OVERVIEW
Each turbine is equipped with an SRT Carbon AIS Type 3 Aid to Navigation(AtoN) unit, which serves as a critical safety and compliance feature. These AtoN units require an annual survey as part of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) class certification for the floating hulls. Charity and Taylor, working as ABS certified surveyors, were tasked with the annual inspection and testing of these AIS units to ensure compliance, safety, and continued certification.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Location Windfarm: Kincardine Offshore Windfarm
Units: 5 floating wind turbines
Distance from Aberdeen: ~8 miles offshore

OBJECTIVE

• Conduct annual functional and physical inspections of AIS AtoN Type 3 units.
• Complete regulatory class paperwork for each installation.
• Training & Certification Requirements

To be eligible for offshore surveys, personnel must have:

GWO Full General Wind Offshore Certificate: 

• Working at Height
• Sea Survival
• Fire Awareness
• First Aid

Specialized Training:

• Donut Descent Training
• Confined Space Awareness

These certifications ensure safe operations in offshore and elevated environments, as well as preparedness for emergencies and specialized platform procedures. 

CONSIDERATIONS

• Weather Dependency: Offshore access is frequently restricted due to weather, impacting schedule reliability.
• Multi-Skilling: The variety of required certifications highlights the need for broad technical and safety proficiency for offshore survey work.
• PPE, Specialized Tools & Physical Readiness: Offshore equipment handling requires robust personal protective equipment and specialized tools. Accessing turbine platforms via fixed ladders also demands strong physical readiness and strict adherence to working-at-height safety protocols.
• At-Sea Transfers: Transfers from vessels to platforms—whether at anchorage or underway—are a routine but critical aspect, requiring careful coordination, safety procedures, and experienced personnel due to the dynamic offshore environment.
• Communication & Coordination: Working amidst other ongoing operations necessitates close coordination with site managers and support vessels to ensure safe and efficient project execution.

OUTCOMES & KEY IMPACTS

• Ensured all five AtoN units met regulatory and operational standards.
• Maintained the windfarm’s ABS classification and legal compliance.
• Improved operational protocols and safety awareness for future surveys.

CONCLUSION
The annual AIS survey at Kincardine O􀀁shore Windfarm—undertaken by Charity and Taylor—demonstrates the complexity and importance of offshore compliance activities. Their work safeguards the navigational integrity of this major renewable energy site while reinforcing critical safety and technical best practices for the offshore wind industry.

Why Charity & Taylor?
As part of the Aage Hempel Group, Charity & Taylor combines local support and expertise with global resources and standards, providing clients with cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive support.

Case Study - Annual AIS Survey at Kincardine Offshore Windfarm

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