Oil and Gas UK has extolled the swift and expert response of the rescue crew which attended the ditching of the Super Puma helicopter in the North Sea.

In a statement, Chris Allen, Oil & Gas UK's health, safety and environment director, said that BP has committed millions of pounds into establishing the Jigsaw safety training and response system, which is based on localised monitoring and recovery.

"UK helicopter operations are the safest in the world thanks to the oil and gas industry's commitment to improving offshore safety performance over recent decades, through investment in research, new systems and new aircraft," said Mr Allen.

However, he added that it will ensure that it maintains this position throughout the downturn by maintaining high levels of investment in training and development.

Earlier this month, Oil and Gas UK warned that the banking crisis had precipitated a decline in exploration and production operations in the North Sea, a circumstance which could bring the country's energy security strategy into jeopardy.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development