SAFE in Noble reports significant progress: Steinar strengthens onshore engagement while the Hydraulics team achieves long-awaited recognition, and the Intrepid returns to Norway, boosting operations despite logistical challenges. Additionally, information is provided on sick lines in Norway, and plans are underway to expand club support with a full-time onshore position as membership grows.
Two Eventful Days at Sotra Outside Bergen!
Our club leader, Steinar, is now fully part of the SAFE team onshore and making his presence felt. He recently attended the Area Meeting with clubs on the floating rig agreement, offshore shipping, direct contracts, and representatives from well service.
Engaged trustees came together to discuss key issues impacting the entire area, strengthen cooperation, and share valuable experiences. Steinar’s active involvement shows his commitment to contributing to SAFE’s work and supporting members across all sectors.
Major Breakthrough for Hydraulics Team – A Significant Milestone
As a union club, we are proud to announce a major breakthrough with the company, achieved through persistence and determination. After many discussions and consistent representation over the last 3 years, our Hydraulics members have finally received the recognition they rightfully deserve.
In recent years, the Hydraulics role has evolved into a highly skilled and technical position. While the work continues to demand significant physical effort, it now also carries increased complexity and responsibility. This formal acknowledgment reflects both the development of the role and the professionalism consistently demonstrated by our members. Details of the agreement we will send out to our Hydraulic members.
This achievement highlights the importance of standing firm in the pursuit of fairness and justice. It is a clear example of what can be accomplished through persistence. It does not end here for the Hydraulics the fight continues!
We commend the Hydraulics team for their dedication and resilience throughout this process.
Intrepid Returns to Norway – Back to Drilling
We are pleased to report that the Intrepid has returned to Norway and, more importantly, is back drilling. While the stay is unfortunately only for a short period, it demonstrates once again that we are able to bring rigs into the Norwegian sector – even for limited campaigns.
During this period, SAFE i Noble has welcomed a significant number of new members. We are pleased with this growth and more than willing to take on the added responsibility, even if only for a short duration.
The return of the Intrepid has not been without its challenges. From the outset, delays in contract execution and helicopter logistics created difficulties as soon as the rig entered the Norwegian sector. These challenges have been managed, and as a result, flights are now operating out of Esbjerg to support operations.
Although the current campaign is temporary, the presence of the Intrepid in Norway sends a positive signal. It underlines the sector’s capacity to mobilise rigs into the region and reinforces the important role played by our members in ensuring successful operations, even under demanding circumstances.
Helicopter Situation on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
SAFE continues to receive many inquiries regarding the helicopter situation on the Norwegian continental shelf. Members have raised concerns about delays, technical issues, waiting times for parts, and questions related to the new Leonardo AW189 helicopter type.
Our Federal Secretary, Mats Thune, has written an article addressing these issues, which can be found at the following link
Status på helikoptersituasjonen
Sick Leave and Fit Notes Across the UK, Denmark, and Norway
We have observed that many Brits experience difficulties obtaining sick lines (fit notes) due to the way the UK system is structured. This often leads to frustration, which can end up being directed towards the company. However, it is important to clarify that the company’s role is simply to pass this information on to NAV, as it is NAV that requires the documentation.
Below is an overview of the current systems in the UK, Denmark, and Norway:
Sick Leave Systems Compared
| Aspect | UK | Denmark | Norway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-certification | Up to 7 calendar days | Employer decides – may accept short absences based on trust or require a signed self-declaration | Up to 3 days per episode, maximum 4 times in 12 months |
| Doctor’s note requirement | From day 8 onward (fit note) | Whenever employer requires it, even from day 1 | From day 4 onward, or when self-certification limit exceeded |
| Cost to employee | Free | Employee usually pays for doctor’s note (not reimbursable) | Free |
| Employer responsibility | Pays Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if eligible | Pays salary during sick leave (rules may vary by agreements) | Pays for first 16 days |
| State responsibility | No direct involvement; SSP is employer-based (reclaim only in rare cases) | Municipalities may support after employer period | NAV takes over after day 17 |
| Administration | Fit notes usually require doctor’s appointment; some GPs may issue remotely if requested | Employer may accept a self-declaration or demand a doctor’s note | Doctor sends sykmelding digitally to NAV, employer, and employee simultaneously |
| Key challenges | GP appointment pressure; delays in accessing fit notes | Uncertainty – employer decides; cost of doctor’s notes | Limited self-certification (only 3 days, 4 times per year) |
Norway issues sykmelding digitally to NAV, the employer and the employee, and employers pay the first 16 days of sick leave. The UK and Denmark do not provide the same digital automatic feed to NAV — so if an employee who in the UK or Denmark and becomes sick, the company must receive a sick note (fit note / lægeerklæring) from the employee and pass it on to NAV.
Loss of License
Two Safe members have unfortunately had to go through this process. With our support they managed to secure their loss of license, but it became clear that the process can be lengthy and problematic, often leaving employees with little help or assistance from the company. Many feel isolated at a time when they most need support — an issue we have already raised with the company.
Once an employee is off sick and no longer receiving pay, the process typically only begins after the initial sick leave period has ended. We want to stress that both the company and the unions still have an obligation and duty of care to the employee during this time. The company has acknowledged this responsibility, and we will work to ensure that the process is improved and that employees are better supported in the future.
What Comes Next
This year’s Quarterly Meeting and Shop Stewards Conference will be held at Sola Strand in Stavanger during the first week of November. The event will focus fully on members’ issues and how we can continue to improve as a club.
We have grown significantly in membership, and major milestones are not far away. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved and make a real difference—not just for themselves, but for their colleagues as well.
At our club, we walk the walk, not just talk the talk. We all still work offshore, experiencing first-hand the same challenges, pressures, and conditions as our members. This gives us a unique perspective and ensures that the decisions we make are grounded in real-life experience.
As we continue to grow, it is important that we look at how we can better support our members. With new members joining regularly, our workload is naturally increasing. Once we reach our target of 100 members, we plan to establish a full-time onshore position. This will allow us to serve you—our members—more effectively.
We have already discussed this with Steinar and agreed on practical plans. The SAFE House will become our main office, and we will continue to visit the Noble office on a Wednesday. Steinar’s priority will also be to arrange regular offshore visits to meet different crews, listen to your concerns, and hear your views directly.
In addition to supporting current members, we will also be planning the next areas we want to target, identifying where our efforts can have the most impact and how we can expand support across the crews.
Ultimately, it is you—our members—who decide our priorities and shape the direction of the club. Now is the time to step up, get involved, and help us continue to make a tangible difference in the workplace.
Ultimately, it is you—our members—who decide our priorities and shape the direction of the club.