Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE)

We believe that we should not start the static kill operation until we have installed the last liner run in the bottom of the relief well.  Admiral Allen

Comment: This is understandable given the potential for communication between the 2 wells at or near the reservoir level.

– There has been some media talk about allowing the well to flow during a possible hurricane evacuation.  I don’t see any direct quotes from Admiral Allen that specifically say that, so I hope these media reports are inaccurate.  As indicated in previous posts, this is an unnecessary measure that could be viewed as irresponsible.

-Safety Leadership has been a major emphasis of drilling contractor training programs in recent years.  Transocean’s program is summarized here.  Safety leaders create an environment in which each employee is comfortable raising any and all concerns without fear of repercussions.  Safety leaders are also encouraged to raise safety issues with the companies that contract their rigs.  Judging by comments at the BOEMRE-CG Macondo hearings, some DWH employees were not comfortable raising safety concerns to their supervisors or the operator.   During the Montara blowout hearings, there was evidence of similar reluctance on the part of contract employees.   Drilling and other contractors need to take a close look at their Safety Leadership programs and find out why these entrenched attitudes persist.