EMERGENCY RESPONSE & RESCUE VESSEL ASSOCIATION
nav.gif

TRAINING

FAQs

Guidance notes for crews with existing OPITO and / or STCW qualifications

Under the Mutual Recognition of Training Courses document agreed between OPITO / MCA / MNTB, the ITSO course can either be completed as a five day OPITO course or, if the delegate has already completed the STCW Medical First Aid then they need only complete a two day bridging course. In either case, successful completion would result in the issue of an OPITO approved ITSO certificate.

In the case of the FRC it has currently been agreed with the MCA that those completing an OPITO course are eligible for both an OPITO and an STCW certificate and those in possession of an STCW certificate are required to complete a further 1½ day bridging course to gain an OPITO certificate.

What Training is involved for ERRV Crews?

All Members of the crew receive training appropriate to their role in accordance with the Statutory Requirements laid down in STCW 95, as a qualifying standard, and with any additional industry requirements laid down by COGENT / OPITO and which comply with the principles of the Mutual Recognition Document (MCA/MNTB/2002).

If preferred, some of the required training can also be undertaken in a distance learning format, which considerably reduces the time spent in attendance at training centres. Details of this can be found on the Affiliations page within the Other Links section. Click on Horizon Training Solutions for further information

Who is Cogent and what is their role?

Cogent was previously known as OPITO (Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation). OPITO standards are owned by the industry.

Cogent put the industry's policy into a properly formatted Training Standard, approve Training Providers to carry out the training (as per the requirements of the standard) and audit the Training Providers. ( Cogent, as custodian, has the responsibility to industry to maintain, develop and update these standards.)

How are the Training Standards developed and who governs onboard ongoing training for ERRV crews?

Training Standards have been developed using a national competence model. This involved the analysis of functions required to handle an emergency offshore from which Statements of Competence were developed. These statements specify what personnel are required to do in an emergency.

Using this competence based process, the following were identified and developed:

  • What crew members were expected to do.
  • The knowledge and skills they would require to enable them to do what was expected of them.
  • How they could demonstrate what was expected of them.
  • How their performance would be assessed.

Using the identified knowledge and skills, the content of the Ongoing Onboard Development and Training Programme, for distance learning offshore, was developed. This competence approach has ensured the content is relevant with the benefits being focused and effective development and training.

What is the role of the Training Providers

The Training Providers are industry based training organisations approved by Cogent to carry out the training as per the requirements of the Training Standard. The role of the Training Providers is to ensure high standards of training that meet all levels of competencies required for the work being undertaken within the emergency response and rescue vessel industry, with specific responsibility to ensure training meets the appropriate accreditation standard as laid down by UKOOA, MCA and the HSE.

Who are Oil & Gas UK?

Oil & Gas UK is the representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its Members are companies licensed by the Government to explore and produce oil and gas in UK waters. Its mission is through co-operative solutions across industry, government and all stakeholders, to strengthen the long term health of the UK offshore oil and gas industry.

What is the role of the MCA?

The Maritime Coastguard Agency is the UK's Maritime Administration Body. It is the arbiter of Marine Safety for ERRV's. It is an international organisation whose aims are primarily to prevent loss of life, improve marine safety and to protect the marine environment.

What is the role of the HSE?

The role of the HSE is to prevent major accidents with catastrophic consequences offshore; to secure a step change improvement in injury rates and work related ill health, and consequent days lost from work; to work with industry to make the UKCS the safest offshore sector in the world by 2010 and to continue improving the working environment.