Field-Tests for Crew Habitability

As the offshore industry moves into new frontiers and remote environments, operators and service companies are re-examining the health, safety and comfort levels of crews aboard offshore installations. ABS Crew Habitability Guide, developed over the last two years by the ABS Corporate Technology Safety Assessment and Human Factors group, is currently being field-tested on commercial vessels, offshore installations.

New designs and refurbishments of older facilities are utilizing ABS Guides and classification standards to prevent marine accidents and casualties by reducing crew fatigue and improving human performance, says Denise B. McCafferty, Manager, Safety Assessment and Human Factors for ABS. "The ‘ABS Guide for Crew Habitability on Offshore Installations’ provides industry with a single-source document addressing crew performance and quality of life aboard offshore installations, including Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), fixed facilities and floating installations," she said. Ms. McCafferty will present the development of this guidance and field-test validation measurements during the annual Offshore Technology Conference, May 5-8, 2003, at the Reliant Center in Houston.