Arrival at UBIT Complex: A Journey Back in Time
On a cloudy Friday afternoon, I touched down at the UBIT Production Complex, arriving from a barge Delta Champion eight (DC8) anchored to YOHO platform, at a few minutes past 1600 hours. The atmosphere felt thick with the promise of rain as we disembarked. After a thorough security check on the deck just below the helipad, we proceeded to the mess hall. Our first task? Watching an induction video, a necessary orientation that offered a glimpse into the operations and expectations at UBIT.
Next, we made our way to the Helicopter Logistics Officer’s office, where the documentation
process began, and we were assigned our rooms. The UBIT complex is unique, an old
platform brimming with history and responsibility. What sets it apart is the sheer number of external platforms under its control—about 20, to be exact. The term “complex” isn’t just a name; it reflects the intricate network of operations managed from this central hub.
My Stay in UBIT: A Step Back in Time
I was assigned a room that immediately transported me to a different era. It felt like stepping into
my grandma’s house, with its vintage decor and the comforting, albeit outdated, atmosphere. The
room had a TV with cable and an old radio hanging on the wall, relics from a time when things were built to last.
The next morning marked my first safety meeting. Unlike some platforms where wearing your
coverall to the meeting is mandatory, UBIT was more relaxed. However, punctuality was non-negotiable; the meeting started at 0630 hrs. sharp in the mess hall. Before heading there, I had
breakfast at 0600 hrs., and to my surprise, one of the meals served was coco yam with palm oil
pepper sauce—a dish that immediately reminded me of my great-grandma’s cooking. Needless to say, I savoured every bite.
The safety meeting was concise, lasting about 30 minutes. Afterwards, everyone headed to their
respective work areas. For those of us working on one of UBIT’s external platforms, the day began
with securing the necessary work permits. These permits, issued by the Authorized Officer (AO)
and authorized by an Area Authority (AA), were essential before any work could commence. The
final step involved the permit holder accepting and getting the permit wet-inked in the field—a ritual that underscored the importance of safety and protocol in such an environment.
Before we could get to work, though, we had to watch a surfer briefing, a standard procedure
before heading out to one of UBIT’s external platforms. Our task was to work on a gas line—a
routine job, but one that required the utmost attention to detail given the age and complexity of the equipment.
My favourite time at the UBIT complex was Saturday evenings, thanks to the “happy hour” sessions. It was a time when we all came together to enjoy a variety of games—everything from table tennis and PlayStation to Ludo, chess, scrabble, and even karaoke. These moments fostered a strong sense of friendship among the workers. After all, being far from home doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun while on the job.
Conclusion
UBIT complex is a place where the old meets the new, where tradition holds strong in the face of
modern challenges. My brief stay there was a step back in time, a reminder of the importance of
history and experience in shaping the present. The platform may be old, but it’s a vital part of a
larger network, one that continues to play a crucial role in the industry