Like they said, it is a question of perspective. I agree that all the SMS, Safety culture and new standard and equipment have improve the safety record in the offshore industry. But on the other hand their research generally include the whole world, which in my point of view is not standard. If we just compare the GOM and The North Sea, they are at the opposite. One operate as single engine aircraft, single pilot, in marginal condition where the other operate twin engine two pilots in IFR conditions. The North Sea can be see as closer to the airline industry where the GOM is more like a bush operation where minimum standard apply which cause an increase of the average accident ratio for the offshore industry. So if they want to compare the airline with the offshore they should look at an operation who is similar again like the NS.
That my perspective
FH