AB Information Note IMCA C 08/10 Competence of Offshore Safety Advisers The role of an offshore safety adviser is fundamental to the operations of many member companies, providing both an onshore and offshore support function. There is some variation in job title, roles and responsibilities for these positions. IMCA has developed the attached guidance on competence assurance and assessment for the offshore safety adviser position. It follows the same format as the framework of guidance launched in 1999 for other safety-critical positions and can be used by contractors to assist in the development and ongoing implementation of their own in-house schemes. Through the creation of a competence table, IMCA seeks to provide clarity for members in terms of the standard of competence and entry level criteria required for the role of offshore safety adviser. These tables outline the knowledge and ability required to competently undertake the role of offshore safety adviser, including understanding language and culture barriers to safety on a multi-cultural site, planning and implementation of safety measures, and maintaining a good health and safety culture. The guidance in this note will be included in the forthcoming document covering competence in a number of offshore supporting roles not already covered by the existing IMCA framework. Competence Tables Offshore Safety Adviser Every competence element carries a unique identifier or code (see below) which can be used in the IMCA Record of Competence by assessors when they sign off the achievement of a specified competence. Code Job function Offshore safety adviser/coach For example: Offshore Safety adviser/coach O 010 000 02 Competence level Refer to competence assessment element lists for details Offshore supporting roles Activity In some cases, specific training courses may be recommended or considered essential for the achievement of certain competences. Likewise, in other cases, for example diving supervision, there are minimum work experience requirements to be logged before competence can be assessed or recorded. Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations in this Competence Table NEBOSH National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (UK) OIM Offshore installation manager PPE Personal protective equipment For more details, please contact: Nick.Hough@imca-int.com Issue date: October 2010 Document reference(s): Competence & Training IMCA C 08/10
Job Function: Offshore Safety Adviser Job Category: Entry Level Criteria Health, safety and environmental Trainer/coach training Medical fitness for duty Survival training Emergency preparedness/situations Acceptance Criteria International NEBOSH (National Examination board in Occupational Safety and Health) Certificate OR Other internationally recognised Occupational Safety and Health Certificate of equivalent standard OR Internationally recognised vocational qualification in Occupational Health and Safety Internationally recognised training or coaching certificate applicable to offshore operations Train the Trainer training course applicable to offshore operations Valid flag state and/or nationally recognised Medical certificate Nationally recognised offshore survival training applicable to the geographic area of operations, (including refresher training where applicable) As received during survival training Appropriate level of operational or practical experience in a related industry Satisfactorily completed company assessments
Job Function: Offshore Safety Adviser/Coach Job Category: Code Competence Knowledge Ability Demonstration 00/01 Safety Organisation and management of safety of team Effective use of safety management system Planning and performance of risk assessments for all safety critical areas in a work environment Advise on organising and leading safety briefings for client and vessel crew Assess risks and develop risk control measures suitable for the work being undertaken Comply with company accident reporting procedures Incident reporting 00/02 Emergency response Effective handling of emergency Management of emergency Advise on appropriate action in the event of an emergency situation Ensure personnel understand and review their role in emergency 00/03 Communication and personnel skills Local safety legislation Local cultural issues Cultural issues amongst personnel on board Familiarity with operations being conducted Personnel management Communicate effectively with personnel at all levels including client representative and onshore project team/manager Diplomacy and approachability Show safety leadership Keep safety records up to date 00/04 Health and safety Company health and safety Principles and application of different health and safety Consequences of not using a health Information requirements of relevant personnel including master, OIM, line manager, safety representatives and supervisors Safety audits and inspections Review of procedures Leading and facilitating toolbox talks Planning and running emergency drills
Code Competence Knowledge Ability Demonstration 00/05 Ensuring a safe work place Statutory and company health and safety requirements Requirements of company health Difference between monitoring, audit and inspection Selection, use and care of PPE; selection, use and care of specialised PPE (e.g. for working at height/confined space/fire team etc) Review of procedures Maintenance and inspection 00/06 Planning and implementing preventative and protective measures Importance of communication with relevant personnel (Including master/oim line manager; safety representatives; supervisor) Permit to work systems, isolations and barriers and confined space entry systems systems (including physical, electrical, chemical, radioactive, ergonomic hazard assessments) Practical operation of worksite and company health and safety management system Communication Observation Guidance/good practise review Planning and running emergency drills Running and facilitating toolbox talks
Code Competence Knowledge Ability Demonstration 00/07 Developing and maintaining a health and safety culture Importance of development and maintenance of safety culture in the workplace Importance of effective communication for health and safety culture How to access and interpret health requirements Knowledge of when to implement changes to health and safety practices and procedures and how these should be communicated Develop, promote and maintain a safety culture in the workplace Communicate effectively (including orally, in writing, use of audio-visual aids) Ensure health and safety information provided is current, accurate and relevant Access and interpret health and safety management system requirements Health and safety initiatives Guidance/good practise review Running and facilitating toolbox talks 00/08 Reporting, investigation and follow-up of incidents Individual and corporate responsibilities in health and safety Principles of accident causation Principles of human error When and how improvements should be made to health and safety practice and procedure Health and safety initiatives Guidance/good practice review