An Introduction to Final Disembarkation Online Course
This online course covers the final phase of offshore asset management — disembarkation. Taught by Gemma Douglas, Associate Project Engineer at TAQA and a professional who has personally disembarked five offshore assets, this module covers the key considerations, regulatory requirements, and human factors involved in safely and compliantly leaving an offshore installation for the last time.
What You'll Learn in This Online Course
- What final disembarkation means — running down systems, de-energising the asset, and handing over to the removal contractor in an agreed "as left" state
- The five key regulatory documents that must be updated during the final departure phase: the Safety Case, Consent to Locate, Marine Licence, Waste Management Plan, and Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
- The role of the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) in managing crew welfare, competency, communications, and safety during the final departure phase
- How the removal contractor is involved in the disembarkation process — from the initial survey and walkabout to the punch list and handover package
- The practical factors that influence the length of the final departure phase — typically 14 to 30 days — and the key decisions around platform-based vs vessel-based preparation
Where This Fits in Offshore Decommissioning
Final disembarkation is the last manned phase of any offshore decommissioning project. It bridges the gap between the operational life of the asset and the physical removal campaign. Getting it right — in terms of safety, regulatory compliance, and handover quality — directly affects the efficiency and cost of everything that follows.
Taught by Industry Expert
Gemma Douglas
Gemma Douglas is an Associate Project Engineer at TAQA, one of the most experienced operators in late-life asset management and decommissioning. She has personally led the disembarkation of five offshore assets across TAQA’s Northern and Central North Sea portfolio, including Tern, Eider, North Cormorant, Cormorant Alpha, and Harding.
Part of the Lean Decom Decommissioning Training Course
This online course is one module within the Lean Decom Decommissioning Training Course — a structured, expert-led system covering the full offshore decommissioning lifecycle. The disembarkation module connects directly to the de-energisation, safety and risk management, and topsides removal modules.
Why This Online Course Matters
Safety
The duty of care to crew continues right to the final helicopter off the platform; disembarkation must be managed with the same rigour as any live operation
Compliance
Five separate regulatory documents must be updated before the asset can be left as an unattended installation
Handover Quality
A thorough punch list and photographic handover package protects both operator and removal contractor from future commercial disputes
Sequencing
The disembarkation timeline directly determines when the removal contractor can mobilise and begin the physical removal campaign
Related Online Courses
An Introduction to De-Energisation of Oil and Gas Installations
An Introduction to Safety and Risk Management
An Introduction to Topside Removal
Online Course Overview
| Topic | Final Disembarkation |
| Industry | Offshore Oil & Gas Decommissioning |
| Instructor | Gemma Douglas, TAQA |
| Part of | Lean Decom Decommissioning Training Course |