DROPS Survey for Rigs in UAE & KSA | IRATA Rope Access Experts

DROPS Survey for Rigs: IRATA Rope Access Safety Inspections in UAE & Saudi Arabia

AIMMS Group provides the most comprehensive Dropped Object Survey (DROPS Survey) solutions in the industry, combining IRATA-certified Rope Access techniques with ASNT/ISO Certified Inspectors to achieve zero-tolerance safety standards.

We eliminate blind spots and ensure compliance with DROPS Reliable Securing Revision 04, protecting your assets and personnel while maintaining maximum operational uptime in high-demand regions like the UAE and Saudi Arabia (KSA).

With proven experience on offshore and onshore projects — from SLB’s training facilities in Abu Dhabi to Foresight Offshores marine rigs — AIMMS Group guarantees that every potential dropped object hazard is identified, documented, and mitigated.

Why DROPS Surveys Are Critical for Rig Safety

In the high-risk world of offshore and onshore drilling operations, Dropped Object incidents remain a top cause of severe injury, equipment damage, and unplanned shutdowns. These incidents directly threaten Asset Integrity and compliance with leading safety frameworks.

A proactive DROPS Survey not only protects lives but also ensures your rig operates safely and efficiently without interruptions caused by preventable failures.

The Strategic Advantage of IRATA Rope Access for DROPS

A Dropped Object Survey is a risk-based inspection designed to identify every item at height that may fall due to vibration, corrosion, or poor installation. The challenge is gaining safe and efficient access — and that’s where IRATA Rope Access outperforms all alternatives.

Key Benefits of Rope Access for DROPS Inspections

• 360° Access to Complex Structures:
  IRATA-certified Rope Access technicians can reach confined and intricate rig areas — such as crown blocks, derrick legs, sub-structures, and pipe racks — without scaffolding or disruption.

• Efficiency and Speed:
  Rope Access minimizes setup and teardown times, significantly reducing Non-Productive Time (NPT) and allowing operations to continue safely.

• Multi-Skilled Technicians:
  Our dual-certified inspectors (IRATA + ASNT/ISO) perform complete inspections, reporting, and minor corrective actions in a single mobilization — maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.

Case Study 1: Visual DROPS Inspection on SLB Land Rigs

AIMMS Group successfully executed a comprehensive Visual DROPS (Dropped Object Prevention Scheme) Survey for SLB’s Land Rigs — CPS and D&M, located within a major oilfield training facility. The primary objective of this project was to ensure the structural integrity and safety compliance of both rigs, which play a critical role in training and operational simulation for the oil and gas sector.

Project Overview

The inspection campaign was designed to identify potential dropped object risks, evaluate corrosion levels, and verify structural soundness across multiple rig zones. AIMMS deployed a specialized three-man rope access team, combining technical precision with IRATA-certified safety.

Team Composition

• 1 x Level 3 Rope Access Supervisor

• 2 x Level 1 Rope Access Technicians

This agile configuration allowed for efficient coordination and continuous coverage of high-risk zones during the inspection.

Scope of Work

The scope included a full structural survey of the derrick and mast areas, spanning:

• Crown Block and Travelling Block Assemblies

• Water Table, Monkey Board, and all Intermediate Levels

• Drill Floor Components and Safety Fixtures

• Pipeline removal from the CPS rig mast (from Monkey Board down to Drill Floor)

Additionally, an Eddy Current Inspection was performed on the base structure of the rig’s classroom, assessing subsurface flaws and metal fatigue to ensure continued operational safety.

A detailed report with photographs has been submitted to the client.

Each hazard was documented with photographic evidence and tagged for client review under AIMMS Group’s detailed inspection protocol.

Project Advantages

A defining strength of this project was AIMMS Group’s adherence to API 4G Category III inspection standards, ensuring all derrick inspections met international safety and performance benchmarks.

In addition, the presence of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) during the survey provided an additional layer of technical validation, ensuring all findings and corrective actions were in strict alignment with OEM specifications and client expectations.

Challenges Faced

Before mobilization, the AIMMS inspection crew underwent a stringent three-stage evaluation process mandated by the client, highlighting the high safety and competency expectations for this assignment.

Each team member successfully passed:

1. Technical Interview – Evaluating derrick-specific knowledge and inspection methodologies.

2. Safety Interview – Assessing rope access competence, rescue readiness, and hazard response.

3. Client Interview – A direct assessment with the SLB representative, confirming alignment with operational and reporting standards.

Despite these rigorous requirements, AIMMS Group met all prequalification criteria and executed the project safely, efficiently, and on schedule, earning commendation for professional conduct and technical accuracy.

Conclusion

Through a blend of advanced rope access inspection, DROPS compliance expertise, and Eddy Current testing, AIMMS Group helped SLB safeguard its Land Rig structures from potential dropped object hazards and mechanical failures.

This project underscores AIMMS Group’s proven capability to deliver multi-discipline inspection solutions—from visual surveys to advanced NDT—while maintaining the highest standards of safety, precision, and client satisfaction.

Case Study 2: ARYABHATT-1 Jack-Up Rig – DROPS & Visual Inspection

The ARYABHATT-1 Jack-Up Rig inspection stands as another example of AIMMS Group’s commitment to offshore safety and precision. Our team was mobilized to perform a comprehensive DROPS (Dropped Object) Survey and Visual Inspection, focusing on areas most vulnerable to corrosion, vibration, and structural fatigue — conditions that frequently compromise offshore installations.

Project Overview

The inspection covered critical operational and structural zones including the Drill Floor, Derrick, Monkey Board, Accommodation, and Jack House. Each area was evaluated for dropped object hazards, loose fittings, and corrosion-prone fixtures that could pose threats to crew safety and operational reliability.

In addition to the DROPS and visual checks, Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) was performed on crossover and deck sections to detect subsurface cracks or material discontinuities, and a UWILD survey was executed on the rig legs to assess underwater integrity.

This project was executed by a three-man IRATA-certified rope access team consisting of:

• 1 x Level 3 IRATA Inspector (Team Lead)

• 1 x Level 2 Technician

• 1 x Level 1 Technician

The compact yet skilled crew structure allowed for agile movement across the rig, ensuring full coverage and minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Inspection Findings

Conclusion

The ARYABHATT-1 DROPS and Visual Inspection demonstrated AIMMS Group’s capability to deliver high-precision, rope-access-based inspection solutions under challenging offshore conditions. Our proactive approach not only helped identify and mitigate critical drop hazards but also reinforced the rig’s overall operational safety and compliance.

With every project, AIMMS continues to raise the bar for offshore inspection excellence, combining certified expertise with real-world adaptability to keep rigs, personnel, and assets safe.

Overarching Project Challenges Addressed by AIMMS Group:

1. Marine Corrosion and Vibration (Offshore): On assets like the ARYABHATT - 1, the constant exposure to saltwater and drilling vibration accelerates material degradation, making component securing critical.

2. Access Restrictions and Complexity: The intricate structures of drilling masts, crown blocks, and jack-house areas often contain hidden hazards that are impossible to reach without Rope Access.

3. Human Factor Risks: Identifying non-compliant, temporary fixes (like the rope-secured ladder) or items left behind by personnel is a constant challenge, requiring meticulous attention to detail.

4. High-Altitude, High-Risk Environment: Conducting detailed inspection on items hundreds of feet in the air (e.g., derrick components) necessitates the highest safety standards and technical proficiency.

Strategic ROI: Why Proactive DROPS Surveys Save Money

A proactive Rope Access DROPS Survey isn’t a compliance expense — it’s a high-return investment in operational continuity and safety.

Key ROI Benefits:

1. Life Protection: Prevent catastrophic injuries through early detection and rectification.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Meet global standards like DROPS Reliable Securing Revision 04 and maintain certification with ADNOC, DNV, RINA, and more.

3. Operational Uptime: Rapid inspection and minor repairs by multi-skilled IRATA teams ensure minimal downtime and maximum rig efficiency.

Partner with AIMMS Group for DROPS Safety Excellence

Don’t let complacency compromise safety. Partner with the IRATA-approved Rope Access specialists at AIMMS Group to achieve full visibility and control over your at-height assets.

Available Locations: UAE | Saudi Arabia (KSA) | Global Operations

Contact AIMMS Group to schedule your comprehensive Rope Access DROPS Survey today and safeguard your offshore or onshore rig with trusted inspection excellence.