Author: Line Viste

Full focus on exercises

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 06/02/2026

Each year, OFFB plans and carries out over 100 activities for our members. 2026 is no exception. Several exercises per week have already been scheduled for the first quarter.

Varied themes

Operators in the petroleum industry are required to ensure that necessary training and exercises are conducted so that on-duty personnel are always capable of handling incidents.

“We see that our member companies are committed to exercising. But the frequency, format, and scenarios will vary,” says Trond Gleditsch, Head of Training and Exercises at OFFB.

Gleditsch has several years of experience in planning and conducting exercises and training sessions, both in the Armed Forces and for private companies.

Scenario selection — meaning the type of incident they want to train for — is often linked to different DFSAs (Defined Hazard and Accident Situations). DFSA is a key concept in risk management and emergency preparedness planning. The DFSAs within the energy and petroleum sector cover incidents with major accident potential, such as hydrocarbon leaks and well control events, in addition to personal injuries and work-related illness. (Source: Havtil.no) Source: Havtil.no )

“It may be a topic specifically related to an upcoming operation, or it may be something they haven’t exercised for in a while. In 2025, we held exercises on themes such as oil spill response and oil types, but also scenarios involving security, cyberattacks, and cooperation with other actors,” Gleditsch explains.

He highlights Harbour Energy as one of the OFFB operators that has chosen a systematic method to ensure that all on-duty personnel receive broad and regular training.

“Harbour has a series of exercises where they build on lessons learned each time. We also developed a specific exercise format where they trained on stakeholder follow-up and collaboration while an incident was unfolding. It was successful and very educational,” says Gleditsch.

In the first quarter, Harbour Energy will train on handovers between duty teams—meaning that one team comes in after a few hours and takes over incident management from the first team. This is particularly relevant for long-lasting incidents, something OFFB has its own project on through ICS training.

Read also: OFFB prepares ICS training https://offb.no/en/ics-trening-fra-juni/ OFFB prepares ICS-training

Various exercises adapted to goals and scenario

The scope of the exercise determines how many people will participate and be evaluated. The shortest exercises are so-called tabletop exercises for reviewing bridging documents, with a focus on procedures and responsibilities related to notification routines during an emergency incident. In these exercises, the first line (platform manager) is often involved. The method is designed so that participants review the operation and planning documents together and then discuss actions and decisions based on input provided by the exercise leader.

Exercises are otherwise divided into different levels. The level indicates how many of the lines in the emergency organization participate. Level 1 means one line participates; level 2 means two lines are involved, for example second and third line.

Read also: OFFB prepares ICS training https://offb.no/en/ics-trening-fra-juni/ Read also: Training and exercises in OFFB Trening og øving – OFFB – Operatørenes forening for beredskap

The goal is always the same: Everyone on duty should feel confident that they can master their role.OFFB requires at least one exercise per quarter for duty personnel to remain eligible for duty.

How are exercises created?

Before the exercise, a scenario and a script are prepared reflecting the exercise goals. These go through several review stages to ensure relevance and realism.

“The scenario is often based on experience and real ‘near-miss incidents’. We want it to feel as relevant as possible,” Gleditsch says.

Those who will participate in the exercise control group or response cell are invited to a separate briefing before the exercise.

A dedicated observer closely monitors the exercise at both 2nd line (operational level) and 3rd line (strategic level). The overall goal is that the emergency organization handles the incident safely and effectively. After the exercise, observers and participants conduct a debrief. A written report summarizing key findings is also distributed afterwards.

“We have procedures and performance requirements that must be reflected in exercise objectives and thus in evaluations. The overarching goal is that everyone on duty feels confident that they can fill their role and do the job if the phone rings,” says Gleditsch.

Tags Training and exercises

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More than 100 people trained in practical exercises from north to south

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 11/12/2025

OSEP-leder orienterer under øvelse i Bergen. (Foto: Pål Erland)

Text: Line Njaa Viste

It is Pål Erland, Emergency Response Manager and responsible for the Operators’ Centre for Evacuees and Next of Kin (OSEP) in OFFB, who has spearheaded the annual gatherings and exercises in Brønnøysund, Bergen and Stavanger.

OSEP-exercise in Bergen (Photo: Pål Erland)

Participants from Aker BP, OKEA, Harbour Energy, Securitas, Thon Hotel, the Centre for Crisis Psychology (KfK), the Red Cross, municipal crisis teams and the police took part.

The exercises were based on a simulated offshore incident, focusing on reception, registration and handling of evacuees. Role players—among them local Red Cross volunteers—participated to act as evacuees.

“Excellent cooperation was shown between all parties, resulting in valuable learning for everyone. Training together in ‘peacetime’ means we are all better prepared for the day a real crisis occurs,” says Erland.

First meeting during OSEP-exercise in Brønnøysund.

More about the OSEP service:

• The Operators’ Centre for Evacuees and Next of Kin (OSEP) is a place for individuals involved in an incident who have not suffered physical injuries. Here, they receive support and help, such as reunification with relatives, counselling services and care.
• OSEP also serves as a physical meeting point and support centre for next of kin who need information, help, care and counselling.
• OFFB has established OSEP in several locations along the Norwegian coast: Stavanger, Bergen, Florø, Kristiansund, Brønnøysund and Hammerfest. Each OSEP conducts exercises twice a year.
• If an incident occurs where personnel need to be transported to shore, the partner hotels will be prepared, rooms made available and necessary resources called in. Qualified personnel such as police, clergy, healthcare workers, operator representatives and other specialists will be present to take care of those affected.

Tags Response, Evacuation centre (OSEP)

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One Year with Radio Medico as On-duty Doctor Service Provider

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 14/10/2025

STERKT FAGMILJØ: - Mange har i sine prosedyrer at de ringer oss, samme hvor de er i verden. Da vet selskapene at de får norsk standard helsehjelp. Vår erfaring er at de som bruker oss en gang, bruker oss igjen. Noe av styrken til Radio Medico er at vi er vant til å sette oss inn i veldig ulik kompetanse og å løse evakueringsmulighetene der det trengs – når det trengs, sier Jon Magnus Haga, her med kollega Cesilie Tveit. Foto: Line Njaa Viste

Text: Line Njaa Viste

On September 2, 2024, Radio Medico officially became the on-duty doctor service provider for OFFB members, including responsibility for on-duty services within the petroleum industry on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The service—an integrated part of the Norwegian Centre for Maritime and Diving Medicine, under Helse Vest RHF—brings extensive experience to the role.

In 2023, they assisted 2,053 patients at sea. About 200 of them were evacuated to land.

"90 percent of the inquiries we receive can be resolved on board with the right measures. When evacuation is necessary, it is always coordinated through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre," says Jon Magnus Haga, PhD, specialist in public health medicine and head of the Norwegian Centre for Maritime and Diving Medicine at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen.

Backing from Haukeland University Hospital

The Radio Medico on-duty team consists of seven qualified doctors working in rotation. Many of them have experience working at sea, and the team is composed to cover a range of medical disciplines. All on-duty doctors have undergone extensive training tailored to their roles.

“We’ve built a team that can deliver consistent quality in medical advice, while also contributing to the development of the field. It’s a great advantage that several have backgrounds from the Navy and maritime work," Haga emphasizes.

Radio Medico
With roots dating back to 1923 and the early days of the telegraph, the maritime industry is well acquainted with Radio Medico, Norway’s telemedical emergency doctor service for seafarers. The service is available 24/7, all year round, and free of charge for all seafarers, regardless of ship flag, nationality, or where in the world they are located.
Radio Medico is now an integrated part of the services offered by the Norwegian Centre for Maritime and Diving Medicine, which is under Helse Vest RHF (the Western Norway Regional Health Authority).

In addition to the on-duty doctor, the entire Haukeland University Hospital is available for consultation when needed.

"We’re fortunate to be able to consult seamlessly. The Radio Medico on-duty doctors handle the shifts, but we have Haukeland specialists backing us," says Haga.

_{Photo from OFFB and Radio Medicos competence gathering in June.}

Radio Medico’s on-duty doctors are available 24/7 to anyone who needs them. Calls come through Coastal Radio North or South.

Coastal Radio North or South assist in identifying the vessel and setting up the communication with the doctor.

Comprehensive Integration Program

Radio Medico has exstensive experience in training maritime and offshore doctors. To further understand the oil and gas industry and how OFFB's second-line emergency response operates, all the on-duty doctors participated in exercises hosted by OFFB last autumn.

There have also been professional development days involving Radio Medico, Coastal Radio North, and Coastal Radio South. A visit to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre was also part of the program for all the on-duty doctors.

Best Possible Onboard Healthcare

Jon Magnus Haga emphasizes the ability to consult with relevant expert environments in a seamless manner and underlines Radio Medico’s commitment to continuing to build a strong professional team.

"Through our work, we can foster specialization within public health medicine," says Haga.

_{Pictured, back row from left: Kristoffer Enge (on-duty doctor), OFFB Chief of Staff Kim Sviland, and Radio Medico Section Head/Chief Physician Jon Magnus Haga.
Front row from left: OFFB Head of Planning and Emergency Response Ann Christin Auestad, OFFB Managing Director Ole Jacob Haug, on-duty doctor Leni Johannesen, Clinic Director Alf Henrik Andreassen, and on-duty doctor Marit Grønning.}

– A Meaningful Mission

Ingeborg Ribe has been part of the Radio Medico on-duty team since November last year. She is a general practitioner and splits her time between the Norwegian Centre for Maritime and Diving Medicine and one day a week at a general practice clinic in Bergen.

Ribe says stepping into the on-duty role has gone smoothly. She received thorough training. and participated in a full-day exercise organized by OFFB for Harbour Energy in June.

"Radio Medico is a very rewarding part of my job. I find it meaningful and interesting to be in contact with nurses on offshore installations and to be involved in treating patients offshore. I get to combine my expertise in general and emergency medicine, and it’s worked very well to coordinate with helicopters and get patients to land. I’ve had many positive experiences as part of the on-duty team and look forward to continuing my shifts," says Ribe.

Quality as a Top Priority

For many years, OFFB operated a decentralized on-duty doctor system with local presence along the coast.

In recent years, however, telemedicine, new technology, and increased healthcare competence offshore have enabled smarter and more efficient solutions. In practice, it is no longer relevant to dispatch doctors from heliports on short notice.

Instead, offshore workers are cared for directly by offshore nurses, in dialogue with on-duty doctors onshore—and flown directly to hospital by helicopter when needed.

The centralized on-duty doctor system with Radio Medico is thoroughly developed and complies with the guidelines in "Offshore Norge 014 – Recommended guidelines for medical professional preparedness for actitivites on the Norwegian Continental Shelf" (updated in 2021). It is also medically grounded in accordance with the Norwegian Activities Regulation.

A More Robust Service

OFFB’s Managing Director, Ole Jacob Haug, underlines that the goal of the change was to offer a more robust service, where focused work on continuous improvement within a strong professional environment raises the quality for operators on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

"But we also gave something up. Centralization means we no longer have doctors available to show up at heliports in the evenings to escort people to the emergency clinic for less urgent issues. However, personnel sent to shore will still experience good follow-up through our OSEP system," says Haug.

A Future-Oriented Service

"We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Radio Medico and Helse Vest RHF (the Western Norway Regional Health Authority) in delivering this vital service to our members and everyone working offshore. Through this agreement, everyone gains access to a robust, modern, and medically sound on-duty doctor system that safeguards life and health in an excellent way," Haug adds.

Tags Response, Helse Bergen, Radio Medico

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Bringing OFFB Even Closer to the Academic Community

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 26/09/2025

Student Johannes Skjæveland Eide sammen med stabsleder og veileder i OFFB, Kim Sviland.

Text and photo: Line Viste

Johannes Skjæveland Eide is a paramedic and is now studying for a Master’s degree in Risk Analysis with a focus on risk governance at the University of Stavanger. During a visit to OFFB arranged by his student association, he spoke with Head of Planning and Emergency Response, Ann Christin Auestad, and Chief of Staff, Kim Sviland, about the possibility of gaining practical experience in emergency response work.

That opportunity came this autumn through the course “Practical Training in Risk Analysis.” The goal is to connect academic studies with the professional job market.

“To truly understand the core of applied risk, it’s a clear advantage to get experience from a company. This is a unique opportunity to see how risk assessments are actually carried out in practice,” says Johannes Skjæveland Eide.

Close to Valuable Expertise

The student has now been working with us full-time for five weeks and has used the time to get familiar with how an emergency response organization is structured and operates. He has gained insight into how cooperation agreements, training, exercises, and operational response are set up and is already involved in planning an exercise with a strong focus on injury to personel. In the exercise planning, he draws on both theoretical knowledge and experience from his previous education and work as a paramedic.

“Having worked on the tactical level as a paramedic, it’s interesting to now be working more on the operational level while being close to experts in these fields. At OFFB, I really get to use both the ‘nerdy’ analytical side and the hands-on operational side of crisis management,” he says.

The master's student has had varied workdays, where he has contributed to, among other things, the planning of exercises

At OFFB, several staff members have education and long experience in risk-related work, but apply it in different ways within their specific areas of expertise. Eide highlights this as one of the most exciting and educational aspects of being at OFFB.

“Here, you have people with expertise in everything from healthcare to well control, ICT, and strategic crisis communication with media handling. It’s really exciting to see how risk is assessed and managed at the frontlines,” says Eide.

"Why Do You Think Emergency Response Is Important in 2025?"

“I don’t really think the specific year matters. Emergency response is a fundamental value. It’s often said that the first sign of civilization is the healed remains of a broken bone. At its core, emergency response is about safety and trust between people,” the student reflects.

A Relationship of Mutual Dependence

At the University of Stavanger (UiS), they are also pleased with the collaboration.

“Risk and safety as a field at UiS is in many ways closely tied to practice. The master’s programs in Risk and Societal Safety at UiS provide a solid foundation for participating in, shaping, and developing future society from a sustainable, climate-friendly, and safety-conscious perspective,” says Professor Bjørn Ivar Kruke from the Faculty of Science and Technology.

He emphasizes that the relevance of risk and safety education at UiS depends on close contact with the field of practice. Therefore, opportunities for both students and academic staff to engage in professional discussions and exchanges with actors working in risk, safety, and response are crucial for academic development.

“At the same time, a lot of learning also happens in the field of practice, where academia can contribute with new perspectives. In that way, there is a mutual dependency between academia and the field. When theory and practice go ‘hand in hand,’ they complement each other in a meaningful way. Opportunities for this type of exchange arise when practitioners open their doors to students writing bachelor’s and master’s theses, as well as for internships in relevant safety and response organizations,” says Kruke.

That’s something OFFB’s Head of Planning and Emergency response, Ann Christin Auestad, wholeheartedly agrees with.

“It’s important for us at OFFB to stay connected to the academic community and not just focus on the operational side. It’s healthy for us as an organization to be observed with fresh eyes and to be challenged. I also think it’s valuable for students to get an inside look at all the different activities that goes on in an emergency response organization,” says Auestad, adding that it’s especially positive when students are proactive and dare to contribute ideas—something Eide has already shown he’s willing to do.

A six-week break from the internship at OFFB is now approaching. During this time, Johannes will be heading to Svalbard to attend the course “Emergency Response and Response in the Arctic” at UNIS – The University Centre in Svalbard.

“I think the stay in Svalbard will be both exciting and educational. Overall, I believe this semester will be extremely valuable for me. Industry experience is incredibly valuable, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have my internship at OFFB,” says Johannes Skjæveland Eide.

Tags Response, OFFB, Universitetet i Stavanger

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15 Years on duty for the Norwegian Continental Shelf

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 02/07/2025

Line Viste (text)
Jan Inge Haga (photo)

Visitors to OFFB often ask about the names of our meeting rooms; Anita, Siri, Randi, and Eva. And yes, they are named after people.

"It had to be that way. They really deserve the credit for OFFB’s existence," says OFFB’s managing director, Ole Jacob Haug.

15 Years on duty
It’s been 15 years since the first OFFB on-duty team was placed on emergency standby for the drilling of the Fogelberg exploration well using the West Alpha rig in the North Sea. The company was called Centrica at the time. Together with Revus (which became Wintershall during the process) and Det Norske, they were the first full-fledged OFFB member companies.

Utseth, Nesbø, Morvik, and Fagernes know the story of how the Norwegian Operators’ Emergency Preparedness Association (OFFB) came to be well. They helped create it. It all began back in 2007.

Part of the backdrop was the exploration tax refund scheme introduced by the Norwegian government in the early 2000s. This led to a significant increase in exploration activity and the emergence of many small companies—commonly referred to as "oil mosquitoes"—on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Anita Utseth realized that a more professional emergency preparedness organization was necessary when the small company she worked for, Pertra, experienced a production riser failure on the Varg field—in the middle of the Christmas party season.

"That’s when we understood that we weren’t well equipped for emergency response, and that a semi-professional second line just wasn’t enough. It was also a poor solution that the management teams received phone calls in the middle of a wine bottle on Friday nights," says Utseth.

At that time, Morvik worked at Revus—one of the "oil mosquitoes" that also saw the value in collaborating on a shared preparedness organization.

"It was my boss at the time, Ellen Braune, who gave me the assignment to find out if this was feasible. I knew very little about emergency preparedness back then. Luckily, I found great collaborators at OLF (now Offshore Norway). They asked us to conduct a feasibility study. That’s when the ball started rolling," Morvik recalls.

Siri Nesbø was HSE Manager at Centrica at the time and also became central to OFFB’s early development.

"The start-up was demanding, and I never dreamed it would become the success it has," says Nesbø.

^{Randi Morvik, Siri Nesbø, Eva Fagernes and Anita Utseth have left a clear mark on OFFB.}

Thinking Big
OLF (now called Offshore Norge), and especially Ove Haugen, was an important supporter. Once the project group received the green light that a joint emergency response center was realistic, the hunt began for companies willing to commit as members. Several companies showed interest, but finding those with concrete drilling plans and long-term commitment was a major task.

"The working title was National Emergency Response Center, so we were thinking big. Randi, Siri, and I fought our way into executive meetings to sell the message. During that time, we talked to each other constantly. I’ve never felt more like a salesperson than I did then," says Utseth.

Even without a large operating company that could ensure stable activity, they managed to establish a financing model.

"That was a milestone that showed we could succeed with our project," they say.

"We were all actively involved in shaping the organization, and I believe I participated in every single job interview for the original 15 hires, Utseth says.

The first employee was Ole Jacob Haug, who has been the general manager since the beginning and has played a key role in building the organization and developing it into what it is today.

“Getting the right people on board was crucial. Everyone who joined from the start took a bit of a risk. Three dry wells—and that could have been the end of it, even though we firmly believed the project had long-term potential," Utseth continues.

The risk paid off—for both operators and employees.

Since its inception, OFFB has provided emergency response services for more than 200 exploration and production wells—as well as for numerous production platforms, subsea installations, pipelines, and onshore facilities, across around 40 different operator companies.

Built on Volunteer Spirit
At its founding, OFFB had three regular member companies and four associate members. OFFB was established as a non-profit and moved into the top floor at Koppholen 19 in Forus. Randi Morvik (Revus/Wintershall), Siri Nesbø (Centrica), and Anita Utseth (Det norske) formed the original board.

Later, Eva Fagernes (Gaz de France) and Arild Thorsrud (Rocksource) joined the board. Bridge Energy, Discover Petroleum, EON, and OMV were associate members.

^{General Manager Ole Jacob Haug (center) together with Randi Morvik (left), Eva Fagernes, Anita Utseth and Siri Nesbø in OFFB's situation room, which is an important part of our premises at Forus.}

Eva Fagernes had also been involved early in the project through her position as HSE Manager at Gaz de France and returned when the company was preparing to start operations at Gjøa. She believes OFFB is a great example of the strength of the Norwegian model — where companies cooperate when it makes sense, for the common good.

"The project to create a shared emergency response center was rooted in volunteer spirit, with a strong focus on professionalism. The idea was that people who work with this continuously become truly skilled—and that’s key to building resilience. It also enhances competitiveness. I still think a shared emergency response center is a fantastic idea," says Fagernes.

Comeback as Chief of Staff
Morvik served nine years on OFFB’s board and at times acted as chairperson. The OFFB project was the start of a new career direction in emergency preparedness for her. For several years, she led crisis and emergency work at what was then Wintershall and Wintershall Dea. The company is now called Harbour Energy and remains a key OFFB member.

Shortly after accepting an early retirement package, Morvik realized she wasn’t done with work—or emergency response. She reached out, humbly, to OFFB’s managing director Ole Jacob Haug to ask if there were any opportunities to contribute.

"Pretty quickly, I got a part-time job as Chief of Staff. I love it. I look forward to work and feel energized being here with so many skilled and kind people," says Morvik.

Just as We Envisioned – and Even Better
All four of the “meeting room women” believe OFFB has truly lived up to its purpose and original intention—a unique collaboration across companies.

They particularly highlight the creation of the Competence Center with tailored courses for members, professional forums as well as the strong member networks and active sharing of experience.

^{Managing Director Ole Jacob Haug received a wonderful visit from the four people behind the original idea for the workplace he has built.}

Utseth, Fagernes, Nesbø, and Morvik are happy to have witnessed the oil companies taking emergency response and preparedness more seriously—both operationally and strategically.

"They’ve understood how important this is, and OFFB gives the companies the emergency confidence we hoped it would. We think it’s both fun and impressive to see what kind of workplace OFFB has become. Credibility and engagement—from authorities, universities, and the energy sector in general—show that OFFB is a significant player. We’re simply proud of what this has become."

"It’s kind of fun that we’ve left our mark here," the four say, as they inspect their respective meeting rooms.

Tags 2nd line, Response, Vakt

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Three Things People in Crisis are in special need of

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 06/12/2024

When working with emergency response, you must be willing to consider that the unthinkable could happen. That is why we at OFFB train and rehearse a variety of scenarios together with our member companies more than 130 times a year. All our member operators work according to the principle that consideration for people comes first. Noone knows exactly how we will react in a crisis, whether we are directly affected by it or are among those who must look after others.

But being prepared helps.

Longstanding Cooperation

Krisereaksjoner var en del av tema da OFFB nylig inviterte Klinikk for krisepsykologi (KFK) til samlinger med staben og ledere og operatører i vårt pårørende telefonsvarsenter. OFFB har samarbeidet med spesialistene i KFK i en årrekke og tjenestene deres er en viktig del av beredskapen.

Ved en hendelse kan vi kalle på KFK-psykologenes kompetanse, og de vil bistå enten via telefon, video eller ved fysisk oppmøte. KFK skal hjelpe til med at både rammede mennesker og innsatspersonell blir ivaretatt.

Facts:

Clinic for Crisis Psychology has been working on clinical management and research on crises, grief, and trauma situations for several decades.
The center was founded by Atle Dyregrov and Jakob Inge Kristoffersen in 1988.
KFK is located in Bergen but has agreements with companies across the country.

With more than 30 years of operation, Klinikk for krisepsykologi has been involved in many serious events requiring acute preparedness and psychosocial follow-up. These include the helicopter crash at Gullfaks C (1988), the Estonia disaster (1994), the Sleipner disaster (1999), the Åsta accident (2000), the Nokas robbery (2004), the July 22 attacks (2011), the terror attack in Algeria (2013), the helicopter crash at Turøy (2016), and the helicopter crash off Sotra (2024).

Psychologist Marianne Vinjevoll has extensive experience working with relational trauma, life-threatening events, and various grief reactions. In addition to her clinical work, Marianne is responsible for emergency preparedness and response at KFK. Another area of expertise is caring for relatives and colleagues after acute traumatic events.

"How a person reacts in an acute crisis can vary greatly, but common to most is that they need information, care, and help to calm down their activation," said Vinjevoll when she visited us at OFFB.

Difficult but Meaningful

Vinjevoll shared valuable experiences and knowledge for both those of us working in full-time emergency response at OFFB and those we involve in the event of an incident.

The five on call leaders and 35 trained operators who can be called to our next of kin call centre are among the first to be in direct contact with relatives at the beginning of an incident. At that point, professional support is crucial. The meeting with KFK formed this semester's mandatory training.

Vinjevoll has extensive experience in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and has worked with groups of emergency responders, aid workers, and individuals. She emphasized how important it is for those involved to feel supported both immediately and over time after an incident. Support can take various forms, from informal to more formal approaches such as defusing and psychological debriefing.

"It is important that the individual's experience is acknowledged. Even though people may have been involved in the same event, different roles, previous experiences, and feelings of coping will influence how each person is affected going forward," she said.

She concluded by thanking the next of kin call centre operators for their dedication.

"You have agreed to a demanding job, but you should know that being there for people in crisis will also be experienced as important and rewarding," said Marianne Vinjevoll.

Tags Response, Krisereaksjoner, OFFB

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Students visiting OFFB

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 01/11/2024

OFFB has had a good collaboration with the University of Stavanger (UiS) for several years. The collaboration has been particularly close with the master program in societal safety. Over the years, OFFB has recruited several people with a master’s in societal safety, and several of our employees have also taken this master’s while working here.

A consistent link between research, theory and practice

Recently, Professor of Societal Safety, Bjørn Ivar Kruke, brought the students on a visit here to us at Koppholen in Forus.

Head of plan and emergency response, Ann Christin Auestad.

They got to know OFFB’s history and what it means to be on duty for offshore workers at sea and on land facilities, and how we train and practice together with our members to be as always prepared as possible.

They were particularly curious about the collaboration between member companies, which can be said to be quite unique for the industry – and very successful. This is shown by OFFB’s 15-year history as a non-profit emergency response organization.

They also saw that there is a consistent link between research and theory and how the subject is practiced.

Tested in roles in the emergency room

The students got to try out the role of being part of the duty team in our emergency room when the head of plan and emergency response, Ann Christin Auestad, simulated an incident and its handling. The incident was based on an exercise we conducted for one of our members.

Practical rehersal in the emergency room, where the students got to try to be part of the on duty-team.

When the initial message came in from the sea, one of the students became the emergency leader, while those who had taken the positions of information coordinator, personnel coordinator, government coordinator, logistics coordinator, and chief of staff assumed these roles. They reported that it was an educational afternoon.

- We at OFFB are pleased with the long and close collaboration we have with Professor Bjørn Ivar Kruke and the societal safety study at UiS. Now we also hope that some students will choose OFFB for an internship. It provides useful learning both ways, says Auestad.

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Petroleum and maritime industry – joint emergency response

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 24/06/2024

Ole Jacob Haug. Foto: Jan Inge Haga

By Ole Jacob Haug, general manager of OFFB (Operators' association for emergency response)

The Norwegian Maritime Industry Authority and the authorities have high ambitions and demand that Norway continue to be a world leader in health, safety and environment - also within the new industries that are now to be developed.

Until the turn of the millennium, activity on the NCS was dominated by a few large oil companies with considerable experience and significant resources.

However, low oil prices and low exploration activity led to a low willingness to invest in the industry and the authorities felt compelled to take a number of measures to increase activity, including a new scheme for prequalification of companies, an allocation scheme for licenses in mature areas through APA and the introduction of the so-called exploration reimbursement scheme.

The result was a steady stream of new oil companies on the NCS.

Shares costs, resources and expertise
The requirements for emergency response are the same for small and large operators; everyone must be able to implement measures to deal with situations of hazard and accident and coordinate rescue operations.

The authorities have high ambitions and demand that Norway continue to be a world leader in health, safety and environment - also within the new industries that are now to be developed. (Illustration: Shutterstock)

However, creating large and resource-intensive emergency response organizations to take care of a few and short-term search operations did not seem appropriate for the small and medium-sized players. The companies also wanted to ensure robust preparedness.

In 2009, a number of the companies therefore decided to cooperate on emergency resoponse in OFFB (Operators' association for emergency response). The core is a cost-effective sharing model based on collaboration, quality, continuity and professionalism.

Since then, OFFB has grown in step with the operators and looked after more than 180 exploration operations and a number of offshore installations, underwater installations, production wells, gas pipelines and onshore facilities distributed among 40 different operators. Today, the emergency center at Forus is run by A/S Norske Shell, Aker BP, DNO, Gassco, OKEA, Sval Energi, Wellesley Petroleum and Wintershall Dea.

Every year, our emergency response teams and crisis management experts mobilize to deal with small and large emergency situations, while at the same time we further develop plans, carry out more than 100 exercises a year, train new personnel and work closely with the cooperative actors.

Petroleum AND new maritime industry
The association OFFB can today offer members a unique collection of expertise and experience in handling incidents in Norwegian oil and gas operations. When we in OFFB mobilize, it is as an integral part of the members' organizations. We are robust enough to stand the test of time and we are a predictable partner for all our cooperative actors - both private and public.

We want to share and further develop this knowledge with the new maritime industries.

Because the Norwegian continental shelf is changing. We will continue to extract oil and gas. At the same time, world-class emergency preparedness must ensure safe and cost-effective operations within the new maritime industries that are on the way - such as renewable energy production at sea, transport and storage of CO2 and extraction of seabed minerals.

"OFFB has no owners who demand returns and dividends. Therefore, we can use all our resources to develop and deliver high-quality emergency services."

Therefore, we can use all our resources to develop and deliver high-quality emergency services. In this way, we ensure the greatest possible and best possible preparedness for every penny.

Common challenge, common solution
We believe that knowledge and competence have greater value the more people who have access to it and can help develop it.

The new maritime industries face many of the same challenges that the small and medium-sized oil and gas companies did in 2009. The OFFB solution has served both the operators and the Norwegian continental shelf well for 15 years.

We now welcome the new industries into the collaboration.

There should be no competition for safety and preparedness. In this field we must all be the best.

Tags Response, Havindustri, Nye næringer

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Testing artificial intelligence for conversation training

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 16/05/2024

One of the largest needs for people affected by a crisis is the need for information.

That's why OFFB has its own next of kin call center here at our premises at Forus. In total, we have five team leaders and 35 call handlers who can mobilize and run the call center 24/7 during incidents where personnel is affected in various ways.

- Our call handlers can provide information approved by the company owning the incident. Anyone who considers themselves as next of kin can call. Those who answer the phone must therefore be prepared for a range of questions, reactions, and emotions, so it is important that they feel confident in their role, says Sviland.

The call handlers in the team have varied educational backgrounds and broad expertise. Many have healthcare education and experience. Several of them hold volunteer positions in The Norwegian Red Cross, the Rescue Society, and churches. Together, they master eight different languages, and they all have experience talking to people in challenging situations.

To ensure that our call handlers are up for the task, we train regularly, both technically and in conducting conversations.

- We have mandatory semi-annual training with theory and practice. New as of this year is that we have teamed up with skilled Trine Bjørnsen and Håkon Hapnes Strand from Sklls AI, and we have been practicing next of kin conversations using artificial intelligence at the other end of the line, says Sviland.

Facts: Artificial Intelligence (AI):
"Artificially intelligent systems perform actions, physically or digitally, based on the interpretation and processing of structured or unstructured data, with the aim of achieving a given goal. Some AI systems can also adapt by analyzing and taking into account how previous actions have affected the environment." Source: Digdir.no - https://www.digdir.no/kunstig-intelligens/hva-er-kunstig-intelligens/4133 https://www.digdir.no/kunstig-intelligens/hva-er-kunstig-intelligens/4133

Facts: Artificial Intelligence (AI):

"Artificially intelligent systems perform actions, physically or digitally, based on the interpretation and processing of structured or unstructured data, with the aim of achieving a given goal. Some AI systems can also adapt by analyzing and taking into account how previous actions have affected the environment." Source: Digdir.no - https://www.digdir.no/kunstig-intelligens/hva-er-kunstig-intelligens/4133 https://www.digdir.no/kunstig-intelligens/hva-er-kunstig-intelligens/4133

Safe training

OFFB recently signed a two-year agreement to use Skills' AI-based communication simulator HiSkills. The Next of Kin call center is the first to test the system here at OFFB. The conversation takes place roughly the same way as if a person had called in and requested information.

The conversation takes place roughly the same way as if a person had called in and requested information. The AI interprets the response, and the conversations develop accordingly.

– We have developed an AI-based solution for training critical telephone conversations in collaboration with emergency services. The great thing about this tool is that operators can train as often as they want in a safe virtual setting. Emergency response personnel in the oil and gas industry can also benefit greatly from this type of training. We are now working with partners like OFFB to further develop both the technology and course content to meet the needs of the industry, says Håkon Hapnes Strand, CTO at Skills.

Over time, more people at OFFB will use AI for training and exercises.
With HiSkills, employees in emergency response lines can practice receiving information, crisis communication, and next of kin conversations in a safe virtual setting. The solution is developed in Stavanger in collaboration with Rakos and Helse Stavanger.

The solution is developed in Stavanger in collaboration with Rakos and Helse Stavanger.

- Some are skeptical when they hear they are going to have a conversation with a machine, especially in these types of conversations where emotions are often involved. The experience after testing it is that most people found it both useful and exciting, so it will be interesting to follow along as the Norwegian version gets better at interpreting emotions, says Sviland.

The National Library has in the recent years been working to create a language model which allows artificial intelligences, speech machines, and translation programs to not only understand the Norwegian language, but also various dialects. The latest version has recently been integrated into the Skills tool. The idea is not for artificial intelligence to replace our call handlers, but for the machine to help more people train as effectively as possible in gathering the right information and passing it on.

Surprisingly positive experience

Cathrine Strand Liland is one of the call handlers in the team. On daily basis, she works as a cancer nurse, and she also holds the education as an HSE advisor.

- I chose to join the call handler team because I thought it seemed exciting to learn more about the emergency field. I also thought that with my experience talking to patients and their next of kin in crises, I might be able to contribute well to the call center when callers experience being in a confusing situation, she says.

Liland is positive to conversation training with AI.

- I thought it was incredibly cool and believe that it could become a much more 'realistic' conversation training in the future. I am pleasantly surprised at how well it worked already and look forward to more conversation training with AI, she says.

Sviland adds that AI-simulated conversations provide necessary repetitive training and are a good supplement to our own training method.

- Now we look forward to being part of the technological development. After all, AI works somewhat like us humans - it improves the more it trains.

Completely in the spirit of OFFB, in other words.

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Coming to OFFB for learning and networking

Post author By Line Viste
Post date 19/03/2024

It didn't take long from the establishment of OFFB in 2010 for member companies to realize the need for a common training and competence center. Now, we plan and organize courses, theme days, and other competence-enhancing initiatives that are open to all our members.

— The Competence Center has become a meeting place across companies where employees can share experiences they have gained when it comes to emergency response, says Dag Normann Aasjord, leader of the OFFB Competence Center.

Over the past decade, Aasjord has built up the course portfolio in close dialogue with representatives from the companies. Currently, OFFB organizes around 30 courses annually at our premises in Koppholen 19, as well as individual courses at the companies' locations.

During our courses, people from different companies meet, and we see that many appreciate expanding their network in addition to refreshing or acquiring new knowledge.

— Since OFFB focuses on training, emergency response and handling incidents, there is a short distance from observations to incorporating them into the courses. Additionally, our members avoid going to the commercial market, says Aasjord.

Sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences align perfectly with what OFFB is built on, and we find that members are willing and adept at sharing experiences related to emergency responce. The Competence Center is a platform for doing this in a meaningful way.

Facts: The Competence Center
The OFFB Competence Center is a competence hub for its members.

The goal of the Competence Center is to:
Simplify members' access to qualified competence enhancement.
Develop and conduct courses and theme days tailored to members' needs.
Create and communicate course plans to members.
Develop and communicate recommended practices as tools for members.
Contribute to quickly bringing new members up to the right level.
Ensure structured competence enhancement for its own personnel.

The deliveries from the OFFB Competence Center are covered through OFFB membership.

— We notice that the informal conversations during the courses also contribute to competence enhancement. We also know that participating in courses is a nice break from the daily work routine, says Aasjord.

The common thread between courses, exercises, and emergency response

OFFB's Competence Center uses its own staff as instructors, ensuring alignment with training and exercises. In addition, our own employees participate in courses — both newly hired and more experienced individuals in need of updated knowledge.

Our courses are also coordinated with other entities we closely collaborate with during exercises and incidents, including the Joint Rescue Coordination Centres (JRCC), police, healthcare services, the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil), and municipalities — in addition to our own members.

— It is important to us that the courses are based on real needs. We conduct annual member surveys that show satisfaction from both participants and those sending people to our courses, says Aasjord.

Adjusting the course plan based on wishes and needs

The model for the Competence Center has always been based on members influencing the content. If member companies have ideas for new products or courses, we are flexible in adjusting to their wishes and needs. Courses in media management and stakeholder analysis are examples of courses that have been added in this way.

— Right now, we see that several companies want to strengthen the organization at the strategic emergency response level. This is reflected in the 2024 course plan, where we offer several rounds of strategic emergency response management, media handling, stakeholder analysis, courses for liaisons, crisis reaction handling, and OSEP courses, among others, says Aasjord.

Interested in a course? Find the updated plan here.

It is also our job to go out, observe, and evaluate the emergency response of our members. They receive good advice based on evaluations. The advice and experiences are then gathered in written documents called recommended practices.

More information

Contact the leader of OFFB Competence Center, Dag Normann Aasjord: Office phone:

Kontortelefon: +47 51 96 51 52
Mobil: +47 958 86 986
E-mail: dag.normann.aasjord ( a ) offb.no

OFFB have room for more members

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