Competence Management Under Spotlight Offshore Industry

Damning findings in the oil and gas industry, show that drilling companies focus on speed, often at the expense of worker and environmental safety. The track record in the UK for offshore competence is better than most. Following a ruling in the U.S. on 15th November 2011, where competence certification is now mandatory throughout the oil industry, British company, Maritime Training & Competence Solutions (MTCS Ltd) and their team now plan to overturn the unfortunate track-record of the industry.

 

 

Richard Warburton, managing director for MTCS Ltd, UK, says that although the new competence mandatory requirement applies to the oil company operators, they will insist on it being implemented by the contractors too. There is some concern amongst the contractors on how they go about getting competence certification. The company has made the competence programme flexible, where candidates are assessed in their workplace. No matter where in the world they are, candidates can use distance learning methods most appropriate to their needs, whether it be through the internet or the office intranet.

 

ll the competence programmes can be delivered at the company’s worksite, making it easier for candidates to attain their accreditation. Programmes will be launched to the subsea industry, focusing on International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) disciplines.

 

Clearly defined in the American Petroleum Institute directive is that competence management is mandatory, where all operators are required to have a Safety Environmental Management System (SEMS).  IMCA provides a competence framework from which members can develop their own schemes across a common format that aids cross industry recognition.  From an office to be set up in Houston, Texas, MTCS will be prepared to deliver the training to ensure everyone is prepared for the required competency certification.