Merlin Price
Patterson
Summary
Dynamic HSE Manager with a proven track record at W&T Offshore, excelling in risk assessment and safety leadership. Achieved zero incidents during complex operations while effectively managing teams and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations. Renowned for exceptional communication skills and a commitment to environmental safety, driving project success through meticulous planning and execution.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Shipyard Competent Person-HSE Manager
Riley Power Group, General Dynamics-Electric Boat Division
Groton
10.2025 - Current
- Oversaw the project to navigate confined spaces on a 100x500 ft barge, ensuring operational safety and compliance standards were achieved.
- Managed over 12-hole attendants and six fire watches, along with over 25 welders and fitters, all the while meticulously adhering to OSHA, General Dynamics, Electric Boat regulations and guidelines.
- Completed Confined Space Entry Permits daily and filed according to RPG’s policy.
- Executed the work successfully with zero injuries or compliance issues.
- Stressed observation reporting to prevent accidents.
- Strived for a zero discharge of litter next to a marine environment.
Offshore HSE Supervisor EMS Assist
Morro Bay CA
Morro Bay
09.2025 - 09.2025
- Served as the offshore HSE supervisor responsible for retrieving a weather buoy located 15 miles off the coast, executing maintenance, and replacing instruments.
- Conducted buoy retrieval from the deck of the OSV utilizing a winch and an 'A-Frame' for onboard transport, followed by repairs and redeployment.
- Ensured all operations were executed safely, resulting in zero incidents.
Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) & Senior HSE Safety Consultant
Semco Maritime
Norfolk
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Requested by a former supervisor from Vineyard Wind to function on a 28/28 schedule during the commissioning of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Offshore Service Substation (OSS) situated 26 miles off the Virginia Beach coast.
- Simultaneously managed operations aboard the PSV-HOS Briarwood, transiting to the OSS twice daily to support 24-hour activities.
- Developed comprehensive Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), bridging documents, and Permit-to-Work documentation.
- Oversaw a team of 30 personnel tasked with completing the punch list of items following the installation of import and export cables from the wind turbines into the jacket.
- Responsibilities included safety management, coordination of crew transfers to and from the OSS, crane operations oversight, and overall personnel management on the platform.
- Additionally, executed material orders, scheduled crew changes, and managed maintenance tasks.
Senior HSE Safety Consultant & Project Administrator
W&T Offshore
Gulf of America
05.2025 - 05.2025
- Recommended for the role by a previous engineer due to exemplary performance and leadership qualities.
- Led the team safely during plug-and-abandon operations on an oil and gas well situated in the environmentally sensitive Mobile Bay, Alabama area.
- Onboard the Lift Boat Ram XIX supervised all operations, including crane lifting, drill pipe handling, crew transfers, and operations with Hydraulic Workover (HWO) rigs and well interventions.
Senior HSE Safety Coordinator/Project Administrator
White Fleet
Gulf of Mexico
10.2024 - 05.2025
- Recommended for my experience and leadership in managing a 90-well plug-and-abandonment campaign in the Gulf of Mexico by a former Company Man.
- Supported operations aboard one of the largest liftboats in the Gulf of America, the Seacor Robert, in water depths reaching 200+ ft.
- Collaborated with construction, flushing, and P&A crews while monitoring all aspects of the safety program, hazard analysis, job safety analysis, and incident reporting.
- Managed all manifesting in the Scope program and all POB in Pegasus, ensuring accurate documentation.
President, Owner & Operator
Cajun Construction and Cleaning, LLC.
Louisiana and Mississippi
02.1982 - 02.2025
- Successfully founded, developed, and operated a profitable construction business focused on exceptional customer service through dedication, a robust work ethic, bidding accurately, managing costs effectively, and delivering high-quality workmanship that consistently satisfied clients.
- Showcased initiative and entrepreneurial ability by creating a business that fulfilled clients' needs, overseeing the execution of projects from conceptualization to realization, including constructing home additions, landscaping, and collaborating with designers for custom wood and metal buildings.
- Exhibited strong management skills while prioritizing customer satisfaction to encourage repeat business and referrals.
- Delegated tasks strategically to maximize efficiency, managing to run a business while also working full-time in the oil and gas sector.
- Instrumental in supervising, constructing, and renovating oil and gas production facilities, drilling rig sites, roads, pipelines, and tie-ins, as well as establishing infrastructure such as barns, bridges, and utilities.
- I run this business on my days off, or in between projects.
Senior HSE Safety Coordinator/Project Administrator
W&T Offshore
Mobile Bay
08.2024 - 10.2024
- Requested by a former engineer due to exceptional performance and leadership capabilities.
- Led the team adeptly through plug-and-abandon operations on two oil and gas wells across separate platforms in the environmentally sensitive Mobile Bay, Alabama area.
- Onboard the Lift Boat Ram XIX, held responsibility for supervising all operations, including crane lifting, drill-pipe handling, crew transfers, and collaboration with crews.
Senior HSE Safety Coordinator
Michels Corporation
Offshore, Virginia Beach
02.2024 - 08.2024
- Requested by a former supervisor to oversee a project involving the installation of conduits beneath the beachhead off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia, using a liftboat.
- Collaborated with the Michels boring group onshore, who drilled a 3.5-mile 48-inch bore under the Coosa River in Alabama to run a gas pipeline for Williams Corp.
- Coordinated diver operations to unhook the boring machine and lifted it onto a supply boat for shoreline transport, followed by floating the 42” HDPE pipe to the site, successfully placing it through the tunnel to shore across nine operations.
Senior Offshore Safety Manager, Offshore Installation Manager
A-Leaf/Bladt/CS Wind Industries
New Bedford
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Administered the commissioning of a 3500-ton Electrical Service Platform (ESP) for the Vineyard Wind project.
- Facilitated the development of a comprehensive risk assessment matrix for each job undertaken.
- Created Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) for designated tasks and engaged in toolbox talks with the crews involved.
- Conducted daily toolbox talks focusing on job-specific hazards and planned operations for the day.
- Reviewed Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) and RAMS related to the tasks.
- Maintained oversight of the shipping manifest, ensuring it accurately captured all items sent to shore, including hazardous materials.
Senior Safety Construction Supervisor
Norfolk Dredging
Topsail Beach
02.2022 - 06.2023
- Served as SSHO for a USACE project focused on dredging and beach replenishment in Topsail Beach, NC.
- Participated in the USACE maintenance dredging of Charleston, SC, Harbor turning basin for one month, ensuring compliance and safety.
Senior Safety Advisor, Project Administrator, and Medic
Sojitz Energy Ventures
Gulf of Mexico
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Recruited and endorsed by a previous Project Manager based on past performance and professionalism to oversee the safety of over 30 contractors while ensuring operational efficiency and reporting.
- Utilized industry expertise and communication skills to facilitate the 14 elements of Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SES), delivering weather-related and safety-focused topics during twice-daily briefings in a natural communicative manner.
- Executed pre-BSEE compliance inspections and USCG evaluations on platforms and marine vessels meticulously.
- Managed administrative tasks, including medical emergency documentation, cost tracking and reporting to superiors, and ensuring accurate shipping manifests for items transported to and from the dock, including hazardous materials and explosives.
Senior Safety Advisor
Nestle/Purina
Bloomfield
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Demonstrated leadership and management acumen while serving as the safety advisor for contractors involved in the installation of a $55 million Automated Supply and Recovery System (ASRS) to enhance production capabilities.
- Consistently exhibited a high level of administrative competence while reviewing Contractor’s Management Risk Predictions (CMRPs), contractor permits, and ensuring compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
- Secured outstanding project results by attaining over 680 safe workdays and over 258,000 safe man-hours as of May 2021.
Senior Health, Safety and Environmental Specialist
Trinity Operating (NextEra Energy)
Oklahoma
07.2019 - 10.2020
- Contributed to the construction and development of new drilling and production pad facilities, including oil and gas production facilities.
- Engaged in excavation for pipeline installation and rights-of-way, liaising effectively with landowners.
- Served as an HSE Specialist for all drilling and completions operations and rig moves.
Senior Safety, Project Administrator
W&T Offshore
Gulf of Mexico
06.2019 - 07.2019
- Led the team safely during subbing and plug-and-abandon operations on a newly drilled well onboard the Ensco 8500.
- Responsibilities included overseeing all operations, such as lifting operations, drill pipe handling, collaborating with ISS on Hydraulic Workover rigs, managing well interventions, handling manifests, training, and tracking costs in WellEz.
- Analyzed costs and identified measures to minimize project expenses, ultimately saving the company thousands of dollars.
- Conducted a detailed rig audit to ensure compliance, diligently enforcing SEMS and BSEE regulations.
Safety and Compliance Supervisor, Plug and Abandonment
ENI Petroleum
Gulf of Mexico
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Collaboratively partnered with a team to deploy aboard the Ensco 8505, ensuring safety and compliance during deep-water subsea plug-and-abandon operations for a multi-well project.
- Consistently participated in daily operational call-ins and contributed to pre-job safety meetings and permit-to-work discussions, sharing essential knowledge to promote safety excellence.
- Demonstrated sound judgment and observational skills, assisting with safety audits, inspections, identifying unsafe operations, and reviewing ENI Petroleum's HSE golden rules and SEMS elements with crews during pre-tour meetings.
Safety and Compliance Coordinator
NiSource/Columbia Gas
Lawrence
09.2018 - 11.2018
- Exhibited the ability to work efficiently in high-pressure environments by promptly assisting in the oversight and installation of over 50 miles of high and low-pressure gas pipelines in residential areas post-gas explosion emergency in Lawrence, MA.
- Adapted quickly to a new assignment, applying construction expertise to conduct hazardous assessments in homes and basements, identifying potential hazards, including asbestos, before contractor entry.
- Achieved the project goal, successfully delivering a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of zero for a project involving over 8,000 contractors.
- Proactively mitigated risks through thorough observation, providing safety implementations that resulted in a successful project conclusion without incidents.
Senior Safety and Compliance Supervisor
W&T Offshore
Gulf of Mexico
08.2016 - 09.2018
- Utilized extensive industry knowledge and real-world experience to conduct comprehensive safety operations aboard lift boats and platforms, performing safety audits and monitoring compliance while accurately handling clerical tasks.
- Prioritized safety by addressing Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SEMS) elements at every pre-tour briefing, providing safety guidance during AM/PM safety meetings and toolbox discussions.
- Achieved optimal project performance by ensuring completion from inception to conclusion within budget and on time, maintaining compliance with safety regulations while resulting in zero incidents.
- Effectively executed an $11 million project, accumulating over 100,000 man-hours without incidents or spills, remaining within 2% of budget through strategic planning.
- Diligently carried out pre-BSEE and USCG compliance inspections on platforms and marine vessels, successfully decommissioning 44 oil gas wells, including 9 wells in the ecologically sensitive Flower Gardens Marine Reserve at High Island 389.
Pipeline Construction Safety Inspector
Williams Pipeline
Washington
04.2016 - 06.2016
- Exhibited exceptional work ethics while executing comprehensive safety operations, including gas detection before job commencement, facilitating toolbox safety briefings, and conducting thorough inspections for safety hazards.
- Enhanced safety processes through field observations and adeptly implemented best practices, providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Successfully brought the project to completion on time, within budget, and incident-free, achieving over 23,000 man-hours.
- Committed to ongoing education to remain current with safety regulations and compliance, acquiring knowledge in heavy equipment operations, excavation, pipe laying, permitting, and welding to ensure project success.
Construction Safety Supervisor
Anadarko
Gulf of Mexico
07.2015 - 11.2015
- Supervised the construction staff, delivering essential job enrichment training and maintaining safety standards to enhance productivity.
- Conducted engaging presentations at every pre-tour meeting and toolbox discussion, emphasizing safety and compliance.
- Gained valuable experience in facilitating the Heidelberg Star commissioning while overseeing six fire watchers and over 200 contractors in deepwater operations.
- Provided constructive feedback and recommendations based on environmental hazards to mitigate risks while ensuring proactive safety operations.
- Cultivated strong relationships with Anadarko Productions personnel through collaboration and support, fostering mutual respect to facilitate task completion with maximum efficiency.
HSE Drilling and Construction Specialist
BHP Billiton
Tilden
06.2014 - 02.2015
- Effectively supported construction and drilling operations in the Eagle Ford shale area, taking responsibility for HSE across three rigs in Tilden, TX.
- Delivered impactful presentations during daily safety toolbox meetings to emphasize safety as the paramount priority for the entire crew.
- Conducted rigorous safety audits and meticulously logged information to support compliance and address any issues.
- Fostered strong partnerships with company personnel regarding SEMS and operational concerns, establishing a culture of mutual respect.
- Successfully completed the project within nine months without any incidents due to diligent effort and commitment to excellence.
- Contributed to monthly HSE training and events to promote ongoing education and safety awareness.
HSE Drilling and Construction Supervisor
Hess Corporation
North Dakota and Ohio
10.2010 - 06.2014
- Primarily supported drilling, construction, completions, facilities, pipelines, and flowback operations in the Utica Shale, researching and helping develop drilling sites while assessing lease roads to prevent accidents.
- Actively contributed as a key player in the development of Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPP) in Ohio's Utica Shale.
- Demonstrated initiative in improving operations through the creation of emergency spill procedures and designing a comprehensive spill response trailer.
- Championed the Drilling Rig Audit checklist development to ensure adherence to OSHA, API, and Hess procedures, reinforcing safety compliance across daily activities.
- Achieved a TRIR of zero with over 500,000 man-hours through meticulous attention to detail, consistency, and proactive safety leadership.
- Tracked the movements of HSE personnel assigned to drilling rigs and completions projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
HSE Drilling and Construction Supervisor
Shell E&P Corporation
Wyoming and Utah
10.2008 - 09.2010
- Played a pivotal role in the development of HSE policies for the project.
- Supported all phases of drilling, completion, and construction activities.
- Assisted Company personnel in tasks such as data entry into WellEz and tracking HSE personnel, trucks, and drilling fluids in conjunction with my HSE responsibilities.
- Led safety meetings and award ceremonies to promote safety culture.
HSE Construction Safety Supervisor
Apache Corporation
Gulf of Mexico
01.2006 - 10.2008
- Oversaw up to 200 contractors in the rebuilding of onshore and offshore oil and gas platforms following Hurricane Katrina's devastation in the Main Pass area of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Supervised six fire watchers and facilitated the promotion of one to a safety representative through coaching and training efforts.
- Instrumental in achieving the project's completion with zero Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR).
Supervisor of Safety and Training
Seacor Marine Inc.
Gulf of Mexico, California, and Florida
01.1996 - 01.2006
- Contributed to the development and design of the SMI offshore training program for mariners, coordinating class schedules with crew change dates.
- Oversaw all aspects of safety training and drug and alcohol testing in compliance with USCG regulations.
- Delivered required courses mandated by the USCG and Seacor customers.
- Visited vessels onshore and offshore to observe work practices and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
- Assisted the National Response Coordinator in equipping spill response vessels for immediate deployment.
Education
Associates - OSHA 1910 and 1926 standards
Texas A&M, OSHA Institute
Patterson, United States01.2005
High School Diploma -
Morgan City High School
Morgan City, LA05-1981
Skills
- Construction project management
- Logistics coordination
- Material procurement
- Drilling and completions
- Facilities and pipelines oversight
- Production operations
- Flowback management
- WellEz software proficiency
- SPCC and SWPP compliance
- Offshore safety training
- Drug and alcohol testing compliance
- OSHA regulations expertise
- Leadership and communication skills
- Management strategies
- Safety leadership practices
- Customer service excellence
- Problem-solving techniques
- Risk assessment
- Permit-to-work documentation
- OSHA compliance
- Incident investigation
- Safety training
- Environmental regulations
- Project coordination
- Hazard analysis
- Emergency response planning
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Hazard identification
- Confined space entry
- Permitting processes
- Environmental monitoring
- Accident prevention
- Electrical safety
- Behavior-based safety
- Safety training development
- Chemical safety
- First aid administration
- Transportation safety
- Waste management
- Occupational health management
- Machine guarding
- Contractor safety management
- Workplace inspection
- Personal protective equipment
- Industrial hygiene
- Fall protection
- Chemical handling
- Fire safety management
- Safety audits
- Occupational health
- Accident investigation
- First aid training
- Incident reporting
- Traffic management
- Teamwork skills
- Report writing
- Hazardous materials management
- Environmental health management
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Safety inspections
- Problem-solving abilities
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Safety Drills Coordination
- Professionalism
- Training delivery
- HAZWOPER certification
- Policy implementation
- Record keeping
- Health and safety monitoring
- Team building
Certification
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction
- EM385-40 USACE
- Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO)
- Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, OSHA 500
- Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the General Industry OSHA 501
- OSHA 503 - Update for General Industry Trainers
- OSHA 510 - OSHA Standards for Construction
- OSHA 512 - OSHA Standards for the Oil and Gas Industry
- OSHA 521 - OSHA Guide to Industrial Hygiene
- Site Safety and Health Official (SSHO)
- Logistics Specialist
- Hazardous Materials Specialist
- Expert Safety Witness
Affiliations
Volunteer Fire Fighter & President for 40 years, Morgan City Volunteer Fire Dept
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Shipyard Competent Person-HSE Manager
Riley Power Group, General Dynamics-Electric Boat Division
10.2025 - Current
Offshore HSE Supervisor EMS Assist
Morro Bay CA
09.2025 - 09.2025
Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) & Senior HSE Safety Consultant
Semco Maritime
06.2025 - 08.2025
Senior HSE Safety Consultant & Project Administrator
W&T Offshore
05.2025 - 05.2025
Senior HSE Safety Coordinator/Project Administrator
White Fleet
10.2024 - 05.2025
Senior HSE Safety Coordinator/Project Administrator
W&T Offshore
08.2024 - 10.2024
Senior HSE Safety Coordinator
Michels Corporation
02.2024 - 08.2024
Senior Offshore Safety Manager, Offshore Installation Manager
A-Leaf/Bladt/CS Wind Industries
07.2023 - 01.2024
Senior Safety Construction Supervisor
Norfolk Dredging
02.2022 - 06.2023
Senior Safety Advisor, Project Administrator, and Medic
Sojitz Energy Ventures
05.2021 - 12.2021
Senior Safety Advisor
Nestle/Purina
11.2020 - 05.2021
Senior Health, Safety and Environmental Specialist
Trinity Operating (NextEra Energy)
07.2019 - 10.2020
Senior Safety, Project Administrator
W&T Offshore
06.2019 - 07.2019
Safety and Compliance Supervisor, Plug and Abandonment
ENI Petroleum
01.2019 - 05.2019
Safety and Compliance Coordinator
NiSource/Columbia Gas
09.2018 - 11.2018
Senior Safety and Compliance Supervisor
W&T Offshore
08.2016 - 09.2018
Pipeline Construction Safety Inspector
Williams Pipeline
04.2016 - 06.2016
Construction Safety Supervisor
Anadarko
07.2015 - 11.2015
HSE Drilling and Construction Specialist
BHP Billiton
06.2014 - 02.2015
HSE Drilling and Construction Supervisor
Hess Corporation
10.2010 - 06.2014
HSE Drilling and Construction Supervisor
Shell E&P Corporation
10.2008 - 09.2010
HSE Construction Safety Supervisor
Apache Corporation
01.2006 - 10.2008
Supervisor of Safety and Training
Seacor Marine Inc.
01.1996 - 01.2006
President, Owner & Operator
Cajun Construction and Cleaning, LLC.
02.1982 - 02.2025
Associates - OSHA 1910 and 1926 standards
Texas A&M, OSHA Institute
High School Diploma -
Morgan City High School