Update: Offshore Electrical Installation Practices

The offshore industry had its beginning in 1947, when the first offshore platform was installed off the coast of Louisiana in 25 ft of water. There was very little need for electrical systems then and, when used, they consisted of a battery supply for the aids-to-navigation systems and small portable generating plants for localized lighting of nighttime drilling activities. As the search for oil and gas progressed, platforms were located further offshore in deeper waters. This necessitated the requirement for offshore living quarters located on the platforms because the time lost to commuting grew to undesirable levels. Thus, the generation of electricity became a natural part of the scene on most platforms as the requirements grew to include cooking, heating and air conditioning, and lighting requirements for living quarters.