The Subsea Risk Management Consultant plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, integrity, and efficient operation of subsea assets throughout their lifecycle. This individual provides specialized expertise in risk management, drawing upon industry best practices and frameworks to identify, assess, and mitigate risks specific to the subsea environment. Facilitates comprehensive risk assessments for subsea projects, leveraging tools and techniques from the industry recognised Recommended Practice (e.g., HAZID, HAZOP, FMEA/FMECA).

1. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification and 2. Integration with SMS Framework:

• Identifies potential hazards related to subsea installations, pipelines, umbilical’s, and equipment, considering factors such as:
  • Asset Suitability
  • Constructability Reviews
  • Installation Methodology
  • Geotechnical conditions
  • Environmental factors (e.g., currents, seabed stability)
  • Equipment reliability
  • Intervention challenges
  • Security threats
• Evaluates the likelihood and consequence of identified hazards, establishing a risk profile for each project.
• Ensures alignment of subsea risk management activities with the organization’s overall Operating Management System (SMS) framework.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of SMS elements related to subsea operations, particularly those focused on:
  • Commitment and Accountability
  • Risk Assessment and Control
  • Asset Design and Integrity
  • Plans and Procedures
  • Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning

3. Contractual Risk Management:

• Assesses contractual risks associated with subsea construction, installation, and maintenance projects, adhering to IMCA guidelines.
• Provides input on contract negotiations to ensure appropriate allocation of risks between operators and contractors, with a focus on:
  • Contractor SWOT Analysis
  • HSSE Management
  • Performance Risk
  • Financial Risk
  • Geo-Political Risks
  • Ensuring NO damage to subsea assets
  • Liability for undesired events
  • Warranty obligations
  • Force majeure clauses
  • Termination conditions
  • Change and Deviation Management
  • Delays and Impact Analysis ; dynamic decision making to keep the Project moving along in the event of unforeseen hinderances and obstacles.
  • Documentation Review
  • DPR Reporting

4. Development and Implementation of Risk Mitigation Measures:

• In conjunction with Project Manager and Subsea Engineer Develops and recommends risk mitigation strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of each subsea project, drawing upon industry best practices and engineering expertise.
• Ensures that risk mitigation measures are implemented effectively and are subject to ongoing monitoring and review.
• Coordinates with engineering, operations, and HSE teams to integrate risk mitigation into all aspects of subsea project planning and execution.

5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning:

• Establishes and maintains a system for tracking subsea incidents, near misses, and safety observations.
• Analyses incident data to identify root causes and trends and recommends corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Contributes to the organization’s experience transfer process, sharing lessons learned from subsea projects to promote continuous improvement.

 Compliance and Auditing: *Ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies related to subsea risk management. *Participates in audits of subsea risk management processes and procedures, identifying areas for improvement.

RACI Definitions:

• R (Responsible): The person who does the work to complete the task.
• A (Accountable): The person who is ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the task. Only one ‘A’ can be assigned per task.
• C (Consulted): The person whose opinions are sought; two-way communication.
• I (Informed): The person who is kept up-to-date on progress; one-way communication.

 Key Considerations:

• Subsea Consultant’s Central Role: The Subsea Consultant frequently holds both Responsible and Accountable roles. They possess specialized subsea knowledge and oversee the integrity and effectiveness of the risk management process.
• Project Manager’s Ownership: The Project Manager retains overall accountability for the project’s success, including ensuring adequate resources and adherence to the RMP. They’re frequently responsible for tasks with organization aspects.
• Subsea Engineer’s Technical Contribution: The Subsea Engineer provides essential technical input and implements the engineering aspects of risk mitigation. The engineer is focused on operational side to maintain stability and effectiveness.

This is by NO means a comprehensive cover of the spectrum of role and responsibility of a subsea consultant, just a brief glimpse suitable for a BLOG.