IFP Databanks on Offshore Accidents

Summary

IFP has created two databanks concerning offshore accidents. The first, called TANKER, concerns accidents to carrier vessels having caused an offshore oil spill of at least 500 metric tons. The second, called PLATFORM, concerns accidents to drilling vessels or offshore oil platforms (whether used for exploration, development, production or as living quarters) having caused a shutdown of activity for at least 24 hours.

This paper describes how the banks were created. chosen presents the data in two forms:

• a series of synthesis data sheets, based on a press brief containing all the articles, reports and documents available on the accident, which clearly describes how each accident occurred and its consequences;

• a computerized databank giving, for each accident, about 30 parameters selected according to criteria making them suitable for use in counting or statistics.

  The problems encountered are mentioned, and a number of practical applications are given.