Gemma Douglas
Associate Project Engineer – TAQA Group
BA Business Studies, Robert Gordon University | Masters Certificate in Project Management, George Washington University
Module: Final Disembarkation Preparation & Execution
Biography
Gemma Douglas specialises in the preparation and execution of final disembarkation phases of offshore decommissioning at TAQA Group.
With 19 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, she plays a key role in planning and coordinating the structured transition of offshore installations from operational status to safely disembarked and unattended condition.
Her work focuses on the detailed sequencing required before personnel leave an installation permanently. This includes verification of system shutdown, confirmation of isolation boundaries, hydrocarbon-free assurance, documentation validation and compliance alignment with internal and regulatory standards.
Gemma supports the execution phase by ensuring that procedures are not only designed correctly but implemented methodically. She works across engineering, operations and project teams to confirm readiness prior to final disembarkation, reducing risk during one of the most sensitive transition stages of asset retirement.
Her background in decommissioning governance, risk management and project controls strengthens her ability to manage traceability, compliance and procedural integrity throughout the disembarkation process.
Gemma holds a BA in Business Studies from Robert Gordon University and a Masters Certificate in Project Management from The George Washington University.
Experience & Expertise
- Final disembarkation procedure development and execution
- Installation shutdown and isolation verification
- Hydrocarbon-free readiness confirmation
- Documentation and assurance control
- Cross-functional coordination during asset transition
- Project controls and cost discipline
- Risk management and compliance alignment
- Structured late-life operational transition
Training Course Module
Gemma Douglas delivers her Lean Decom training course module on disembarkation procedures during decommissioning. In this module, she provides a comprehensive roadmap for the final transition of an offshore asset from a manned installation to an unmanned state.
Gemma delivers insight on the physical and technical readiness required for safe and controlled disembarkation, covering essential elements such as accommodation rundown, utility management, and the commissioning of autonomous navigational aids. She also shares professional insight into the human factors of decommissioning, discussing multi-skilled team selection for the final flight and strategies for managing the emotional and operational challenges of the final week.
Learn from Gemma
Join our comprehensive decommissioning training programme and gain insights from industry-leading experts.