the workboat enters the water. Where a
crane is the launching device, loading should take place only when it is safe to do so over the water.
Step directly onto the workboat deck, avoiding the sponson if fitted. Hold handrails or ropes while stepping
from mother ship to workboat.

4.2 Lowering the Workboat

Bridge, davit man, Coxswain and support vessel must have established radio communication for instant
notification of various tasks or if problems arise.
All personnel engaged in launch and recovery must wear suitable head protection. (Ref Section 4.6 PPE)
Only use competent davit operators.
The davit operator should have a clear view of the launching area at all times.
The Officer of the Watch (OOW) should be in good communication, preferably in direct visual contact with
the launch area either directly or by means of CCTV during launch.
Ensure all crew hold on, in assigned locations (preferably outboard)-keep body parts clear, especially from
strops and lines snatching up tight. Only put hands on proper supports.
To stop workboat swinging away from and into the mother ship, keep davit head (or work hook) in, so that the
workboat rides against the hull; use tag lines (where appropriate) to keep the workboat against the hull; beware
of overboard discharges,(including high pressure air) and obstructions on the hull such as rubbing strakes.
Each activity during launch (and recovery) should have a designated crew member assigned to it. Crew should
avoid obscuring the view of the Coxswain at all times.
The lifting hook should only be released on the Coxswain’s command (where a off-load hook is not used).

4.3 The launch

The workboat should be safely under its own power before casting off.
It is recommended not to attach the kill cord during the launch and whilst the workboat is in front of the towed
equipment; wait until the workboat is in clear water.
Only release the painter on the Coxswain’s command when he is satisfied that the workboat engine(s) have
warmed up.
Once the painter is released minimise the time spent in front of the trailing gear, move away from the gear in a
direction to maximise the distance from any gear should the workboat engine fail.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 12

4.4 The In-Water operation (the mission)
Whilst underway or working, the following procedures and considerations are recommended:
• Bridge, Coxswain and support vessel should maintain continuous radio watch on the agreed channel with
regular situation reports giving position, intended movements, or if nothing else, an indication that
everything is going to plan.
• The kill cord to be used by the coxswain, so that the workboat engine is automatically killed if the
workboat capsizes or the coxswain leaves his position.
The speed of the workboat should be adjusted to the prevailing conditions.
The Coxswain will determine and enforce when the workboat is a non-smoking environment (e.g. when
working with leaking sections, batteries etc.).
Where a support vessel forms part of the workboat procedures, the support vessel must be instructed to shadow
the workboat and remain in good visual contact, and be on station on the same side of the in-water equipment
as the workboat.
Whilst underway, crew should stay in assigned positions and remain seated unless informed otherwise by the
coxswain.
Ropes should not be put around workboat parts which could be used as support for the crew or are not
designed to take associated forces, that is ropes should only be attached to designated points.
The crew should use correct lifting techniques whilst carrying out in-water repairs, where possible, lifting aids
should be used.
Great care should be taken when working in areas containing dangerous marine life.
Any oil or fuel spills in the workboat should be immediately cleaned up in an environmentally friendly and
safe manner (ref Appendix 2 onboard spill kit).

4.4.1 Working with batteries

When working on a tail buoy, sufficient time should be left after the opening of a battery compartment for
hydrogen (H) to escape. No smoking allowed.
Great care should be taken when working with lithium and alkaline batteries used in the in-water equipment.
Batteries should be kept dry and stored in waterproof containers during the operation. Reference should be
made to the manufacturers handling and storage recommendations.

4.4.2 Working with towed equipment

Warning
Securing a workboat to a streamer, tail buoy or other towed equipment is recognised as a high-risk
situation.
Limits should be defined, documented and posted within the workboat for the placing of external loading on
the workboats, i.e. how much it can tow and how much weight it can support when lifting the in-water
equipment out of the water It is suggested that this be documented in the form of a Matrix of Permitted
Operations (MOPO) for each specific workboat type and arrangement. See Appendix 1.

4.4.3 Equipment transfer

When transferring equipment, the following additional procedures are recommended:
• The need to transfer goods by workboat should be minimised.
• Equipment to be transferred should be in packages of manageable weight and size, properly packed and
sealed if necessary. If possible loads should be pre-slung.
• Pack appropriately for line or crane; avoid overloading of the lifting device; Tag lines should be used to
reduce the swinging of loads.
• Load equipment whilst the workboat is cradled (if so designed).

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 13

 • Do not overload the workboat and/or launching device. Plan more than one trip if necessary. Secure all
equipment.

4.5 Recovery of the workboat

During recovery of the workboat to the mother vessel the following should be considered:
Check for a lee in the recovery area if possible.
• The workboat should not approach the mother vessel, or move inside the towed equipment, unless the
mother vessel is ready to receive the workboat and permission from the Officer of the Watch on the
mother vessel has been obtained.
• Confirm the configuration (in case of equipment failure) of the towed equipment.
• Check correct PPE is donned, including head protection.
• Check stowage and securing of any tools and equipment.
The kill cord should be detached when moving in front of towed equipment on return to the vessel
• Check the operation of propulsion and steering systems and lifting hook of the workboat before entering
the area in front of the towed equipment.
• The time spent in front of the towed equipment should be kept to a minimum.
• The support vessel should be in its designated position ready in case of an emergency.
• The coxswain should ensure that each member of the crew understands their designated task for the
recovery operation before approaching the mother vessel.
• The painter should be lowered from the mother ship board; lines should be kept out of the water.
• The workboat should only be raised at the coxswain’s command, and his orders must be followed.
• Crew should be in their assigned locations and should avoid putting their hands in potential pinch-points
during recovery to the mother vessel.
• Ensure all crew hold on, in assigned locations (preferably outboard)-keep body parts clear, especially
from strops and lines snatching up tight. Only put hands on proper supports.

4.6 Post-mission phase

Following any workboat operation, it is essential that any learning points and operation feedback are gathered.
It is also essential that the workboat is promptly prepared for its next operation and left in a state of readiness.

4.6.1 Post mission debrief

The mission should be debriefed and recorded to identify:
• What went right as well as wrong.
• What equipment failed, if any.
• How the operation could be improved.
• Improvements to the risk assessment and management process.
4.6.2 Post mission inspection
A post mission check / inspection should be made as soon as possible of the workboat and recorded. Any
deficiency of the workboat operation as a whole should be recorded and rectified as soon as possible and
before the next task. See Appendix 3.

4.6.3 Reporting
To improve the reliability of risk assessment and management, each company should systematically record and
analyse workboat usage. A suggested minimum list of reporting data are included in Appendix 3.
Each company should collate and analyse the usage statistics for its fleet.
In order to improve safety, companies are encouraged to share usage statistics and notify the industry of
significant incidents through the IAGC HSE network.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 14

5 Auditing
The company should have a system for recognising, correcting and reporting unsafe acts and conditions
relating to workboats and their usage.
Regular inspections and audits should be conducted to ensure the operational integrity of the equipment and
compliance with operating policies and procedures.
(reference OGP Report 6.53/245, Sept. 1996, Guidelines for HSE Auditing in the Geophysical Industry).

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 15

Appendix 1
MANUAL OF PERMITTED OPERATIONS
This Appendix is an example of how a company could define the operations for which a workboat can be
used and the conditions that must be met before and during each mission.
The Appendix is separated into two sections, one defining operations or conditions under which the workboats
must not be launched, the second section defines the conditions that must be met when other specified activities
take place. This information is presented in the form of a small table.
Prohibited workboat operations
Note: The Master of the mother vessel may override conditions 1 if, and only when, he deems it necessary due to
medical emergency (as opposed to operational emergency).
I Deployment of any small boat during the hours of darkness for any reason other than medical or life threatening
emergency. Note: Hours of darkness are defined as being between sunset,, through to a visible horizon the following
morning.
II Working on deflector units whilst they are undertow.
III Working on any tow wires, towropes or any other wires or lines which are attached to the towing arrangement and
undertow.
IV Working on any part of the airgun buoys.
V Untangle airgun strings by attaching lines and towing them apart.
VI Attempt to tow lost / parted deflector units.
VII Attaching a craft to seismic cables or any other item of towed equipment, by any means other than a purpose designed
system, which incorporates a procedurally documented method of quick release. i.e. snap shackles with pull releases
fitted in line, to bow lines and stern lines.
VIII Conducting an activity for which no specific documented procedure exists in the mother vessel's Safety Management
System (SMS)
IX Conducting an activity using a procedure or technique which does not comply with the specific requirements of the
company's workboat operating procedures.
X Launching Zodiacs and other inflatable craft by crane or davit with personnel onboard. Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs)
are excluded from this requirement, provided that they are fitted with a tested and certified lifting arrangement which
complies with the workboat manufacturers recommendations.
XI Deployment of any workboat without one or more of the support vessels required by the company's workboat
procedures.

Activities permitted with workboats when specified conditions are met.

This section is intended to identify the conditions that must be in place before certain activities are permitted.
Activity types (examples)
1. Replace birds, acoustic pods etc.
2. Change out streamer cable sections, acting as the main cable workboat.
3. Change out streamer modules, acting as the main cable workboat.
4. Assist second workboat during cable section changes.
5. Assist second workboat during tail-buoy change-out operations.
6. Move along streamer cables cleaning off marine growth.
7. Remove entangled fishing gear and / or debris from streamer cable.
8. Work on deployed tail-buoys.
9. Tow tail-buoys (which are not attached to the in-water equipment under tow).
10. Disconnect faulty tail-buoys from the end of deployed seismic cables.
11. Transfer faulty tail-buoys to and from support vessel from alongside, using the support vessel crane
or mechanical lifting device.
12. Balance streamer.
13. Transfer goods and equipment of any kind, vessel to vessel.
14. Transfer personnel vessel to vessel.
15. Search for / recover persons in the water.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 16

Appendix 1 cont.
16. Transfer personnel to/from offshore platform.
17. Search for / recover lost equipment.
18. Wildlife rescue, i.e. turtles, seals etc., which are entangled in debris.
19. Attach recovery lines to lost / parted deflectors.
20. Tow cable sections back to vessel after cable incident.
21. Act as a chase vessel.
22. Towing stricken small boat.
23. Scouting, including depth reconnaissance ahead of seismic vessel.

Activity number

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Workboat #1 Type:
Workboat #2 Type:
Support vessel workboat

Specific conditions
A set of specific conditions should be established based on authorities and safety controls to be in place. An example of such
conditions are given below. The above table would then be populated using the codes along side each condition.
A. Permitted with the specific permission of the Master and according to a documented and approved procedure for the
specific activity using this specific type of workboat. The Master must be satisfied that the workboat crew and the
personnel onboard the mother vessel are familiar with the procedure and thoroughly briefed prior to commencement.
The Master must assess the prevailing and imminent weather conditions before giving permission to undertake the task.
If no documented procedure exists, or the procedure does not pertain to this type of workboat, then the activity is not
permitted. In addition, control measure B applies at all times.
B. Permitted only with the specific permission of the Master, which must be documented, with his signature, in the ship’s
log. The Master must base his decision upon an assessment of the prevailing and imminent water and weather
conditions, and must evaluate whether the urgency of the activity warrants acceptance of the risks identified. In
addition, control measure A applies at all times.
C. Permitted in medical or life threatening emergency, with the Master's permission.
D. Permitted at the discretion of the Master and only if the workboat is fitted with an operable and serviced capsize
righting system, and is carrying all items of equipment required by SOLAS Chapter III, Part B, Section V, Regulation
47; all sub-sections, depending upon the type of workboat. In addition, control measure B applies at all times.
E. Permitted only within XXX metres distance from the head of the cable, so as NOT to place excessive downward force
on the sponson of the workboat.. If the downward force of the cable distorts the sponson, the coxswain must suspend
the operation immediately. In addition, control measure A applies at all times.
F. Workboat must be fitted with sufficient protection material on its sponsons, so as to prevent rupture or puncture of any
inflated part, from barnacles and/or protrusions on the structure, or from cable components. If any contact with the
seismic cable is involved in the activity, then control measure E applies. In addition, control measure A applies
at all times.
G A method of quickly releasing the tow such as a snap shackle, sharp knife or other quick release device, must be
employed when executing this task. A mechanical method of quick release is preferable. In addition, a member of the
crew must be designated to tend the tow line, permanently remaining in a position from which he/she is able to operate
the quick release device, and must be assigned no other duties whilst the tow line is attached. In addition, control
measure A applies at all times.
X Not permitted with this type of workboat.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 17

Appendix 2
WORKBOAT WEEKLY MAINTENANCE AND CHECK LIST
Note: Ensure workboat is in a safe location before making checks P= Port, S= Starboard

Pass Fail Comments

Check hull / sponsons for damage.
Painter & tag lines secure & chafe free.
Inspect lifting frame / strop / hook assembly.
Visual check of self-righting system (if fitted).
Flares in date and in good dry condition.
Knives (min. 2) clean, sharp & greased.
Paddles or alternative propulsion in place.
Sea anchor and line in good condition & stowed.
Fire extinguisher in date, charged & secure – special types.
First aid kit complete and dry (sun screen included).
Drinking water fresh and in clean container, quantity.
Quoit and line correctly stowed.
Waterproof radio and backup radio.
Emergency location / position device fitted.
Radar reflector or RTE fitted.
Fitted compass (with card) or Hand bearing.
Foot pump / repair bungs (inflatables only).
Buoyant bailer.
Torch in working order + spare fully charged batteries.
Check operation of all lights & horn.
Boat hook secured.
Tool box contents complete & serviceable.
Spares carried suitable for machinery / engine type.
Record engine hours readings if possible. P S
Check steering fluid level (if hydraulic).
Check kill cord and spare in place.
Spill control Kit – onboard spillage.
Additional SOLAS kit as listed.
INBOARD ENGINES / JETS / PROPS
Engine oil levels, record any quantity added. P S P S
Engine coolant levels, record any quantity added.
P S P S
DO NOT REMOVE CAP IF HOT.
Fuel full, valve/s set to normal run position. P S P S
Check propellers / A frames / P brackets. P S P S
Check jet drive linkages, earth straps, buckets, nozzles
P S P S
& impellers for damage.
Oil levels to gearboxes, jet hydraulics etc. Record any
P S P S
oil quantity added.
Exhaust flap covers present. P S P S
Raw water intake strainer clean / valve open. P S P S
Visual check for leaks, belt tensions, chafe, rubbish
P S P S
etc. Pump out if required.
OUTBOARD MOTORS
Check propeller condition & guards fitted. P S P S
Engine oil levels (or fuel mixed if 2 stroke). P S P S
Condition of drive belts and tensions. P S P S
General inspection for oil / fuel leaks etc. P S P S
Fuel tanks full, lines attached.
Workboat ID: ………………………………
Workboat type: ……………………………… Fit for purpose: Yes No
Completed by (print)…………… Signed…….………… Date………… Time……………..

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 18

Appendix 3
WORKBOAT LOG-SHEET
A nominated responsible and competent person on the mother vessel should record the following
information (as a minimum) for each workboat launch and recovery.
Mother Vessel ID: Date: Client: Location:
Type of workboat used Type of back up boat: Support boat in
attendance:
Workboat ID:
Coxswain: Backup Coxswain:
Crew: Backup Crew:
Crew Signatures: Backup Crew Signatures:

Weather: Wind strength / direction: Visibility (miles): Sea state:

Sea state (metres) Weather forecast: Sunrise (LT):

/ direction:
Sunset (LT):

Reason for launch: MOPO conditions applicable:

Pre-launch inspection completed: Y/N Pre-launch toolbox meeting held: Y/N

Permission to launch Coxswain and crew agrees to launch

Signed OOW: Signed Coxswain
Radio checked Y/N Spare radio checked Y/N VHF Channel used:
Workboat launched at: Workboat returned at: Duration of operation:

Pre- toolbox meeting checks Pass Fail Comments P = Port, S = Starboard engine
Painter secure & free from chafe
Tag lines (if used) secure & free from chafe
Hook / strop assembly secure & correctly set
Check engine oil level/s (record additions) P S P S
Check coolant level/s if applicable DO NOT P S P S
REMOVE CAPS IF HOT
Any raw (sea) water inlet valve/s open P S P S
Fuel full, attached & valve/s and vents open P S P S
Air intake/s not obstructed (any fire flaps secured P S P S
open, engine capsize equipment set correctly)
Any inflatable sections at correct pressure
Any inflation valves set / sealed correctly
Hull bungs fitted where applicable
Kill cord and spare connected / available
Consumables replenished e.g. drinking water
Fit for purpose Yes No Signed: Coxswain. Date:

Checks immediate to launch / letting go:

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 19

Appendix 3
Crew / passengers wearing correct PPE.
Radio check on main and spare radio.
Check steering and drive controls (may require engines to be running).
Check all instrumentation.
Check operation of jet drives when afloat.
Check Kill cord is not clipped to the Coxswain (until clear of towed
equipment)

Post mission checks / reporting:

Refuelled. Y/N
Consumables replaced. Y/N
Post mission checks made to workboat. Y/N
Incidents / mission debriefed. Y/N

Incidents during mission:

The data recorded here could be transferred to a computer database that would allow speedy assessment of the
company’s workboat operations across its fleet.

22 April 2002. Guidelines on the use of Workboats in Marine Geophysical Operations. 20