The challenges faced by the offshore maritime industry in recruiting and retaining qualified operators to safeguard standards within the Dynamic Positioning (DP) vessel sector was discussed during one of the Middle East Workboats conference sessions, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 3-5 October 2011.
Global growth in DP usage and the number of new DP-equipped offshore oil and gas vessels entering the market, as well as the demand for retrofitting, means that highly qualified personnel are either retiring or those coming into service are being swiftly snapped-up, leaving employers struggling to find skilled replacements and adhere to stringent operational safety standards.
Capt. Ian Bacon, Marine Consulting and Operations Manager Middle East & India, GL Noble Denton, one of the panel speakers during conference session discussed ‘The lessons to be learned from operational experience with particular regard to Dynamic Positioning ‘. He focused on crew competency as well as the technical issues relating to the build, basic design, and concept of modern DP offshore supply vessels (OSV’s).
“ The current market situation is extremely competitive and we are witnessing a rapidly growing appetite for DP vessels combined with equally fast technological innovation. Conventional OSV operators are joining the DP market without a full understanding of how the technology operates. While this can reduce costs, it can also result in inexperienced crews working on vessels that have been built and delivered fully operational, but lack the documentation that offers the level of assurance that oil companies require, ” he said.
According to a previously released comment from Steven Jones of the International Dynamic Positioning Operators Association, this leaves companies little room to manoeuvre, especially when faced with administration of the requisite periods of shipboard learning, which require the commitment and expertise of senior personnel and shipmasters. Increasing attention is also being paid to global DP standards both by charterers as well as bodies like the International Maritime Association.
More than 1,000 DP-fitted vessels including cable and pipe layers, survey ships, supply ships, dredgers and diving support vessels were in service in 2009, according to www.bric.com. A 13-year study conducted by the Norwegian University of Science & Technology concluded that human error is the main cause of DP failure.
Investment in DP training is also a major red flag area for the industry. Specialist onshore facilities are currently available through access to over 50 accredited international centres, but it is the required periods of supervised shipboard learning, that are a drain on both the time and availability of senior company personnel.
During the panel discussion, Capt. Cheikh Atbi, Marine Competency/Training Specialist , IRSHAD, warned of the dangers of inadequate training, which can transform human assets turn into liabiliities. “ Training needs to be a continuous process from the day a mariner joins the operation, and right through their career with the company. We often expect mariners to perform miracles, but it’s all about teamwork – from head office to the onboard crew, and training is key,” he said.
The future of offshore ship technology and hull design, as well as environmental challenges was also be debated at the ABS-sponsored session which features a high profile speaker line-up including Joseph Brincat, VP Middle East, ABS; Robert G Allan, Executive Chairman of the Board, Robert Allan Ltd.; Andrew Brown, Business Development Director, Lamnalco Group; Bo Damsgaard, Head of Marine Services, Maersk Oil Qatar; Capt Cheikh Atbi, Marine Competency/Training Specialist, IRSHAD and William Tobin, Offshore Syndicate Manager – Underwriting, The Shipowners’ Protection Ltd.
Taking place from 3-5 October, 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Middle East Workboats 2011 will also host a series of interactive industry-led Round Table sessions, as well as an all-new Industry Question Time which promises a lively Q&A session on the global issues facing the maritime services sector.
[mappress] Source: AMEinfo, October 04 , 2011