Veritas'' Role In Offshore Certification
Authors: Hagen Jan-Erik 
Published: March 2010

What is DnV?

It is an independent self-financed society or, "foundation" created in 1864 in Norway. It has no shareholders. Its main objective is to safeguard life, property and the environment both at sea and on land. This has involved the establishing of Rules and Guidelines regarding classification, quality assurance and certification of sea-going vessels, structures and other installations. DnV is now operating in more than 100 countries with a world-wide staff of over 3,000, including research teams.

What is Certification?

As used by DnV, it implies that a structure or an item of equipment has been reviewed against a certain set of requirements and furthermore that a document is issued stating that the requirements have been complied with.

Certification has evolved from such events as disasters at sea and pressure vessel explosions. In recent years, there has been a growing clamour for improved protection of life, equipment and resources which has been reflected in ever tighter surveillance and inspections by certifying societies such as DnV.A typical Certification Program will include some or all of the following:Evaluation and review of design parameters and design,Inspection during all phases of construction,Surveying of marine operations,Survey of testing and commissioning,In-service inspection during the lifetime of the project.

Inspection during fabrication and installation is intended to be additional to and not a replacement of the control activities of the operator/owner, designer or contractor. It is to ensure that these activities are carried out according to the design and specifications under independent supervision.

In a new offshore theatre where existing regulations and codes/standards are difficult to apply, manageable regulations are essential. DnV believes that governmental regulations must tailor themselves to basic requirements such as:Protection of the public interest,Minimum standards that give adequate levels of safety and reasonable protection to the environment,Implementation and practice so that they do not form any undue hindrance in the executi9n of work and are in keeping with "state-of-the-art" advances.

Classification societies claim right of ownership to their rules in a certification/ approval system. At the same time, regulations of government bodies always supersede the rules of classification societies relating to offshore certification.

The design of fixed steel platforms is commonly based on National Regulations, Standards or Building Codes and the rules of societies such as DnV. Offshore rules and guidelines have been set down by those bodies most closely involved (e.g. API).

Canadian offshore activities are governed by regulatory authorities such as COGLA, Canadian Coast Guard, Newfoundland/Labrador Government (Petroleum Directorate). This includes the various statutes on regulatory matters.

Safety Approaches in A Certification Scheme

Safety and reliability of offshore installations depend on a combination of: environmental phenomena, structural response, strength capacity, efficiency and quality of topside facilities, fitness of instrumentation and last but not least, the capabilities of the personnel staffing the project.

Technological activities always have a certain element of risk and this can never be eliminated.