Looking after the 'New'

I have recently had the great benefit of working for a number of new clients which has been both refreshing and engaging. New surroundings, new faces and teams to get to know in a single 3 week rotation may not suit everyone but I actually enjoy it. What was 'common' between the jobs was the warm welcome and immediate integration I was afforded. In total in the last year I have worked on a drilling rig of excellence (Maersk Innovator), and two Production based platforms (Fulmar - TotalEnergies) & the Dunbar (RepsolSynopec)...all have been a pleasure to work on and each hold some excellent individuals and teams with vast experience and skills that are admirable, particularly for those disciplines different to my own.

While still recognising the drawn out impacts that COVID has had across an extended time frame within our industry, I feel one of the most significant has been the recurring lack of prepared quality of personnel commencing their career under the mantel of 'Green Hats'. For myself when I first started my offshore ventures it came about because of a gentleman named John Lantka who saw something in me and that led to my start with Single Buoy Moorings in Port Harcourt, Nigeria...which reminds me...I never did get him that pint! Back then, my on-boarding process was from my memories left somewhat to my limits of understanding and delivery of my key roles which were HLO, Gas Tester, PTW Coordinator, ER Lead...plus more.

I did however have the benefit of being sent on a Tanker Safety Course but the actual delivery onboard was very much down to myself and the expectation that I would work and practice safely while learning.

More recently I was able to observe a mature skilled new arrival (hope he's not offended by that term) who was transitioning his skills from onshore to the offshore environment...I have to say I was very impressed with him and the management package applied to his arrival and planned involvement. Under the company rules the gentleman was required to wear a hi-viz hat cover which is commonly understood as an indicator of being a new arrival. The associated mentoring this gentleman received during my time onboard was exemplary, partly due it has to be said to the quality and professionalism of his main 'mentor' in this case. Being a nosy safety guy, I was able to personally witness many examples of direction, guidance and safety applications expected under the ISSOW...it truly was of an inspiring and a superb standard.

Where I have seen the opposite to this, and once again 'new personnel' arriving onboard, it has raised a number of serious concerns. It's certainly not for a want of restricting the development of anyone's enthusiasm or a need to get a start in the industry...however, countless times I have become aware or involved in poorly prepared personnel arriving with little or no knowledge of the task activities they are travelling offshore to support and undertake, with evident limited information and communication from their mobiliser and on an increasing frequency, personnel mobilising prior to having undertaken the required ISSOW courses (as an example). In essence, this equates to a level of liability that others have to manage correctly and with an immediacy from arrival onboard. Those that have read my previous 'blogs' will be aware of similar concerned observations that I have made on this topic...ill prepared and poorly informed or qualified personnel may appear to tick a box in one hand but places a big risk on those where they are going.

For those of us that operate within my discipline, if given the appropriate time we can support and make the best of a not so good situation by utilising the various tools we have available in our arsenal i.e. Tool Box Talk attendance, chaperoned site tours, partnered safety observational tours etc. and hopefully prevent unwanted negative developments.

There remains little I can do to alter the current situations we find ourselves facing as each helicopter lands on the deck. What we can, and should do is continue to provide the vital support and mentorship standards that we recognise is needed to keep ourselves and everyone else safe...especially those that are new.

Russ

'safety is never by accident'