Simultaneous Operations

1.0

Guidelines
Ensure that simultaneous operations are performed in a safe and controlled manner.
For the purpose of SimOps Activities, close proximity is defined as near enough to have
an impact with another covered activity or will have interaction with another covered
activity.
Production Operations

Rig Operations or Rig Moves

Construction Operations, including

Electrical and Instrumentation
(I&E)

Use of Shared Road Networks

Anchoring of Vessels

Mobilization and Demobilization

of Equipment

Derrick Barge Operations

Seismic or Geotechnical
Operations

Heavy Lifts

Aircraft Landing/Takeoff

Diving Operations

Emergency and/or Spill Response

Production activities concurrent with Construction activities only requires a Permit to

Work, but depending on specific hazards and complexity of the project as identified by
the Field Management Team, SimOps procedures may be required.
Refer to the PTW/SimOps Decision Matrix to help determine the need for utilizing
Permit to Work only or Permit to Work and SimOps.
All Simultaneous Operations Plans will be used in conjunction with the Permit to Work
Process.

Bureau Of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement

(BOEMRE)(formerly MMS) - Waiver Requests
A Simultaneous Operations Plan does NOT automatically grant us permission to depart from
any regulations. If departures from regulations are necessary in order to perform the
Simultaneous Operations, then such departures (also commonly referred to as waivers), must
be requested from the appropriate agency.

2.0

Requirements
1. Communication shall be established at the outset of simultaneous operations
(SimOps) and maintained daily through both normal and abnormal conditions and
documented on the Daily Simultaneous Operations Log.
2. SimOps should be discussed daily at shift/tourly meetings between all parties.
3. A Simultaneous Operations Plan must be used to create a written plan that:

Designates the responsible parties for the various operations being performed

Establishes emergency response awareness and contacts

Simultaneous Operations

Identifies hazards and appropriate mitigations (precautions and actions)

Clarifies communication between the various operations

4. A Simultaneous Operations Log must be used during simultaneous operations,

and is to be completed daily by the SimOps Controller prior to commencement of
simultaneous operations.
5. A Simultaneous Operations Plan Checklist must be used for compliance with the
Simultaneous Operations Plan. The checklist is provided to use as a tool to ensure
ongoing compliance with the SimOps plan. It is to be completed by the SimOps
Controller.
SimOps Plan Form Prior to start of SimOps activities
Responsibility of the project initiator: Operations Engineer, Drilling Engineer,
Facilities Engineer, Operations Supervisor
The Plan is a bridging document to help create a tangible plan including
completion of a Risk Assessment.
Designates the responsible parties for the various operations being performed
Establishes emergency response awareness and contacts
Identifies hazards and appropriate mitigations (precautions and actions)
Clarifies communication between the various operations
SimOps Plan Checklist Prior to start-up and weekly thereafter
Responsibility of SimOps Controller: Drill Site Manager, Well Site Manager,
Operations Supervisor
Must be used to ensure compliance with the Simultaneous Operations Plan
Completed by the SimOps Controller and members of the Field Management
Team (FMT)
SimOps Meetings Daily/Tourly or as needed
Responsibility of SimOps Controller
Daily SimOps Log Daily
Responsibility of SimOps Controller
Used to document the discussion of projected activities of the day
Used during all Simultaneous Operations and is to be completed daily by the
SimOps Controller

3.0

Terms and Definitions

The following terms and definitions apply to the Simultaneous Operations Safe Work
Practices guidelines.
Classified Hazardous Area Any area classified as a hazardous zone area (Zone 0, 1 or
2, or Class I, Division 1 or 2) in accordance with API RP 505/API RP 500 or other
equivalent local standards.
Company Representative A Company employee or designee who is responsible for
liaising with and managing the contractor to ensure that the contractor performs the work
safely in accordance with applicable Safe Work Practice standards.
SimOps Controller A Company employee or designee who is responsible for
coordinating the Simultaneous Operations activities at a facility.

Simultaneous Operations

The OS, OIM, DSM, WSM, or the Designee will act as the SimOps Controller and is
responsible for coordinating Simultaneous Operations activities at a facility.
SimOps Representative- A Company employee or designee who is responsible for
coordinating one of the contributing Simultaneous Operations with the SimOps
Controller.
The Person Leading Work (PLW) will act as the SimOps Representative and is
responsible for coordinating one of the contributing Simultaneous Operations with the
SimOps Controller.

4.0

Roles, Responsibilities, and Training Requirements

Roles must be clearly defined, and personnel must meet the training and competency
requirements of this guideline prior to starting work.
A single individual may fulfill more than one role as long as he or she meets the
competency requirements, and is able to fully meet multiple responsibilities.
The following roles and responsibilities are specific to simultaneous operations.
SimOps Controller
Minimum Knowledge Requirement

Ability to understand and control simultaneous operations

The requirements of the relevant SWP Standards
The permit process
Hazard Identification & Evaluation
Operations contributing to SimOps in their area of responsibility
Hazards that may be encountered during operations in their area of
responsibility
Emergency Plan
Daily Simultaneous Operations Log
SimOps Plan Form and SimOps Checklist
How to sound an alarm in the event of an emergency
Can state their authority to stop work

SimOps Representative
Minimum Knowledge Requirement

The requirements of the relevant SWP Standards

The permit process
Hazard Identification & Evaluation
Hazards that may be encountered during operation in their area of
responsibility
The impact their activity could potentially have on other operations
Emergency Plan
SimOps Plan Form and SimOps Checklist
How to sound an alarm in the event of an emergency
Can state their authority to stop work

Simultaneous Operations

SimOps Controller (formerly Person-In-Charge (PIC))

The SimOps Controller is the liaison between drilling & completion operations,
construction, production operations, or other personnel, and coordinates their daily
operations. The SimOps Controller shall communicate with SimOps Representatives (for
each SimOps activity i.e., drilling, production, construction, etc.) the expected activities
for the day at the commencement of each tour and as conditions require. Any anticipated
conflicts or hazards due to the simultaneous operations should be resolved. Precautionary
measures that will be taken during simultaneous operations shall be reviewed at that time.

The SimOps Controller is in charge of all simultaneous operations procedures and is the:

DSM/WSM on all drilling & completion operations

Production Representative on all non- drilling & completion operations

Management may designate a separate SimOps Controller that does not have drilling &
completion or production responsibilities when the critical nature of the situation warrants

The SimOps Controller is the simultaneous operations equipment and procedures

reviewer. Prior to commencement of simultaneous operations, it shall be the
responsibility of the SimOps Controller to inspect the drilling and completion worksite,
construction, producing, and other equipment for compliance with these guidelines. It
may be necessary to request assistance in the initial review from the Petroleum
Engineering and Facility Engineering staff.

The SimOps Controller should perform a review weekly using the SimOps Plan Checklist
to ensure that all equipment is performing properly and procedures are being adhered too.

The SimOps Controller shall document and be responsible for completion of orientation
and drills concerning:

Simultaneous operations procedures

Emergency procedures

Firefighting equipment operations and location

ESD equipment operation and location

Any person arriving on a structure shall be directed immediately to the SimOps Controller
and then to the SimOps Representative of their particular operation (example: Drilling,
Construction, or Production Representative) and shall state their business or purpose.
They must be made aware of any non-routine or unusual operations in progress, or
anticipated, and alerted to conduct their business accordingly. All visitors shall be logged
in and instructed on precautions to be observed and safety procedures, such as fire and
abandon platform emergency procedures to be followed.

The SimOps Controller shall issue daily Hot Work Permits for all specific areas
previously approved by the Operations Supervisor or, if designated by the Operations
Supervisor (OS), the Field Coordinator.

The SimOps Controller shall verify inspection and gas monitoring of all undesignated
welding areas prior to commencing any hot work in accordance with the BOEMRE
approved welding plan. The SimOps Controller shall verify continuous monitoring
performed during hot work; and no less than 30 minutes after hot work is completed, a
follow-up inspection shall be performed to ascertain if the area is secure.

The SimOps Controller shall be notified and the area shall be monitored with a gas
detector prior to starting and while operating engines with starters and alternators which
are not suitable for hazardous locations. When starting these engines, they should have
the same precautions as a welding operation.

The SimOps Controller shall verify that certifications for all crane operators, riggers and
welders, as well as the contractor's crane records, sling certifications, and inspections are
in proper order prior to simultaneous operations.

Simultaneous Operations

Drill Site Manager (DSM) & Well Site Manager (WSM)

The DSM/WSM is the SimOps Controller of the drilling & completion operations on
location.

The DSM/WSM is the SimOps Controller of all simultaneous operations and emergency
situations while drilling & completion activities are present.

The DSM/WSM shall initiate appropriate drilling rig shutdowns and/or production
shutdowns based on company operating procedures.

The DSM/WSM shall meet with the other SimOps Representatives to keep advised on
both routine operations and non-routine operations as encountered. Planned meetings
should be held daily at the beginning of each tour. The results of subject meetings shall be
noted on the Daily SimOps Log.

Production Representative
During drilling & completion Operations

The Production Representative is the SimOps Representative of the production operations

on the structure.

The Production SimOps Representative shall ensure that all fire systems are inspected or
tested as appropriate on a weekly basis and maintain them in a ready condition.

The Production SimOps Representative shall initiate production shut-ins and depressurize
equipment based on normal operating procedures.

The Production SimOps Representative shall meet with the other SimOps Representatives
& the SimOps Controller to keep advised of all routine operations and non-routine
operations as encountered. Planned meetings should be held daily at the beginning of
each tour. The results of subject meetings shall be noted on the Daily SimOps Log

During Non- drilling & completion Operations

The Production Representative shall normally be the SimOps Controller of simultaneous

operations and emergency situations when no drilling & completion activities are present.

All Other Company, Construction, and Contractor Supervisors

Each SimOps Representative shall be aware of all simultaneous operations activities.

Each SimOps Representative shall meet daily or by tour with the SimOps Controller to
discuss job activities for the day/shift.

The SimOps Controller is responsible for maintaining the Daily Simultaneous Operations
log.

The SimOps Controller is responsible for conducting a weekly review of the Daily
Simultaneous Operations Log.

Each SimOps Representative shall know the location and operating procedures of all ESD
stations and emergency equipment.

Each SimOps Representative shall ensure that all personnel know emergency drill
procedures and participate in all emergency drills.

Each SimOps Representative shall immediately notify the SimOps Controller of any
unsafe work or platform conditions.

Simultaneous Operations

4.1 Initial Training

Personnel must meet the competency requirements of this standardized safe work
practice prior to starting work.
Refresher training must be provided as follows:

5.0

As required by applicable regulations or company policy

As needed when identified by verification, inspections, incidents, or audits

Standard Instructions
Simultaneous Operations (SimOps) is defined as, but not limited to, performing two or
more of the following operations concurrently in close proximity:
Production Operations

Rig Operations or Rig Moves

Anchoring of Vessels

Mobilization and Demobilization

of Equipment

Derrick Barge Operations

Seismic or Geotechnical
Operations

Heavy Lifts

Aircraft Landing/Takeoff

Diving Operations

Emergency and/or Spill Response

This process does not preclude establishing more restrictive limitations that may be
warranted by particular circumstances or conditions. The SimOps Plan Form and the
SimOps Checklist must be used to ensure ongoing compliance with the SimOps process.
The key element during SimOps is communication. It is imperative that clear and
continuous communications be maintained between all personnel performing work. This
communication shall be established at the beginning of SimOps, maintained daily
through both normal and abnormal conditions, and documented on the daily SimOps
Log. SimOps will be discussed daily at shift/hourly meetings.
The SimOps Controller working with the SimOps Representatives (for each SimOps
activity, i.e., drilling, production, construction, etc.) shall contribute to the SimOps plan.
The SimOps Controller will have authority if necessary to determine which operation or
phase of work has priority at a given time.
Before the commencement of Simultaneous Operations, representatives from all
departments involved must meet to discuss the details of the work to be performed.
5.1 Production Operations
Production Operations is a broad category of work that includes activities such as
production wireline operations, well workovers, blasting, and painting. The Production
SimOps Representative will discuss planned activities and potential hazards of
production activities with the SimOps Controller. Any identified hazards and steps to
mitigate hazards will be documented in the SimOps Plan Form. The Production SimOps
Representative is responsible for updating and communicating the production work plan
to accommodate SimOps where required.

Simultaneous Operations

Production Operations may also include, but not limited to:

Any component of a production system that is pressurized and/or has the ability to
become pressurized during the anticipated duration of the scheduled work.

This includes, but not limited to: Vessels, Headers, Process Piping, and
Pipelines..etc.
Any anticipated operator activities on the structure during the anticipated duration of the
scheduled work.
This includes, but not limited to:
Manned & Un-Manned Structures
Well testing
Compliance testing
Anything that requires vessel access to the structure
Any wireline activities
Any sandblasting & painting activities

Production activities concurrent with Construction activities only requires a Permit to Work, but
depending on specific hazards and complexity of the project as identified by the Field
Management Team, SimOps procedures may be required.
Particular attention to significant risk assessment items and additional risk exposure
under Precautions and Action Guidelines for Production Operations is required.
5.2 Rig Operations or Rig Moves
The Rig SimOps Representative will discuss planned activities and potential hazards of
rig activities with the SimOps Controller. Any identified hazards and steps to mitigate
hazards will be documented in the SimOps Plan Form. The Rig SimOps Representative
is responsible for updating and communicating the rig work plan to accommodate
SimOps where required.
Drilling and Completion
Rigs, MODU or a lift or jack-up boats must operate in compliance with the U.S.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and
Enforcement Notice to Lessees (NTL) 2008-G05 & 2009-G25 is required.
Particular attention to significant risk assessment items and additional risk exposure
under Precautions and Action Guidelines for Drilling and Completions Operations/Rig
Moves (Drilling; Workover; Snubbing; Coiled Tubing; Electric Line) is required.
5.3 Construction Activities, Including Electrical and Instrumentation
(I&E)
Construction activities, including Electrical and Instrumentation (I&E), is a broad
category of work that covers a wide range of activities. The Construction SimOps
Representative will discuss planned activities and potential hazards of construction
activities with the SimOps Controller. Any identified hazards and steps to mitigate
hazards will be documented in the SimOps Plan Form. The Construction SimOps
Representative is responsible for updating and communicating the construction work
plan to accommodate SimOps where required.

Production activities concurrent with Construction activities only requires a Permit to

Work, but depending on specific hazards and complexity of the project as identified by
the Field Management Team, SimOps procedures may be required.
Refer to the PTW SimOps Decision Matrix to help determine the need for utilizing Permit
to Work only or Permit to Work and SimOps.

Simultaneous Operations

All Simultaneous Operations Plans will be used in conjunction with the Permit to Work
Process.

Particular attention to significant risk assessment items and additional risk exposure
under Precautions and Action Guidelines for Construction Operations is required.
5.4 Anchoring of Vessels
Communication links shall be established between the vessel and production operations
prior to all anchoring operations. Every effort shall be maintained during anchoring
operations to avoid endangering pipelines and submarine cables. If a pipelines location
is in doubt, the lines in question should be bled down prior to anchoring operations.
The SimOps Representative will discuss planned activities and potential hazards of
anchoring activities with the SimOps Controller. Any identified hazards and steps to
mitigate hazards will be documented in the SimOps Plan Form. The SimOps
Representative is responsible for updating and communicating the work plan to
accommodate SimOps where required.
Prior to all anchor handling operations a pre-move meeting addressing, at a minimum,
stop work authority, deteriorating weather, roles and responsibilities, risk assessment,
crew handover requirements, notification procedures for mechanical
malfunction/injury/spill, and stability, shall be held onshore and offshore.
The 500 / 1,000 foot rule will apply. The 500 / 1,000 foot rule is defined as follows: Anchors
are not dropped closer than 500 feet from a pipeline. If crossing a pipeline, the anchor should
not be dropped closer than 1,000 feet of the pipeline in the direction of the anchor pull.
Whenever anchors are required to be placed closer to the pipelines than the recommended 500
/ 1,000 foot rule, then discussions with the vessel operator and the reasons for a variation from
the 500 / 1,000 foot rule are required. The surveyor will request an all stop until all parties
agree to the process for setting anchors. The proposed change in anchor layout shall be
submitted to the Project Manager.
For pipe lay barges, derrick barges and dive support vessels; the contractors anchor
handling procedures will be submitted to the Project Manager for the project for review
and concurrence.
Particular attention to significant risk assessment items and additional risk exposure
under Precautions and Action Guidelines for Anchoring of Vessels is required.
5.5 Mobilization and Demobilization of Equipment
The SimOps Representative will discuss planned activities and potential hazards of
mobilization/demobilization activities with the SimOps Controller. Any identified
hazards and steps to mitigate hazards will be documented in the SimOps Plan Form. The
SimOps Representative is responsible for updating and communicating the work plan to
accommodate SimOps where required.
For Rig Moves/Rig Skids/Rigging Up & Down, refer to Section 5.2 in addition to
Precautions and Action Guidelines for Drilling and Completion Operations/Rig Moves
(Drilling; Workover; Snubbing; Coiled Tubing; Electric Line),
For lifts and moving heavy equipment in the area of producing wells or production
equipment, refer to Section 5.1, as well as the Precautions and Action Guidelines for
Production Operations.
For mobilization and demobilization of equipment during construction activities, refer to
Section 5.3 and the Precautions and Action Guidelines for Construction Operations.

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Simultaneous Operations

The Lifting and Rigging Guideline should be used for further guidance. Also reference
the MSRE Cargo Handling Process.
The loading, stowing, and discharging of cargo to and from a vessel are activities that
pose significant risk of injury. The vessel Master has ultimate responsibility for
acceptance of cargo to and from the vessel and the stowage and separation of cargo on
and below deck. Heavy lifts will require a lifting plan to be developed prior to
commencing the operation.
5.6 Derrick Barge
For SimOps Derrick Barge activities, the SimOps Checklist and SimOps Plan Form must
be used for each project or scope of work. These documents are intended to be tools that
improve job planning, and minimize exposure to environmental and safety hazards.
Lines of communication shall be established between the derrick barge, crane operator,
offshore operations, inland operations, SimOps Representatives, and the SimOps
Controller before setting anchors in the field. The Derrick Barge SimOps Representative
will discuss potential hazards of the planned activities with the SimOps Controller. Any
identified hazards and steps to mitigate hazards will be documented in the SimOps Plan
Form. The SimOps Representative is responsible for updating and communicating the
work plan to accommodate SimOps where required.
Particular attention to significant risk assessment items and additional risk exposure
under Precautions and Action Guidelines for Derrick Barge is required.
For additional guidance on anchoring procedures, reference Section 5.5 and MSRE Anchoring
Process.
5.7 Seismic or Geotechnical Operations
The SimOps Representative will discuss planned activities and potential hazards of
seismic or geotechnical activities with the SimOps Controller. Any identified hazards
and steps to mitigate hazards will be documented in the SimOps Plan Form. The SimOps
Representative is responsible for updating and communicating the work plan to
accommodate SimOps where required.
Seismic Operations occurring in close proximity of Drilling and Completion Operations,
specifically during perforating operations, will adhere to the radio silence procedure.
All devices that transmit/receive a telecommunication signal/frequency, (i.e., two-way,
microwave & SCADA radios, cell or cordless phones, satellite devices, Sky Connect
GPS, pipeline sales radio transmitters, etc.), will be shut off while these tools are armed
and until they are 250 below the mud line.
Seismic activity adjacent to or concurrent with diving activity should not be performed
within a minimum of a one mile radius.
As a precaution, Seismic operations should include communication over the VHF to alert
other activities.
5.8 Heavy Lifts by Stationary Cranes
A heavy lift is defined as a non-routine lift (drilling, workover, construction, wireline,
etc.) which is equal to or greater than 75 percent of the rated capacity of the crane, at
either a dynamic or static condition. Use the load chart for rated capacities.
Heavy lift crane operations shall be conducted in accordance with the Lifting and
Rigging Guideline. At a minimum, three actions are required: a lift team is established, a
pre-lift meeting is conducted, and a written critical lift JSA is prepared. The Heavy Lift

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Simultaneous Operations

SimOps Representative will discuss potential hazards of the planned activities with the
SimOps Controller. Any identified hazards and steps to mitigate hazards will be
documented in the SimOps Plan Form. The SimOps Representative is responsible for
updating and communicating the work plan to accommodate SimOps where required.
Particular attention to significant risk assessment items and additional risk exposure
under Precautions and Action Guidelines for Heavy Lifts by Stationary Cranes over
Pressurized Equipment is required.
The Lifting and Rigging Guideline should also be used for additional guidance.
5.9 Aircraft Landing and Takeoff
Communication links shall be established between the aircraft and the landing field or
heliport prior to all aircraft landings and takeoffs. Trip planning in accordance with the
ASRE Process must be followed. A Permit to Work and the SimOps Form are not
required for aircraft operations unless instructed by the SimOps Controller Aviation
Safety process.
If the SimOps Controller designates aircraft operations as a SimOps activity, then a
SimOps Representative shall be assigned to discuss potential hazards of the planned
activities with the SimOps Controller. The SimOps Representative is responsible for
updating and communicating the work plan to accommodate SimOps where required.

Helicopter operations must be advised prior to abrasive blasting operations in

process to protect helicopter engines from ingestion of abrasive particles that
could damage them. Reference Precautions and Action Guidelines for
Production Operations.

Helicopters are not allowed to land during radio silence/perforating operations.

Reference Precautions and Action Guidelines for Drilling and Completion
Operations/Rig Moves.
For Ship/Drilling Rig/Work Barge Operations, a green deck clearance is required prior
to landing. Reference ASRE Process, Aircraft Operations Manual for additional
guidance.
Where cranes are positioned in the proximity of helidecks or approach/take-off zones, they will
not be operated while the helicopter is landing, taking off, or running on the heliport. If a crane
is in use and cannot release its load, the crane's boom will be positioned away from the heliport
and secured to prevent swinging. If feasible, the crane should be shut down. Unless the
qualified crane operator is in direct voice communication with the helicopter pilot, the qualified
crane operator will not be at the control station during helicopter landings, take-offs, or while a
helicopter is running on the heliport. Any crane not in use that could affect helicopter operations
will have its boom cradled. Reference the Lifting and Rigging Procedure for additional
guidance.
5.10 Diving Work
For all SimOps diving activities, the SimOps Checklist and SimOps Plan Form must be
used for each project or scope of work. These documents are intended to be tools that
improve job planning and minimize exposure to environmental and safety hazards.
A diving project requires a pre-job safety and planning meeting with parties involved to
ensure proper communication on the project. The SimOps Controller ensures the
coordination of the project with the SimOps Representatives. The meeting should be held
at the jobsite prior to diving activities or any substantial change in work scope.

12

Simultaneous Operations

Particular attention to significant risk assessment items and additional risk exposure
under Precautions and Action Guidelines for Diving Work is required.
For additional guidance, review the MSRE Vessel & Installation Communication
process.
5.11 Emergency and/or Spill Response
For emergency response activities involving SimOps, the Emergency Response process
must be followed and any permits required by that process must be issued.
For spill responses involving SimOps (defined as spill response that occurs after the
initial emergency response is over), a Permit to Work, appropriate work permits (Hot
Work, Confined Space, etc.), SimOps Checklist and SimOps Plan Form must be used.
These documents are intended to be tools that improve job planning and minimize
exposure to environmental and safety hazards. The Spill Response SimOps
Representative will discuss potential hazards of the planned activities with the SimOps
Controller.
As required by the Emergency Management Process, the National Interagency Incident
Management System (NIIMS), Incident Command System (ICS) is the tool utilized for
emergencies and spill response. The ICS is the hazard control mechanism and
communication tool for concurrent activities. This protocol is addressed in the numerous
response plans approved by numerous agencies.
When the NIIMS ICS is not utilized (i.e., upon stand down), then the SimOps process
will be utilized as necessary.

6.0

Records

6.1 Required Records

Copies of permits and associated documentation shall be maintained in accordance with
the Permit to Work guideline.
6.2 Retention Requirements
Documentation shall be retained as required by local regulation, company policy or for a
minimum of six months, whichever is greater.

2012 Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

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