DROPS Standard - American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Dropped objects remain one of the highest-risk hazards in offshore and maritime operations. In response to persistent high-potential incidents across the industry, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) developed a structured, class-based approach to dropped object prevention—commonly referred to as the ABS DROPS Standard.

This recorded webinar captures the original introduction of the ABS DROPS Standard by its co-authors and provides valuable context on why the standard was created, what it covers, and how it differs from traditional DROPS guidance.

Why the ABS DROPS Standard Was Developed

ABS was approached by offshore operators who, despite mature safety systems, continued to experience high-potential dropped object incidents, particularly on newly delivered rigs. At the time, the industry relied heavily on best-practice guidance, but lacked a consistent, auditable standard that addressed:

• Management systems for dropped object prevention
• Equipment design and certification
• Supply chain accountability
• Independent verification

The ABS DROPS Standard was developed to close this gap and align dropped object prevention with the core ABS mission: protecting life, property, and the environment.

Static vs Dynamic Dropped Objects

A key contribution of the ABS DROPS Standard is the clear differentiation between static and dynamic dropped objects:

• Static dropped objects — Objects that fall under their own weight without an external force (e.g. unsecured guards, lights, fixtures).
• Dynamic dropped objects — Objects dislodged due to applied forces such as collisions, load handling, or equipment interaction (e.g. tubular handling, crane operations).

The webinar highlights industry data showing that static drops have reduced significantly due to focused prevention efforts, while dynamic drops are becoming the dominant risk, requiring more advanced risk assessment and design approaches.

What the ABS DROPS Standard Covers

The ABS DROPS Standard goes beyond traditional inspection-based programs and introduces a full lifecycle framework, including:

1. Management Systems

A structured dropped object prevention program integrated into existing safety management systems.

2. Equipment Design and Certification

Promotion of inherently safer design, reducing the number of components that can loosen or fail. Equipment can be reviewed and approved through the ABS Type Approval process for DROPS compliance.

3. DOPP and DOPP+ Notations

ABS introduced optional class notations:

• DOPP — Dropped Object Prevention Program
• DOPP+ — Enhanced design and certification requirements for higher-risk equipment

These notations allow owners and operators to formally demonstrate compliance with the ABS DROPS Standard.

4. Independent Verification

The standard defines the role of external specialist firms, inspection frequency, and ongoing verification aligned with class surveys and equipment changes.

Focus on the Supply Chain

A recurring theme in the webinar is that sustainable DROPS performance starts in procurement. By specifying DROPS-compliant or DOPP+ equipment in the supply chain, operators can:

• Reduce reliance on secondary retention
• Improve baseline safety performance
• Drive OEMs toward safer design standards

ABS maintains a Type Approval database where DROPS-compliant equipment can be identified and verified.

Looking Ahead: Dynamic DROPS and Risk-Based Design

The webinar also outlines future development work by ABS, focusing on dynamic dropped object prevention, including:

• HAZID and FMEA-based risk assessments
• Equipment interaction and operating envelopes
• Barrier management principles
• Integration with drilling system classification methodologies

The goal is to move the industry closer to inherently safer equipment and layouts, acknowledging that while people can be trained, design must carry the primary safety burden.

Why This Recording Still Matters

Although recorded several years ago, this session remains highly relevant. Many of today's DROPS programs still focus heavily on inspection, while the ABS DROPS Standard introduces a design- and system-led approach that complements existing DROPS practices.

For organizations reviewing or upgrading their dropped object prevention strategy, this recording provides:

• Historical context for the ABS DROPS Standard
• Clear differentiation between static and dynamic DROPS
• Insight into class-based DROPS notations
• Practical guidance on supply chain and equipment certification

Watch the Full Event Recording

This webinar recording is published as part of our knowledge library to support continuous improvement in dropped object prevention and safer offshore operations.