Risk governance gap analysis in search and rescue at offshore platforms in the Greek territory

Abstract

This paper describes the operational procedures and the conditions that exist and prevail in the Search and Rescue (SAR) at sea for endangered offshore platforms (oil rigs) in Greece. More specifically, the authors collected and elaborated all the necessary information of a thorough risk governance gap analysis by means of selective scenarios all along the SAR process, while paying special attention to the respective risk governance issues. Particular information is provided for the SAR in the Greek Search and Rescue Region (SRR), for the purpose of identifying vulnerable conditions such as responsibility gaps and duplication or overlapping of duties among the different partners and stakeholders that may result in confusion and lead to operational failures. The authors approach the international and national legal framework concerning the SAR issue, the identification of the potential for SAR operations in the Greek region, namely, the Search and Rescue Units (SRUs) in Athens FIR and the public services and governmental organizations, which are likely to be involved. An analysis of the coordination process among the above mentioned stakeholders is done along with the determination of various peculiarities/uncertainties that may arise during the management of communication. The paper concludes with a proposal for action plans in various SAR scenarios and suggestions on possible locations for the On Scene Coordinator (OSC) basis. A list of possible problems and shortcomings is presented and associated with a corresponding list of solutions.