News Cuttings
Taf Powell joins IADC, to oversee government/regulatory affairs
Further reflecting IADC’s commitment to champion better regulation and enhance operational integrity, Steve Kropla has been promoted to executive vice president, operational integrity, and Taf Powell has joined IADC as executive vice president, government and regulatory affairs.
Enhancing operational integrity is vitally important to IADC’s mission. Mr Kropla, with IADC since 1992, will retain responsibility for oversight of the offshore, onshore, well servicing and accreditation and credentialing divisions. He will also continue to oversee the development of key initiatives that will propel the drilling community forward.
Mr Powell has extensive experience in petroleum and topsides engineering for upstream E&P. His early career includes experience as a drilling engineer and drilling project manager. He joined the UK’s Health and Safety Executive in 1992, serving a variety of roles over the course of 21 years. During this time, he introduced the safety case regimes following the 1998 Piper Alpha disaster and directed strategy and regulations of the upstream oil and gas sector in the UK and commercial diving. Between 2000 and 2004, he introduced key UK programs focused on three regulatory priorities: hydrocarbon releases (KP1), drilling rig heavy-lift incidents (KP2) and asset integrity (KP3). In 2005, Mr Powell produced an updated version of the safety case regulations, based on the experiences of the regulator and industry.
In 2005, he was appointed to the Buncefield Independent Board of Investigation as chief inspector for the board. During his three years on the board, he produced nine reports and 108 recommendations to UK ministers for safety at major hazard sites.
In 2011, Mr Powell joined the European Commission as an expert adviser for offshore drilling and production. In his most recent role, he was responsible for delivering EU-wide legislation for offshore safety, environmental protection and financial liability.
“We are in a new era of closer collaborative relationships with industry regulators. IADC’s seat at the regulatory table allows us to advocate on behalf of sensible and practical legislation that supports increased drilling activity to provide the necessary energy to support modern society,” said Stephen Colville, IADC president and CEO. “Additionally, we have a strong commitment to operational integrity and ensuring the drilling community maintains the license to operate. The addition of Taf and the promotion of Steve sends a signal of IADC’s seriousness to improve the performance of our industry.”
Brian Petty to retire from IADC
After more than 30 years of exemplary service with IADC and the drilling industry, Brian Petty, executive vice president of government and regulatory affairs, is retiring.
“When I joined IADC in 1991, I initially worked in IADC’s Washington, DC, office,” said Alan Spackman, IADC vice president, offshore division. “So, uniquely for IADC staff, my indoctrination to IADC came from Brian Petty. I have marveled at Brian’s ability to discern the key political touch points to any issue affecting IADC’s membership and to work political issues to IADC membership’s benefit.”
Mr Petty joined IADC in 1983. During his long and distinguished career, he cultivated relationships with government representatives, working to influence some of the most crucial legislation affecting the oil and gas industry. He also serves as chairman of the US Federal Industry Trade Advisory Committee for Automotive Equipment and Capital Goods (ITAC 2) and co-chairs the Energy Services Coalition, which seeks liberalization of trade in the energy sector.
Near-miss form now available
IADC recently launched the Drilling Near Miss/Hit Report in print and online versions. The form allows space for a brief incident description and documentation of an incident’s severity.
“Near-misses happen. Documenting them allows for an opportunity to learn from mistakes and correct actions before a more serious incident occurs,” IADC president/CEO Stephen Colville said. “The form was requested by our members and is another product that IADC offers to ensure that every worker has the tools they need to competently perform their job.” A well-servicing version will be available soon.
Click here to hear Stephen Colville discuss the form.
Click here to order the near-miss form.
