When a big problem starts, what is the very first thing the OIM must do to take charge?

When a big problem starts, the very first thing the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) must do to take charge is to formally declare the emergency. The OIM is the person legally appointed with ultimate authority and responsibility for the safety and welfare of all personnel and the integrity of the offshore installation and its operations. Declaring the emergency is the definitive and authoritative act that officially recognizes a critical situation, immediately activating the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). The Emergency Response Plan is a documented set of procedures, roles, and responsibilities designed to manage and mitigate the effects of an emergency, ensure the safety of personnel, protect the environment, and safeguard assets. This formal declaration by the OIM initiates all predetermined emergency response procedures, establishes immediate command authority, transitions the operation from routine to emergency mode, and ensures that all personnel are alerted to the grave nature of the situation for rapid and coordinated mobilization of resources and personnel to manage the incident.