Global training provider Maersk Training launched two new offshore emergency courses in March. The courses are the helideck emergency response team member (HERTM) and the six-day combined helideck and team member training programmes.

The offshore emergency courses are accredited by the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation.

Maersk Training, in Aberdeen, Scotland built a new helicopter simulator and helideck fire ground to support its two new training courses. 

“The dual helicopter simulator system can simulate two different types of helicopter, a Sikorsky S92 and a Eurocopter 225. The aircraft can simulate engine and rotor head fires along with sponson, pressure fuel and running fuel fires,” states Maersk Training.

The 144 m² helideck contains two purpose built, 3 m x 2 m heliwells fitted with monitors and hydrant heads, which have the ability to cross ark, providing complete deck coverage of aqueous film forming foam.
 
“By adding the HERTM course to the company’s course list, Maersk Training is one step closer to being a one-stop-shop for all offshore, wind and oil training needs. The simulators will enable us to offer a better offshore emergency response learning experience, which is not only realistic but also unique,” states Maersk Training MD Stuart Cameron.
 
Further, he points out that the HERTM course is taught and assessed by current, fully operational fire-fighters who have worked within the fire and rescue service for over 25 years.

“The HERTM course is delivered across four days and it includes a combination of theoretical and practical elements, which make for an accurate and realistic picture of what is expected of emergency response teams,” Cameron emphasises.

Moreover, he says the HERTM course provides solid knowledge of all procedures associated with the helideck and helicopter landing, while also providing delegates the opportunity to gain a more general understanding of emergency response procedures for an offshore installation.

Maersk Training operations manager and HERTM course lead instructor Adrian Barron adds that throughout the course, delegates are introduced to the helideck emergency response planning system and controls, personal protective equipment and any potential hazards that may occur during an emergency response.

“Delegates will be taught to efficiently extinguish any helideck associated fires, about search and rescue of potential casualties and to communicate effectively with the helideck landing officer and the rest of the team. They are also instructed on the correct procedure to be followed in the case that they at any point may need to assist the offshore emergency response team in the event of an incident,” he explains.

Meanwhile, Cameron says that the six-day combined helideck and team member course enables delegates to gain the knowledge and understanding necessary for both a helideck assistant emergency response team member (HDA HERTM) and an offshore emergency response team member (OERTM).

“The purpose of this course is to enable offshore workers to potentially fulfil a dual role on an installation and a helideck, as well as to educate personnel regarding the difference between the roles of the HDA HERTM and those of the OERTM,” he concludes.