Pacific Drilling becomes first drilling contractor to receive COS SEMS certification

Pacific Drilling has become the first drilling contractor to complete the requirements to receive a Center for Offshore Safety (COS) SEMS Certificate. Requirements for this certification include the completion of a third-party SEMS audit against COS program requirements.

Bureau Veritas Certification (BVC), a COS-accredited audit service provider, found that Pacific Drilling’s safety and environmental management system (SEMS) meets applicable requirements API RP 75 and 30 CFR 250 Subpart S.

“We are honored to be the first drilling contractor to certify its safety and environmental management systems against COS program requirements, and we hope our peers will follow suit,” Tony Seeliger, SVP Operations for Pacific Drilling, said. “Delivering safe and reliable operations is a fundamental component of our company culture. We are committed to being the industry’s preferred ultra-deepwater drilling contractor, and attaining this certification is in line with our values, which include proactivity, customer orientation and community focus.”

Mr Seeliger noted that all Pacific Drilling personnel are encouraged to take a leadership role, think beyond existing best practices and find ways to shape a future where ideal performance can be achieved. “Certifying our SEMS is a natural extension of our company culture,” he said.

Jorge Hercules, VP of BVC, added: “Throughout the audit process, Pacific Drilling demonstrated a strong commitment to QHSE excellence at every level of the organization. The combination of strong vision, leadership and confidence in their operations was key to Pacific Drilling becoming the first contractor to achieve SEMS certification.”