The agreement signing. (Image courtesy of EGAS)

Image courtesy of EGAS

Viridien and SLB have entered into an agreement with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) to launch a major multi-client ocean bottom node (OBN) seismic acquisition and imaging programme in Egypt’s Eastern Mediterranean offshore

The largest project of its kind in the region, it will combine the recognised OBN expertise of both parties to deliver an unparalleled subsurface dataset for Egypt and international exploration partners, which will be available through a multi-client model. Data acquisition is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

The project will give explorers and investors a clearer understanding of the region’s complex subsurface and help them identify new opportunities for exploration and enhanced production, as the country looks to boost production and decrease its reliance on imported fuel. The gpvernment is actively addressing policies to support an encouraging work environment for global investors,with a view to accelerating oil exploration and production rates, and there have been some encouraging new discoveries recently.

Mahmoud Abdel Hamid, chairman of EGAS, said: “The Egyptian Eastern Mediterranean has great potential for development but features some of the most challenging environments for seismic imaging owing to the complex faulting and the Messinian evaporite layer that masks deep reservoirs formed from complex channel sand bodies. We are pleased to work with our partners, Viridien and SLB, who have decades of specialized imaging expertise in the region and will apply their cutting-edge technologies to deliver the clearest insight into the subsurface to help operators better evaluate and prioritize opportunities.”

Dechun Lin, head of Earth Data, Viridien, said: “This agreement with SLB and EGAS marks a significant milestone for Viridien, giving new momentum to our commitment to Egypt as a key partner with over 30 years of in-country operating experience. Expanding our multi-client data library into the Egyptian Eastern Mediterranean with our advanced OBN imaging technologies will help showcase Egypt’s subsurface opportunities to the world.”

Offshore oil and gas operations place workers in some of the most demanding environments in the energy sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Offshore oil and gas operations place workers in some of the most demanding environments in the energy sector. Remote locations, changing weather conditions, and complex equipment all increase risk

Safety preparation is essential for protecting lives and ensuring that projects continue without disruption. Training plays a central role in preparing offshore personnel to respond effectively when unexpected situations arise.

Energy projects across offshore regions require strict safety standards that apply to every individual travelling to or working on an installation. These expectations are driven by the need for consistent emergency response skills and shared understanding across multinational teams. Standardised safety preparation helps ensure that workers arriving from different countries can operate confidently under the same procedures.

Practical preparation through BOSIET training is a key requirement for offshore readiness and is widely recognised across the industry. Access to structured programs such as the OPITO approved course available at helps offshore personnel gain the survival and emergency response skills expected by operators worldwide. Training aligned with standards set by OPITO supports safer offshore deployments and workforce confidence.

Offshore safety expectations in the oil and gas sector

Offshore environments present unique risks that are not commonly found onshore. Helicopter transport, confined spaces, fire hazards, and exposure to open water all require specialised preparation. Industry standards reflect these challenges by setting clear requirements for worker training before offshore travel.

Employers rely on consistent safety certification to verify readiness. Workers benefit from knowing what to expect during offshore assignments and how to respond during emergencies. Shared training standards reduce confusion and support coordinated responses during critical situations.

Understanding the purpose of BOSIET certification

BOSIET certification focuses on building essential offshore survival skills. The training covers emergency response techniques that are critical during offshore incidents. Participants learn how to manage high stress situations while protecting themselves and others.

The course also introduces offshore safety culture and responsibilities. Understanding personal accountability and teamwork strengthens overall safety performance. Certified workers arrive offshore prepared to follow established procedures and contribute to a safer working environment.

Helicopter safety and underwater escape awareness

Helicopter travel is a routine part of offshore operations, yet it carries inherent risk. Training addresses safe boarding, seating positions, and emergency procedures during flight. Workers learn how to respond calmly and efficiently if an aircraft incident occurs.

Underwater escape training is a core component of preparation. Participants practice techniques for exiting a submerged helicopter using emergency breathing systems. Familiarity with these procedures builds confidence and reduces panic during real emergencies.

Emergency response skills for offshore environments

Offshore installations must be ready to handle fire, evacuation, and medical emergencies at any time. Training provides hands on experience with alarms, escape routes, and muster procedures. Workers learn how to react quickly while following instructions from offshore leadership.

Fire response awareness is another critical area. Understanding fire types and initial response actions helps reduce escalation. Prepared personnel contribute to safer outcomes during emergencies and support the work of designated response teams.

Sea survival and personal protection

Open water survival skills are essential for offshore workers. Training includes techniques for entering the water safely, using life jackets, and boarding life rafts. Participants also learn how to manage exposure while awaiting rescue.

Personal protection knowledge extends beyond equipment use. Awareness of signaling methods and group survival strategies improves the chances of successful recovery. These skills are vital in remote offshore locations where rescue may take time.

Relevance of BOSIET for African offshore operations

Offshore energy projects continue to expand across African regions, increasing demand for trained personnel. International operators expect workers to meet the same safety standards regardless of location. BOSIET certification supports workforce mobility and project consistency.

African offshore installations often involve multinational crews. Shared training standards improve communication and cooperation across teams. Certified workers can transition between projects more easily while maintaining compliance with global expectations.

Training locations and accessibility

Access to approved training centres plays an important role in workforce readiness. Workers need convenient options to complete certification without excessive travel delays. Planning training schedules helps ensure certifications remain valid ahead of deployment.

Organisations benefit from working with providers that offer recognised programmes and flexible scheduling. Accessible training supports project timelines and reduces last minute disruptions caused by expired or missing certifications.

Maintaining certification and refresher requirements

BOSIET certification has a defined validity period, making refresher training essential. Regular updates ensure that skills remain current and aligned with evolving standards. Refresher courses reinforce critical knowledge and maintain confidence.

Ongoing competency supports long term safety culture. Workers who refresh their training stay familiar with procedures and equipment. This continuity strengthens offshore safety performance across multiple assignments.

Conclusion

Offshore oil and gas operations demand a high level of emergency preparedness and personal responsibility. Training aligned with OPITO standards equips workers with the skills needed to manage offshore risks and respond effectively during emergencies. BOSIET certification remains a cornerstone of offshore readiness, supporting safer deployments and international workforce mobility. FMTC Safety provides access to recognised training that helps offshore professionals meet industry expectations while strengthening safety performance across global operations.

The hull launch of the Coral North FLNG. (Image source: Eni)

Eni and its partners, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), ENH, KOGAS and XRG have announced the hull launch of the Coral North FLNG

Coral North will be the second state-of-the-art floating LNG facility to be deployed in the Rovuma Basin waters, offshore Cabo Delgado, north of Mozambique, and will bring to production the gas from the northern part of Coral gas reservoir

Coral South, the first project to produce gas from the Rovuma Basin, has already delivered to the market more than 135 LNG cargoes. Building on the knowledge and experience gained since Coral South began production in 2022, Coral North is designed to deliver enhanced efficiency and optimised performances, reducing costs and minimizing execution risks with the goal of completing the project on schedule by 2028.

With a 3.6 MTPA liquefaction capacity, Coral North will double Mozambique’s total LNG output to 7 MTPA, making the country Africa’s third-largest LNG producer and exporter, strengthening its role as a key player in the global energy market.

Coral North is expected to bring big economic benefits for Mozambique, including revenues from LNG, a boost to local industry, and the creation of new jobs. Coral North will also expand investments in local development initiatives.

Eni has been present in Mozambique since 2006. Between 2011 and 2014, the company discovered vast natural gas resources in the Rovuma Basin, in the Coral, Mamba Complex and Agulha reservoirs, with around 2,400 billion cubic meters of gas in placeEni also contributes to improving the country’s economic diversification, access to education, health and water through implementation of a comprehensive sustainability plan.

The new detector combines advanced gas detection, lone worker protection, and radio-quality communication in one rugged device. (Image source: Blackline Safety)

Blackline Safety has launched G8, a new connected gas detector with a rugged, IP-67 rating designed to meet the most demanding industrial environments

Building on the company's G7 line, the new detector combines advanced gas detection, lone worker protection, and radio-quality communication in one rugged device that connects workers to each other, to their safety teams, and to the broader digital worksite — with real-time data streamed to the cloud.

The detector features swappable cartridges covering more than 20 gases, dual-band GNSS/GPS (L1/L5), delivering more reliable positioning in challenging environments, and access to ZoneAware geofencing in Blackline Live.

Offering enhanced speaker and mic technology it enables loud, clear worldwide radio functionality so crews can talk across sites, regions, or even countries; emergency voice calling – connecting workers directly with a live monitoring agent when an alert is triggered; text messaging and mass notifications; an internal full-range speaker delivering up to 1W of audio power, and optional RSM with up to 1.5W output to extend sound capability even further.

A 64-colour backlit display and 35-lumen, easy-access flashlight offer reliable visibility in low-light or confined spaces.

Live data is streamed from the device to Blackline’s data and analytics platform—Blackline Live—via the cloud. This gives safety leaders real-time visibility into worker status, gas readings, and site conditions, and it gives operations teams actionable insights to prevent incidents, reduce delays, and keep projects moving.

G8 is future-ready to plug into other digital platforms from human resource management systems (HRMS) to field service management tools to hot-permitting applications and more. It will continue to evolve with new capabilities, expanded integrations, and emerging technologies like AI-driven insights.

“G8 gives workers access to the tools and information they need to confidently get the job done and get home safe,” said Cody Slater, CEO and chair, Blackline Safety. “By unifying gas detection, real-time monitoring, and communication in one connected device, we’re delivering more than incremental improvement. We’re giving every worker a direct line to the people, data, systems and support they need to make faster, safer decisions.”