New industry requirements enter into force

Release Date: 2009-05-13

The aim of OLF’s Gas Leak Project is to reduce the number of gas leaks on the Norwegian Shelf. One of the most important measures is to enhance the competence of all those involved in the operation of equipment on hydrocarbon-bearing facilities on the Norwegian Shelf. Requirements for certification and re-certification have been introduced for the entire industry in connection with the project.

Certification and re-certification will apply to all personnel who carry out work independently on pressurised hydrocarbon-bearing systems on the Norwegian Shelf. This is defined as the competence areas of flange work, valve technology, fittings and process safety.  Personnel who have previously completed the basic course in these disciplines under the direction of an operating company must be certified/re-certified. The Gas Leak Project has prepared curriculums for re-certification. More information on this can be found on www.olf.no/gasslekkasjeprosjektet/ (in Norwegian only).  

Deadline for certification/re-certification 

The deadline for certification/re-certification expires in 2011. Some operating companies already require certification by the end of 2010. There is an increase in course registration with the approved course providers, so that it is important that both the operating companies and contractors/service companies plan course registration and certification of their own personnel within the deadlines.  

Courses 

Course centres approved by the Centre for Quality Control and Competence in the Petroleum Industry (PSK) can offer basic certification and re-certification in accordance with OLF’s industry requirements. Operating companies may apply to PSK for permission to conduct re-certification of their own personnel on their own premises on land and offshore. Personnel employed by contractors/service companies must be re-certified at a PSK-approved course centre. A list of PSK-approved course providers may be found on www.psk.no.  

Documentation 

Basic course and re-certification examinations are taken at www.trainingportal.no – the industry portal for e-learning courses. Information on course completion is transferred directly from www.trainingportal.no to PSK’s competence database.  In the course of 2009 the old OLF card will be replaced by a new PSK card. The PSK card has a RFID tag connected to the PSK competence database. The new PSK card must be used at heliports to verify that personnel have the required competence prior to travelling offshore. 

SOURCE: OLF

Type:

NORMAL