When using OCI_RETURN_LOBS to get a BFILE (stored with a DIRECTORY) the user needs READ on the DIRECTORY. (GRANT READ on DIRECTORY <directory name> TO <user>;) Otherwise, you'll get a cryptic error. Warning: OCILobFileOpen: ORA-22285: non-existent directory or file for FILEOPEN operation in ... on line ...
<BR>
The user that CREATEs the DIRECTORY is automatically GRANTed READ WITH THE GRANT OPTION.