The risk of epidemics represents an important challenge in offshore petroleum activities. All
personnel are needed for regular operations, and the outbreak of an epidemic will soon affect
the operations. The economical consequences can be vast. The risk of an epidemic is raised due
to the closeness of living and catering offshore combined with frequent changes of personnel
who travel offshore from many nations. The article is based on the experience gained by the
author during 22 years as a senior medical officer in a Norwegian oil company. Some endemics
and epidemics are described. None of these resulted in the shutdown of production, but they
still represented a major challenge to the company and to the medical staff in particular. The
transfer value from experience offshore to ships is obvious but there are differences. Risk analysis
and quality assurance systems play an important part in the prevention and limitation of
epidemics offshore. The infrastructure of the food supply chain as well as education and training
of personnel are key elements. Campaigns on different hygiene topics that address all
personnel are launched at regular intervals. Contingency plans must be established and be
ready for use in case of a threatening epidemic. Identification of the type and source of the
infection or food poisoning, isolation of the infected personnel, safe evacuation of patients, and
the establishment of other necessary barriers for reduction of spread of infection are necessary
to control an outbreak of an epidemic
