Economies Of Scale - Recommended Approach
The requirements for offshore and onshore Helifuel training have changed. Apart from initial training and two-year renewal, an annual refresher course is recommended.
This extract (below) from IOGP Report 590 – Personnel qualifications, experience & training, Page 33, describes the requirement.
The logistical complexities involved in offshore refueller training require unique and inventive solutions to maximise cost controls.
It is imperative to conduct Helifuel training in the ‘Installation specific’ offshore environment, as there are many variations to offshore Helifuel design and therefore generic onshore training is impractical and incomplete.
The following tried and tested arrangement provides the best outcome:
- The process is initiated with a full ISO 9001:2015 – CAP 437 offshore Helifuel inspection.
- A theoretical PowerPoint course is provided covering all relevant aspects of Helifuel systems encompassing CAP 437 requirements.
- A practical demonstration and onsite training of the Helideck specific, Helifuel system is carried out.
- The auditors/inspectors should have an aviation qualification and depth of experience relevant to the audit tasking.
The audit/inspection process should be an unbiased third-party analysis, to ensure that the integrity of the external audit process is upheld.
It is therefore imperative that the following guidelines are observed:
- The auditing company should be ISO 9001:2015 certified as this ensures that all documented, reporting and close-out procedures are followed.
- The auditors/inspectors should be ISO 9001:2015 certified with the relevant background experience.
- The auditors/inspectors should be ‘Train the Trainer’ qualified.
Offshore or onshore refuelling is a high-risk undertaking and should be managed accordingly.