Current Press Releases OIL & GAS UK UPDATES GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND SURVEY OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RESCUE VESSELS Oil & Gas UK in association with the Emergency Response & Rescue Vessel Association (ERRVA) has updated its two guidelines on the management and survey of emergency response and rescue vessels, recognising changes and progress in equipment, training and practices. The new management guidelines provide masters and crews of emergency response and rescue vessels, offshore installation managers and other relevant offshore personnel with general guidance for the effective recovery and rescue of personnel. The survey specific guidelines provide guidance in assessing the suitability of vessels standing by offshore installations for providing effective response and recovery as required by offshore health and safety legislation. Bob Kyle, safety consultant with Oil & Gas UK said: "In the UKCS we currently have about 130 emergency response and rescue vessels supporting circa 115 installations, with more than 30 vessels being built or on order. There have been substantial changes over the past two decades in the design and equipment of these vessels. In the 70s and early 80s the industry had to use converted fishing boats as standby vessels, whereas now we have purpose built vessels which are equipped with the latest technology. "When it comes to emergency and response operations, the industry can never stand still. Our updated guidelines now recognise the continuous improvements in equipment and technology on our standby vessels, ensuring efficient and competent operations in case of an emergency." ENDS For further information, please contact: Britta Hallbauer Oil & Gas UK Media Relations 3rd Floor, the Exchange 2 62 Market Street Aberdeen AB11 5PJ                                                                           Tel:       01224 577331 Fax:      020 7802 2401 Email: bhallbauer@oilandgasuk.co.uk Mob:   07891769113 15/07/08