Increased Demand for Greenhand Course

Demand for a specialist health & safety course designed specifically for new entrants to the oil & gas industry has grown substantially within a year, resulting in leading training & consultancy provider Petrofac Training doubling the number of Greenhand courses run.

The five-day Greenhand course was developed by Petrofac Training’s specialist safety training business, RGIT Montrose, and is specifically for newcomers preparing for a career offshore, who have little or no knowledge of the industry. It incorporates safety related subjects, as well as training in slinging and lifting, commonly known as Banksman Slinger which has been formally approved by accrediting body OPIT0.

The course gives a unique insight into the offshore environment and an introduction to the skills relevant to the drilling sector, through a combination of practical and theoretical sessions. The Banksman Slinger course is a key part of the training programme, ensuring that delegates satisfy standard health & safety competencies.

On completion of the Greenhand course, potential employers can be confident that delegates are capable of making the transition to offshore working, and that they are trained sufficiently in order to start their career in as safe a manner as possible.

Gordon Caird, Petrofac Training’s Europe operations manager, said that the significant increase of delegates undergoing the Greenhand course emphasised the continued need for training to ensure workers remain competent in the area of health & safety when offshore.

Caird said: “Delegates go through the Greenhand training experience and learn a number of the basic key skills required for ventures offshore. This combined with basic offshore survival & emergency training, is an ideal starting point for new entrants aspiring to work in the oil & gas industry, ensuring they have the necessary level of competence.”

Delegates who successfully complete the Greenhand course receive RGIT Montrose-approved certification and an OPITO-approved Banksman Slinger certificate. Whilst no revalidation is required for the Greenhand course, it is the responsibility of the duty holder to ensure that their staff remain competent. Petrofac Training through its training management and competency management services works with customers, including duty holders, to assist them with managing this responsibility for their staff.

In addition to Greenhand training, Petrofac Training runs a wide range of courses in the areas of lifting operations, and provides a range of survival training, essential for those wishing to travel or work offshore.