Command and Control for ERRV Masters and Mates

OPITO Approved Standard

Command and Control for ERRV Masters and Mates

© OPITO

OPITO APPROVED STANDARD

Command and Control for

ERRV Masters and Mates

Training Standard

OPITO STANDARDS

OPITO is an Industry-owned not-for-profit organisation that exists solely to service the needs of the Oil and Gas Industry.
OPITO is employer led in all aspects of what it does, therefore all standards development activities are at the behest of industry employers. The standards are driven by the needs of employers to help create a safe and competent workforce.
This standard is owned by the Oil and Gas Industry and maintained by OPITO who are the nominated custodians of all Industry standards within the OPITO portfolio which carry the OPITO logo.
The contents of this document were developed by an industry workgroup facilitated and supported by OPITO. The workgroup consisted of representation from a cross section of oil and gas industry employers, discipline experts working within the industry and members of the OPITO Approved Training network.

This standard has been verified and accepted through the governance and integrity management model for OPITO standards.

Guidance on this standard is available by contacting OPITO at: Standards enquiries

© OPITO

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval or information storage system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing of the publishers.

Any amendments made to this standard by OPITO will be recorded above.

Contents

Introduction

SECTION ACommand and Control Training

A.1Command and Control Training Target Group

A.2Command and Control Training Delegate Pre-requisites

A.3Command and Control Training Physical and Stressful Demands

A.4Command and Control Training Aim and Objectives

A.5Command and Control Training Learning Outcomes

A.6Command and Control Training Delegate Performance Assessment

A.7Command and Control Training Duration and Timing

A.8Command and Control Training Programme

SECTION BResources

B.1Staff

B.2Trainer/Delegate Ratios

B.3Facilities

B.4Equipment

SECTION CAdministration and Certification

C.1Joining Instructions

C.2Periodicity

C.3Certification

C.4Course Administration

Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

Appendix 1 OPITO Information

Introduction

This document contains both the occupational standard and training standard for Command & Control by ERRV Masters and Mates. “Command and Control” relates to the skills and competencies specific to the command and control of an emergency situation specific to the offshore oil and gas industry, not with the day to day command of the vessel.

The occupational standard includes statements of competence which specify whatpersonnel are required to do during an emergency and explains how competence shall be assessed and certificated. These statements of competence also form the basis of assessment conducted by onshore training establishments when delivering initial and ongoing training and assessment.

The purpose of the training standard is to set out the initial training, development and assessment requirements for Command & Control for ERRV Masters and Mates which will be conducted at an onshore training establishment. The Training Establishment should recognise that this is only part of a broader training programme, which includes the ongoing onboard element.

It is expected that all personnel undertaking this training will be in possession of appropriate Deck Officers qualifications in accordance with Flag State requirements and have completed an OPITO ERRV Crew Initial Training Shipboard Operations Programme or agreed equivalentstandard document.

SECTION ACommand and ControlTraining

A.1Command and Control Training Target Group

This programme is designed to meet the onshore training, development and assessment requirements for Command & Control for ERRV Masters and Mates. Second or Third Mates may also attend this programme should their employer or the vessel owner so wish.

A.2Command and Control Training Delegate Pre-requisites

Attendance on this training course is open to delegates who are in possession of appropriate Deck Officer qualifications in accordance with Flag State requirements and who hold a current OPITO Initial Training Shipboard Operations certificate or reassessment to an equivalent standard through the Ongoing On-board Development and Training Programme OODTP.

Pre Course Learning.

Delegates will benefit from prior knowledge of the relevant sections of the regulations, guidelines and standards indicated in section A.8 Element 1.1. The OPITO approved Training Providermust provide delegates with the necessary information/material to enable delegates to achieve this knowledge.

A.3Command and Control TrainingPhysical and Stressful Demands

All Joining Instructions must contain information which indicates certain aspects of the programme are of a stressful nature. The responsibility for the individual completing the programme without any adverse effects to their present state of health lies with the individual and/or company sponsoring the delegate; where doubt exists regarding the medical fitness of any delegate the establishment should seek the advice of a medical officer.

OPITO-approved Centres are therefore required, as a minimum, to ensure that prior to participating in practical exercises the delegate or candidate provides written confirmation that they deem themselves physically and mentally capable of undertaking all aspects of the training or assessment. Centres must also make the delegate/candidate aware that they must immediately inform the Centre staff if this capability changes – at any time prior to, or during the programme.

Delegates/candidates must be advised that they are required to declare any current or pre-existing medical conditions which may be exacerbated by, or impair their ability to complete, the training/assessment programme. Should this be the case, the individual may be required to provide an authentic medical certificate issued since any identified medical condition was diagnosed.

The OPITO-approved Centre shall keep a record of the delegate’s/candidate’s declaration of fitness in accordance with their document control policy(s) or procedures.

This information, along with summary details of the type of physical activities the delegate/candidate will be asked to perform, will be given to delegates/candidates by the OPITO-approved Centre and, if applicable, to their sponsoring company as part of the joining instructions. The responsibility for declaring any known current or pre-existing medical conditions that could have adverse effects to the individual’s state of health while undertaking the training and/or assessment activities lies with the delegate/candidate and/or company sponsoring the delegate.

Where doubt exists regarding the fitness of any delegate/candidate, the OPITO-approved Centre should direct the individual to consult a medical officer familiar with the nature and extent of the training.

Note: Practical exercises should be designed and delivered solely to meet this standard, and must not place on the delegates any physical or mental demands other than those required to meet the Standard.

A.4Command and Control TrainingAim and Objectives

The aim and objectives of the Command and Control programme are to equip the delegate with the initial knowledge, understanding and skills required when performing in the role of ERRV Master or Mate during an offshore incident.

A.5Command and ControlTraining Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this programme, delegates must be able toexplain:

1. The role of the ERRV and applicable legislation relating to emergencies specific to the UK offshore oil and gas industry
2. The importance of drills and exercises aboard the ERRV and the implementation of the OODTP
3. The causes and recognition of stress in self and others.

To successfully complete this programme, delegates must be able todemonstrate:

1. Maintaining a state of readinessand vigilance
2. Review, manage and assess the information available in an emergency situation in a timely manner.
3. Establish priorities and take effective action.
4. Efficiently communicate information and instructions.
5. Keeping appropriate agencies informed throughout the incident
6. Implement predetermined emergency plans and procedures in the context of the current emergency
7. Monitor and control resources
8. Evaluate progress and communicate changes in plans and priorities.
9. Effectively delegate authority to act and manage individuals and teams.
10. Recognise and deal with stress in themselves and others.

A.6Command and Control TrainingDelegate Performance Assessment

Delegates attending this training and assessment programme (referred to as candidates during assessment) will be given a series of explanations and demonstrations which will identify what they are expected to know and do. This willbe followed by practical exercises which will allow delegates to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and understanding of their emergency response role. Assessment of the delegates' performance will be against the stated training outcomes.

Each delegate will be formally assessed against the identified outcomes listed in A.5 during 2 scenario based simulation exercises.

If required, further time and opportunity for coaching will be given to delegates to enable them to reach the standard leading to the award of a certificate. However, the time available for this during a programme is limited and it should be recognised there may be occasions where other arrangements need to be made.

As a minimum, each delegate must role-play the Master in at least two emergency scenario simulations to practice: the application of the human and procedural factors in relation to emergency response, to include incidents involving:

a)Helicopter ditching

b)Fire and/or explosion

c)Single MOB

d)Multiple MOB

e)Vessel collision avoidance with the installation

f)Abandonment of the installation

All scenarios where appropriate shall include Rescue, Recovery, Care and Transfer.

The exercises will lead the delegate from single casualty incidents under favourable environmental conditions escalating to multi-casualty multi-unit incidents under severe environmental conditions.

All delegates will be fully briefed and debriefed about each exercise to ensure its effective conduct and to maximise the benefit derived from it.

A.7Command and Control Training Duration and Timing

The optimum 'contact time' for the training/development and assessment programme is seen as 35 hours with a ratio of 35% theory to 65% practical.

The total contact time per day shall not exceed 8 hours. The total training day shall not exceed 10 hours (the total training day includes contact time, coffee and meal breaks and travel between training sites where applicable).

The total programmeday includes: contact time, welfare breaks, meal breaks andwhere applicable, travel between sites.

A.8Command and ControlTraining Programme

The Command and Control Training Programme specified below is designed to help delegates achieve the stated learning outcomes specified in Section A.5.The contents in Appendix 1 must be covered prior to delivery of the modules.

To make efficient use of time and ensure effective learning, there should, wherever practicable, be an integration of the three phases of explanation, demonstration and practise.

Full use should be made of audio aids,visual aids and course handout material.

Prior to the start of each module, the following must be included as part of the introduction by training staff:

(a)AimThe main purpose of the module

(b)Learning Outcomes What the delegates are expected to learn

(c)Timetable Training module duration and timing

(d)AssessmentHow delegates will be assessed and what they will be assessed against

(e)StaffWho will be delivering the training and roles of training support staff.

The Command and Control Training Programmecomprises the following modules and elements:

Module 1Theory of Command and Control aboard an ERRV

Element 1.1Legislation

Element 1.2Maintaining a State of Readiness

Element 1.3Dealing with Stress

Element 1.4Leadership

Module 2Practical Elements of ERRV Command and Control

Element 2.1Assessing the Situation

Element 2.2Taking Effective Action

Element 2.3Maintaining Communications

Element 2.4Delegating Authority

Element 2.5Managing Self and Team

Module 3Simulation Exercises

Element 3.1Scenario Based Exercises

MODULE 1Theory of Command and Control aboard an ERRV

ELEMENT 1.1Legislation

Training staff toexplain:

The relevant sections as applicable to Command and Control aboard an ERRV of the following:

1.1.1Safety Case Regulations

1.1.2PFEER, MAR

1.1.3OGUK ERRV Guidelines

1.1.4OPITO ERRV Standards

1.1.5IAMSAR Manual

Training staff toexplain:

1.1.6Types of Major Emergency

1.1.7Role of ERRV

1.1.8UK SAR Structure

ELEMENT 1.2Maintaining a State of Readiness

Training staff toexplain:

1.2.1.The need for the ERRV, equipment and crew to be in a permanent state of readiness

1.2.2.The importance of training and the competence of the crew

1.2.3.The Emergency Response Plan (ERP) including an awareness of company procedures and operations manuals

1.2.4.The value and purpose of emergency pre-planning

1.2.5.The value and purpose of risk assessment

1.2.6.Thepurpose of drills and exercises for the ERRV and crew

1.2.7.Methods of coaching

1.2.8.Appraisal of crew performance including OODTP.

ELEMENT 1.3Dealing with Stress

Training staff toexplain:

1.3.1.Sources of stress during an emergency

1.3.2.Stress factors:

a)Irritability

b)Aggression

c)Poor communication

d)Inability to remember information

e)Disengaging and withdrawing

f)Focusing on trivial tasks

g)Jumping between tasks

1.3.3.The effect of time pressure on decision making capability

1.3.4.The effect of information overload on decision making capability

1.3.5.The reduction in short and long term memory during an incident

1.3.6.Taking effective action to reduce personal workload

1.3.7.Taking effective action to maintain activities

1.3.8.Taking effective action to reduce stress

ELEMENT 1.4Leadership

Training staff toexplain:

1.4.1.The differences between normal command and command and control in an emergency

1.4.2.Factors to consider during an emergency:

a)Uncertainty, ambiguity or conflicting information

b)Shifting and competing goals

c)Time stress and potential serious consequences

d)Multiple players (team factors)

e)Personal factors

1.4.3.The roles and responsibilities of the crew

1.4.4.The importance of delegation

1.4.5.Time management

MODULE 2Practical Elements of ERRV Command and Control

ELEMENT 2.1Assessing the Situation

Training staff to explain, then delegates to practiceduring the scenario based exercises:

2.1.1.Obtaining information quickly from all appropriate sources

2.1.2.Evaluating information quickly from all appropriate sources

2.1.3.Confirming information quickly from all appropriate sources

2.1.4.Confirming the emergency

2.1.5.Initiating appropriate alarms

2.1.6.Making valid interpretations and valid decisions about the resources available to deal with an incident

ELEMENT 2.2Taking Effective Action

Training staff toexplain:

2.2.1Using appropriate resources, to include:

a)Rescue Craft with an explanation of deployment techniques in various weather conditions

b)Medical support

c)Casualty recovery equipment including the use of mechanical recovery device techniques at the upper sea states.

Training staff to explainthen delegates to practiceduring the scenario based exercises:

2.2.1 Development and execution of the emergency response plan

2.2.2 Taking appropriate actions as quickly as possible

2.2.4 Co-ordinating and directing emergency response to include: On Scene Co-ordinator and Surface Search.

2.2.5 Maintaining safety of deployed personnel

2.2.6 Implementing the correct level of response

2.2.8 Implementing company ERP, company procedures and operations manuals

ELEMENT 2.3Maintaining Communications

Training staff to explain and delegates to practiceduring the scenario based exercises:

2.3.1.Maintaining a positive attitude

2.3.2.Promoting a common understanding of the emergency situation

2.3.3.Keeping appropriate agencies informed

2.3.4.Maintaining an accurate record of timeline,key events and communications

ELEMENT 2.4Delegating Authority

Training staff to explain and delegates to demonstrate during the scenario based exercises:

2.4.1.Effective delegation of duties during emergencies

2.4.2.Ensuring delegated responsibilities and tasks are understood

2.4.3.Effective communication skills for maintaining crew morale

2.4.4.Guiding the crew while maintaining an appropriate degree of detachment

2.4.5.Obtaining feedback on outcome of delegated tasks

ELEMENT 2.5Managing Self and Team

Training staff to explainthen delegates to practiceduring the scenario based exercises:

2.5.1.Allowing information flow from crewwhile maintaining control

2.5.2.Appropriate body language when managing an emergency

2.5.3.Providing physical and moral support

2.5.4.Monitoring safe working practices

2.5.5.Recognising strengths and weaknesses within the team

2.5.6.Maintaining an appropriate degree of detachment

2.5.7.Recognising any deterioration in personal performance

2.5.8.Recognising any deterioration in the performance of others

MODULE 3Simulation exercises

ELEMENT 3.1Scenario based exercises

Training staff to explain then delegates to practice:

3.1.1A series of scenario based exercises which enable the delegates to practise the application of the human and procedural factors in relation to emergency response, to include incidents involving:

a)Helicopter ditching

b)Fire and/or explosion

c)Single MOB

d)Multiple MOB

e)Vessel collision avoidance with the installation

f)Abandonment of the installation

All exercises shall incorporate aspects of Rescue, Recovery, Care and Transfer as appropriate.

The exercises will lead the delegate from single casualty incidents under favourable environmental conditions escalating to multi-casualty multi-unit incidents under severe environmental conditions.

All delegates will be fully briefed and debriefed about each exercise to ensure its effective conduct and to maximise the benefit derived from it.

Delegates will be continually assessed during the scenario based exercises.

SECTION BResources

In order that a training programme may be delivered successfully it is essential that appropriately qualified and experienced people are there to deliver and support the programme and that the appropriate facilities and equipment are in place.