Shell Selects RGIT Montrose to Deliver New Standard in Water Survival Training in the Gulf of Mexico

Shell Offshore Inc has awarded the US division of leading international safety training provider, RGIT Montrose, a multi-year contract to deliver the Shell Water Survival / Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET) course. 
 
The Water Survival course has been tailored by Shell with the requirements of the Gulf of Mexico operating environment at the forefront of the course structure. As such, the course is specific to personnel working in this area and supports the recent introduction of the SafeGulf training course.  All Shell personnel who travel offshore in the Gulf of Mexico more than three times a year will be required to undertake the one-day course, and to refresh the training every three years.

The training standard, which is specific to Shell, incorporates a new and unique technique called ‘the personal swimmer’ which is used by the US Naval College. Delegates spend time underwater in the pool and swim through the hatch of the personal swimmer equipment at their own pace and speed, ensuring that they develop a familiarity with and confidence in the water before undertaking the challenging HUET exercises.  The course will be delivered from Shell’s existing training centre at Robert, Louisiana.

North-east firm, RGIT Montrose, a division of Petrofac Training, has been based in the Americas for over three years and has in that time developed a range of safety and technical training courses delivered from strategically placed centres across the Gulf of Mexico.

RGIT Montrose Inc’s Business Manager, Americas, Peter Conner said: “RGIT Montrose is delighted to have secured this important contract with Shell which furthers the scope of the training that we are currently providing here in the Gulf of Mexico. The contract should create five new jobs in both instruction and training support, and will enhance our survival training capability in the US.  We believe that this contract further augments our position as a leading worldwide training safety provider.”

Operations Services Manager for Shell, Dwight Johnston, commenting on the progression of training in this area said: “I am pleased that we have a company of RGIT Montrose’s calibre working with the team at Robert, to ensure that this course achieves Shell’s objectives. The new training standard in Water Survival has been developed to enhance the safety of our own personnel, and those of our contractors working in the Gulf, while travelling offshore. We have introduced the unique concept of the personal swimmer to help build our student’s confidence and erase any apprehension they may have. Our aim at Robert is to provide a first rate facility, equipment and instruction; and, with their track record and extensive survival training experience in the UK and across the world, RGIT Montrose will help ensure that we fulfil our goal.”

The first Water Survival courses are due to commence this month, when the first students from Shell will prepare to undergo the new training programme.