Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration
As a truly international industry, global safety and training standards are required to ensure that the multinational crews work seamlessly while on board. As such a good command of English is vital to integrate into the multicultural environment found on board.
Irrespective of the position you hold on board an offshore rig or drillship, you will need to have valid certificates in a variety of offshore survival and safety courses from an accredited OPITO training provider. OPITO is the global, not-for-profit, skills body for the energy industry that audits and accredits offshore training provid- ers around the world to ensure that they meet an international standard. The two basic mandatory courses are:
BOSIET: Basic Offshore Induction and Emergency Training is the basic training for those wishing to work globally in the offshore oil and gas industry. It introduces workers to the specific safety issues and policies on offshore platforms and equips them with the basic emergency response knowledge.
HUET: Helicopter Underwater Evacuation Training is mandated for personnel that are transported to and from offshore platforms via helicopter. Safety aspects of helicopter transport are discussed as well as the possible dangers. A practical element includes exercises in a pool inside a “simulator” that aims to prepare trainees for evacuating from a helicopter submerged in water.
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THE
DIVING TRAINING LADDER |
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DIVER
CLASS |
COURSE
DURATION |
QUALIFICATION |
|
Diver Class 4 |
4 weeks |
30 m SCUBA Commercial Diver |
|
Diver Class 3 |
4 weeks |
30 m SSDE Commercial Diver |
|
Diver Class 2 |
4 weeks |
50 m Air Diver |
|
Saturation (Bell) Diver |
4 weeks |
100 m + Bell Diver |
To achieve one’s qualification as an Air Diver Class 2 (the very minimum a diver needs to be able to eligible for employment commercially on the whole, but especially internationally), requires 12 weeks of formal training at a dive school. Each training provider has their own specific minimum entry requirements, but life sciences, physical science and mathematics are recommended subjects for school goers.
Saturation diving requires additional training and can only be undertaken having first qualified as a Class 2 Diver and gained experience. It is important to undertake this type of training at an IMCA (International Maritime Contractors Association) approved facility. IMCA has established an International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving that helps to promote safety in the sector. Entry into saturation diver courses will require some minimum experience including:
DP Operator qualifications and training:
DP operator training and certification is internationally administered by the Nautical Institute –a recognised international professional body. Certification of DP operators is through a specified and regulated training programme. This programme is intended to apply to bridge watchkeepers already qualified by means of a certificate of competency as a deck officer (see the chapter on seafarers).
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TRAINING
FOR DP OFFICERS |
|
|
PHASE
1 |
A DP basic/induction course providing an introduction to the functions
and use of a dynamic positioning system, at an approved training centre or
organised on board; or as a trainee DPO with on board training under the
supervision of a senior DP operator. |
|
PHASE
2 |
Documented practical experience in the use of DP systems on DP vessels
for a minimum period of 30 days as a trainee DPO after the completion of the
basic/ induction course. |
|
PHASE
3 |
Attendance at DP simulator courses at an approved training centre, or on
board the vessel, where the course will provide training in the use of DP
systems, including simulator exercises and emergency operations. |
|
PHASE
4 |
All of the four phases above are witnessed and recorded by entries in a
Nautical Institute DP logbook which is held by the trainee. Personal
logbooks for recording of DP work carried out are issued by the Nautical
Institute and IMCA. |
|
Following completion of the above, documented confirmation (from the
Master or OIM) of a minimum of six months supervised DP watchkeeping will
result in the issue of a DP certificate from an approved body. |
|
There are currently no Nautical Institute-accredited training providers in South Africa.
Institutions offering certificates, diplomas and degrees:
|
QUALIFICATION |
INSTITUTION |
TYPE |
|
Bachelor
of Earth Sciences Honours in Mining and Environmental Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Applied Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering and Environmental Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Mining Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours in Petroleum Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours: Applied Geology: Exploration Geochemistry |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours: Applied Geology: Hydrogeology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science Honours: Geology |
Honours
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science in Applied Geology |
First
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor
of Science in Environmental and Engineering Geology |
First
Degree |
|
|
Bachelor of Science in
Geology |
First
Degree |
This information is provided as a reference only. SAIMI does not guarantee the accuracy nor the accreditation credentials of the institutions. It is still the learners responsibility to engage directly with the relevant institution to obtain the required information.
SAIMI will update this information as and when it becomes aware of any changes. Institutions and Training providers are welcome to send updates to us for inclusion on our website, subject to verification thereof.