The Duty Holder has to ensure that; Although this means that an 0IM can visit an adjacent vessel/installation, when say under construction or a standby vessel, there must be adequate means of communication and of returning to the installation. The 0IM has a key role in the Safety Management System - he/she is responsible (to the duty holder) for the day-to-day management of the installation and in charge of the health, safety and welfare of persons on board. There will be a wide range of functions (set out in the safety case) including command and control in an emergency. When someone takes charge of a localised emergency the 0IM remains in overall charge of the installation. The 0IM's authority in relation to health and safety extends to everyone on the installation or in the safety zone and there may be conflict with persons who have their own legal duties e.g. the master of a ship. In such situations the persons involved should seek co-operation in reaching a solution that minimises risk. An 0IM must accompany any working parties to unmanned installations. This 0IM is required to be competent to carry out his functions, which may be significantly less than for the main platform 0IM. Anyone who boards or enters an installation's safety zone must recognise the authority of the 0IM. Co-operation for Emergency Response The Emergency Response plan should include arrangements for co-operation with; If an 0IM has reasonable cause to believe that it is necessary or expedient to do so for the purpose of securing the safety of the offshore installation or the safety or health of persons on or near it, he may take such measures against a person on the installation, including restraining the person and then puting the person ashore in the UK as soon as practicableRelevant Statutes:
At all times the installation (unless it is in transit) is under the charge of a competent person appointed by the duty holder. This competent person is known as the installation manager in the legislation but is more commonly referred to as the 0IM.
The ultimate legal responsibility for the safe operation of the installation rests with the owner or operator and the appointment of an OIM does not change this.
The duty holder is required to appoint more than one 0IM to cover shifts and leave periods and ill health etc.
The duty holder is required to ensure that the 0IM is provided with appropriate resources to carry out his functions and duties effectively.
The name of the 0IM is known or is readily ascertainable by every person on the installation. This is usually done by posting a notice in a public and easily accessible position.
Legally a person is not considered to be in charge of an installation unless;
Functions and Authority
Unmanned Installations
Co-operation
It is the duty of everyone on board to co-operate with the 0IM, so far as is necessary, to enable the 0IM to carry out his duties and functions.
This means that where the 01M has issued instructions for health and safety purposes these should be followed.
Masters of vessels and helicopter pilots must also co-operate with 0IMs provided this does not conflict with their statutory duties.
The 0IM must co-operate with:
Restraint and putting ashore
These powers should only be used in exceptional circumstances. If the period of restraint seems likely to exceed 24 hours the 0IM must notify the duty holder who can then take appropriate action e.g. informing police or health authorities.