World-class training and project simulation have now been launched in Guyana, for the first time, to address the increase in demand for qualified personnel. Through a partnership between Caribbean Subsea Specialist Inc. (CSSI) and 3t EnerMech (ODITC), the Schilling Heavy Duty remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) simulator is now available at the ODITC 3t EnerMech Training Centre of Excellence in Lusignan.
The system, utilized in conjunction with an observation class ROV at the pool facility, provides trainees with a combination of real world “in-water” experience and simulation exposure. Scenarios students can attend include subsea tree installations, well intervention, pipeline installations and surveys and floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) hull inspections.
To produce oil in Guyana, subsea operations must be supported by ROVs due to the extreme depth and pressure found at underwater locations. There is currently an average of 12 to 16 remote underwater vehicles operating at any given time. This number is set to grow in line with the rapid development of the oil and gas sector in the region.
The growth has triggered an increase in demand for qualified subsea robotics personnel which is magnified locally in Guyana due to the goals of the Local Content Act. CSSI and ODITC have partnered to provide the necessary infrastructure.
While the simulator is focused primarily on new hire induction training, it also offers a platform for experienced ROV operators to further their skills. Field owners, and their prime contractors, can access the simulator to rehearse their project execution with their ROV teams, potentially identifying challenges and reducing overall risk. The training program is also offered in Portuguese and Spanish, to meet the growing demand of the rest of the Americas and Europe for such training.
Paul Attrill, Vice President of Sales at 3t EnerMech, commented: “The development of a subsea robotics training facility in Guyana signifies a key milestone as the country aims to attract technical tourist visitors. Guyanese nationals will enjoy the competitive advantage of accessing subsea robotics training for a fraction of the previous cost of travelling overseas, with the country poised to be a hub for technical training to the Americas and Western world.
“We are proud to be playing our part in this journey”.
Schilling Robotics manufactures ROVs and manipulator arms. Its manipulator arm technology can be found on over 90% of all work class ROVs in the world.
Following ROV induction training, CSSI continues to support candidates throughout their career with competency management and job placement in the industry, both locally and abroad. ODITC supports this process by augmenting the candidate’s competency suite with critical offshore skills such as T-BOSIET, rigging and lifting and confined spaces training. All qualifications provided by the CSSI and ODITC collaboration meets or exceeds the highest international standards such as OPITO, International Marine Contractors Association and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.
