Methods and apparatus for emergency rig monitoring

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for emergency rig monitoring are disclosed herein. The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring an offshore rig. The rig monitoring systems and methods of use can relay information regarding the rig such as location, attitude (e.g. tilt, oscillation), and local water and weather conditions. The rig monitoring systems and methods can also facilitate emergency communication for rig personnel. Access to the information can be remotely initiated and the systems can be configured to automatically respond to such initiation. The rig monitoring systems are equipped with a self-sustainable power supply for operation under conditions where external power sources are unavailable. Such rig monitoring systems and methods are particularly useful on rigs that are located in waters subject to rapid and severe changes in local weather such as storms.

1 . A system for remotely monitoring a parameter on at least one offshore hydrocarbon rig, comprising:
 at least one parameter sensor positioned at the rig for monitoring at least one of a wave height, wave direction, wave frequency, rig pitch, rig roll, and rig mooring line tension;   at least one power supply coupled to the at least one parameter sensor and configured to operate independently of an external source; and   at least one remote data access member located remote from the rig and configured to receive data from the at least one parameter sensor.