Safe Offshore Marine Operations (SOMO): Strengthening Offshore Safety Zones
The Safe Offshore Marine Operations (SOMO) – Offshore Installations & Energy Structures Safety Zone standard is designed to enhance safety, awareness, and competency in offshore safety zones. Developed to mitigate avoidable collisions within these exclusion areas, it provides a structured framework for ensuring safe marine operations across the energy sector.
Addressing Industry Concerns
Recognising the need for a proactive approach to offshore safety, OPITO developed the SOMO standard in response to a recommendation from the Marine Safety Forum (MSF). The standard was created following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other industry representatives, to provide best practice guidance for those operating in and around safety zones.
With vessel incidents in these areas continuing to pose a risk to personnel and infrastructure, the standard offers a practical, competency-based approach to improving safety across energy structures, including oil and gas installations, offshore wind turbines, and other energy-producing assets.
A Structured Approach to Marine Safety
The SOMO standard aligns with the Marine Operations Guide, which was developed by the MSF under Step Change in Safety. This alignment ensures a consistent methodology for vessels approaching offshore structures, reducing operational risks and promoting safer working environments.
The training is designed for personnel responsible for marine operations within safety zones, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess hazards, recognise unsafe practices, and implement effective risk mitigation strategies. By focusing on skill development, the standard supports a culture of continuous safety improvement within the offshore industry.
Collaboration and Industry Expertise
A key element in the development of the SOMO standard was collaboration with Seacroft Marine Consultants, a leading provider of marine safety training. With extensive experience in delivering training to offshore personnel, Seacroft has trained more than 3,000 professionals in the UK and internationally, helping to enhance best practices and reduce incidents involving vessels in safety zones.
Michael Cowlam, Managing Director of Seacroft Marine Consultants, emphasised the importance of this initiative:
“For the last eight years we have trained more than 3000 people, in the UK and internationally, to improve best practice and help mitigate incidents involving attending vessels in the safety zone.
We have been delighted to work with OPITO and industry stakeholders, including the MSF, to develop this to become a globally recognised industry standard.
As a result, we hope to see an increase in knowledge and risk prevention by those working in these safety zones and ultimately safer marine operations globally.”
Commitment to Safer Offshore Operations
The introduction of the SOMO standard reflects OPITO’s ongoing commitment to improving safety across the energy sector. By equipping workers with the necessary competencies, the standard plays a vital role in reducing risks and ensuring the safe management of marine operations within safety zones.
Through continued engagement with industry stakeholders, workforce representatives, and training providers, OPITO remains dedicated to supporting a safer and more skilled offshore workforce. As this standard is further embedded across the sector, it will continue to drive improvements in offshore safety, benefiting personnel, vessels, and infrastructure.
