The use of simulators for training and education purposes is common practice in certain areas of the oil and gas industry, particularly in equipment familiarisation and emergency response exercises, so it is vital that information on their use is regularly updated.
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has just issued ‘Guidance on the Use of Simulators’ (IMCA C 014 Rev. 2) in order to ensure that all users of simulators have access to the most up-to-date information. IMCA C 014 was originally published in 2010 and updated in August 2011.
The use of a simulator in a structured training programme can provide trainees with valuable practical hands-on experience in a safe, controlled environment. Simulators can also be used for work planning/mission planning purposes including engineering development, procedure development, technical assessments, research, and asset risk assessment,” explains Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA. “The front section of our invaluable slim volume covers general issues such as definitions, the types of simulator and their appropriateness for training and competence assessment purposes. There are then a number of appendices.
“In this revision an appendix for offshore crane simulators has been added to the previously published remotely operation vehicle (ROV), dive control and dynamic positioning appendices.” The new crane simulator appendix, like the existing ones, discusses its purpose, plus the classes and features of crane simulators. The document is available for free downloading from www.imca-int.com by IMCA members and non-members alike, with additional printed copies available to members at £2.50 (and non-members at £5) – plus a delivery charge where applicable.
Hugh Williams adds: “The Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) has developed a dive panel simulator, which was available for a week at Subsea 7 in Stavanger, Norway and Technip in Aberdeen, UK. Nearly a hundred visitors saw it, or took part in the demonstrations, and the feedback was positive, showing how useful it is for training and competence assessment. Our thanks go to ADAS for running the sessions and to Saipem and Technip for hosting them.
“Members, and their guests, attending the IMCA Asia-Pacific Section meeting in Perth, Australia on 5 September, will be able to travel to Fremantle to see, and have a hands-on session on the ADAS simulator. Currently, arrangements are being put in place for visits either on 4 or 6 September.