Conoco/BP Integrated Suit System
Fiona Wong, Det Norske Veritas, Eric Bramham, Shark Group, Morpeth,UK and Tom Maddern
This paper gives the background behind the integrated survival system developed by Shark for Conoco and BP during the last 18 months.
Helicopter passengers have to don several items of equipment, including a thermal liner, survival suit, life jacket, rebreather system and personal locator beacon - this is time consuming and not particularly comfortable, especially during warm weather. The Conoco and BP offshore work forces challenged Shark Group to develop a survival system which integrates all the items of PPE required for helicopter travel while providing a survival time in water of at least 3 hours. The survival system was to be breathable, fire retardant, inflatable, durable, comfortable and compliant with the latest regulations. Input from the workforce has continued throughout the development process. The CAA was consulted to ensure the regulatory requirements would be met. Manned environmental trials, cold water trials and an offshore assessment are being carried out.
The Conoco/BP Integrated Survival System Project demonstrates the effectiveness that results from integration between end users, oil companies, regulatory authorities and manufacturers when developing new products which must meet a range of requirements. The new Integrated Survival System is expected to be in service during the second quarter of 2002.
To download the full paper CLICK HERE (.PDF)
