Essential Communication: The Critical Role of Two-Way Radios in Oil Rig Operations

Two-way radios are essential in oil rig and oil field operations. Many job positions require these radios due to the need for quick responses and real-time coordination in this high-risk environment.

On offshore oil rigs, the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM), the ultimate authority on the platform, uses a portable radio to maintain constant communication with the crew. The crew relies on the OIM's experience and expertise to make critical operational decisions. In emergencies, seconds matter, and a two-way radio provides the fastest means of communication.

Beyond the OIM, other key personnel also rely on two-way radios. The Shooter, or Blaster, responsible for the safe and efficient use of explosives, needs one. The Operations Team Leader (OTL) uses a two-way radio to communicate with logistics personnel, such as helicopter pilots for offshore platforms and crane operators, to coordinate the loading and unloading of cargo and personnel. The OTL oversees the entire crew and must stay in constant contact with the OIM via radio.

Military Specification Standards

To achieve standardization for products used by the military and other government organizations, the U.S. Department of Defense created specific standards known as military standards, "MIL-STD," or "MIL-SPEC." These standards ensure products meet requirements for commonality, reliability, compatibility, and other defense-related objectives.

The Department of Defense has established MIL-SPEC standards for two-way radios, which address criteria such as vibration, rain, salt air, sand/dust, shock (dropping), humidity, and temperature, among others. Purchasing a radio that meets MIL-SPEC standards guarantees a high-quality product built to withstand rigorous use.

Additionally, radios may have an "IP" designation, which stands for Ingress Protection. This international standard specifies the sealing effectiveness of a product's enclosure. The IP code is a two-digit number indicating how well the enclosure protects against intrusion from fingers, dust, and moisture.

For example, a radio with an IP55 rating is protected against dust that could interfere with its operation (first digit) and water jets from a nozzle (second digit). A radio with an IP57 rating can be submerged in water up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes without being damaged.

Both IP and MIL-SPEC radios are suitable for use on oil rigs and in oil fields.

Audio Accessories

Most two-way radios have a jack for audio accessories like headsets or speaker microphones, which are essential in the noisy environments of oil rigs and oil fields. Using headsets with VOX capability allows hands-free communication.

A variety of audio accessories are available for two-way radios, depending on your needs. If you prefer to wear your radio on your belt but don't want to remove it constantly to talk, a speaker microphone with a clip near your ear is ideal for noisy environments. This setup is common among police officers, though it may be cumbersome on an oil rig unless the cord is routed inside clothing.

For a more discreet option, similar to what the Secret Service uses, you can get a security-type earpiece with a pendant push-to-talk switch and built-in microphone. The earpiece goes in your ear, and the microphone/switch clips to your clothes near your mouth, allowing you to push the switch to talk.

If you don't want a curly cord leading to the earpiece, consider a headset with an earbud, similar to those used with an iPod or iPhone, which includes a pendant push-to-talk switch and built-in microphone.

A single-ear lightweight behind-the-head headset with a boom microphone and pendant push-to-talk switch is another option. This style is common among telephone call center agents and is comfortable for long periods, making it ideal for noisy environments.

Stationary Two-Way Radios

Sometimes, a handheld two-way radio isn't the right solution for communication needs. In such cases, a tabletop or wall-mounted radio is necessary. This is where a wireless call box or a base station intercom that communicates with handheld two-way radios becomes essential.

A base station intercom functions like a two-way radio but is designed to sit permanently on a desk or mount on a wall. It offers the same functionality as a handheld radio but isn't portable. This can be beneficial if users cannot carry a radio, if radios frequently go missing, or if the person using the radio remains in a fixed location. Base stations can be easily placed or mounted where needed.

A wireless call box is similar to a base station intercom but is exclusively wall-mounted and typically more durable, being vandal- and weatherproof. Made of metal or fiberglass, the call box contains electronic circuitry that allows someone to press a button and call for assistance from another two-way radio, base station intercom, or another call box.

The range of these units is several miles, extendable by adding an external antenna. Some units can use radio repeaters to further extend the range.

If you already have two-way business radios, you'll want a system that integrates with them. Some call boxes can be programmed to be compatible with virtually any brand of VHF or UHF business band radio.

Power availability can be a challenge when placing a call box. In such cases, choose a system that operates on either battery or AC power. Some units offer optional solar power, allowing them to run for several days on a single day of sunshine.

For remote control of door locks or lights from your portable two-way radio or desktop base station intercom, select a unit with a built-in remote control relay. This feature enables you to unlock gates or doors remotely when someone calls. Some units also allow you to activate a strobe light at the call box location to draw attention.

A useful feature of call boxes is the ability to store a voice message that plays when someone presses the button. This message can provide specific instructions to the caller. Additionally, call boxes can send a second, different voice message alert to the monitoring central location or portable radios, indicating the call box location or an emergency message.

If you need to identify which call box is calling, choose a unit that transmits a unique numeric identifier to a radio capable of decoding it, similar to telephone Caller ID.

By adding a motion detector or another detection device, you can receive alerts when the sensor is activated. Some call boxes send either a tone alert or a custom voice alert when the detection sensor status changes. If the voice message isn't immediately answered, the alert message is resent multiple times.

These call boxes also feature a monitor function, allowing you to listen to the surroundings of the call box.

For assistance in choosing an oil rig two-way radio, visit www.IntercomsOnline.com for more information.