Natural resources are the backbone of the economy of all countries. Protection of these resources, including oil and gas, from potential dangers is imperative, especially in countries where oil and gas are the mainstay of economic development. In Oman, Royal Oman Police, through its Command of Oil and Gas Installations Security, is entrusted with the protection of oil and gas installations throughout the country. To shed light on the role of the Police Command of Petroleum and Gas Installations Security, Al-Ain Assahira interviewed some officials of this Command and of oil and gas companies.

In an interview with Brigadier Said bin Saif Al-Riyami, Police Commander of Oil and Gas Installations Security, Al-Ain Assahira asked him about the responsibilities of his command. He said that it was one of the specialized commands of Royal Oman Police. It was entrusted with maintaining security, surveillance, protection of oil and gas facilities and wells, prevention of acts of sabotage, and pollution control. For this purpose, it carried out a number of activities, including the appointment of guards, patrolling, and providing an appropriate environment for construction, development and production activities at these facilities. Its stations, which provided improved security services, were manned by qualified, well-trained personnel to deal with hazards, crimes and accidents. The Command coordinated with oil and gas companies to ensure security and safety of their properties and staff in different locations.

Personnel tasked with oil and gas security must be suitably experienced and qualified, the Police Commander said. The Command’s personnel underwent comprehensive, specialized training to gain skills in such areas as reading of maps and the compass, anti-terrorism, weapons, marksmanship, patrolling and monitoring. They also underwent external training courses supported by petroleum and gas companies, focusing on the security of oil and gas installations, surveillance techniques, and initial responses to weapons of mass destruction.

Brigadier Saif said that there was close cooperation between the Police Command of Oil and Gas Installation Security and the petroleum and gas companies. Companies provided technical support and training programmes for ROP personnel, and joint exercises between the companies and ROP were organized.

He pointed out that these companies played a significant role in the protection of their own installations and followed up-to-date security guidelines. Some companies went even further and sought the assistance of the Security and Safety Services Establishment. Their personnel attended security training and were familiarized with potential dangers and ways of dealing with threats.

A similar interview was also conducted with Major Khalifa bin Sulaiman Al-Nabhani, Assistant Director of Operations, Fahood Police Station. He said that the station acted as a link between the police stations in the north and the Police Command of Oil and Gas Installations Security. It safeguarded the oil and gas installations within its jurisdiction. Using guards and patrols, it prevented crimes and provided a safe and secure environment at oil and gas installations and the nearby residential areas.

He emphasized the ongoing close cooperation with oil and gas companies aimed at reinforcing security and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines.

Al-Ain Assahira also interviewed Major Saleh bin Hamdoon Al-Malki, officer of the Oil and Gas Installations Security Police Station at the Port of Sohar. He said that his station was the most important of all stations under the Police Command of Oil and Gas Installations Security. The station supervised Sohar Industrial Port, a strategic point on the Gulf of Oman coast, east of the Hormuz Straits, and a gateway to the Middle East. The station maintained security, protected facilities and properties, and prevented acts of sabotage, infiltration and illegal immigration. All parts of the port were patrolled in collaboration with the Coast Guard Police Command (Shinas Coast Guard Police Station) to secure the harbour from any infiltration, and control entry into the port. The station responded to traffic accidents and criminal acts within the area of its jurisdiction, and referred them to Al-Batina Regional Police Command for further action. It also dealt with disputes between managements and staff of companies operating in the area, helped resolve them amicably.

Major Saleh said that coordination existed between the station and Sohar Refinery and other key installations within the port area. He added that each company operating in the area had its own occupational health and safety officer. Some companies had their own security officers and a small civil defence team and equipment for initial response to minor incidents. Some companies even have medical teams to provide initial treatment before being referred to hospitals. However, given the role of the police in ensuring security and stability, the station maintained close cooperation with Al-Batina Regional Police Command, Shinas Coast Guard Police Station and the Directorate of Civil Defence, Sohar.

Likewise, Al-Ain Assahira interviewed Engineer Yusuf bin Mohammed Al-Ojaily, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Gas Company, and asked him about the extent of cooperation between Oman Gas Company and the Police Command of Oil and Gas Installations Security. He said that close cooperation existed between the two institutions to ensure that the company’s installations were well-protected. On many occasions the company sought advice from the Command, he added.

Engineer Yusuf said the company was in the process of establishing a joint team to follow up and review matters regarding the company’s security. He added that their staff underwent safety training programmes, while ongoing training courses focused on gas operations and emergencies. However, training in security protection was coordinated with the Command.

Engineer Yusuf commended the activities of the Police Command of Oil and Gas Installation Security, which reflected the determination of the Royal Oman Police in protecting the petroleum and gas sector.

In an interview with Al-Ain Assahira Mr. Glenn Vangolen, General Manager of Occidental Oman Inc. Limited, also reiterated the cooperation between his company and Police Command of Oil and Gas Installation Security in many aspects. The police provided security in the concession areas, escorted heavy machinery on the roads, and responded to emergencies and accidents, he elaborated

With regard to security he said that periodical meetings were held between senior staff of Occidental and ROP officials to discuss security matters, and that the company gained experience in security from the Oil and Gas Installation Security Command.

All Occidental staff and its contractor personnel underwent on-the-job training in operations, safety and security. Courses and workshops were conducted in aviation and radioactive materials.

Mr. Vangolen concluded that Occidental highly valued the ROP’s ongoing efforts to modernize their equipment, update their procedures and to maintain security and safety of all people.