NSL | Competence

COMPETENCE IN RIGGING & LIFTING OPERATIONS

Personnel who require to be deemed competent must possess and demonstrate a satisfactory level of practical skill and theoretical knowledge to be able to carry out a given task safely.
To achieve competence you must undergo training and assessment. This is the process of gathering and documenting evidence about your achievements, skills, knowledge and abilities.
Step Change in Safety, the UK based partnership with the remit to make the UK the safest Oil and Gas Exploration and Production province in the world, offers the industry the following guidance in how to achieve competence.

Stage 1 Initial training and assessment
Stage 2 Supervised training in the workplace
Stage 3 Workplace assessment of competency
Stage 4 Ongoing performance advancement

	NSL's competence programmes meet all four stages of this competence profile. Also shown on the diagram are a further two industry systems currently in use:
	VQ meets one stage
	Oil Industry Standard meets two stages
	Note: Assessment and certification to meet stage 3, carried out in the training environment, should not be seen as a replacement or the equivalent to a Level 3 Rigger qualification.

Achieving Competence
In September 2002, NSL in association with the UK government award body, EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL) created competence programmes designed specifically for personnel required to carry out lifting operations (Riggers) and those required to certify and inspect lifting equipment (Lifting Equipment Inspectors).
Both our programmes begin with a training course with delegates receiving a certificate of training upon successful completion.
Delegates now have the option to proceed with the completion of a competence portfolio. The portfolio is used to record their activities and experience, in the workplace, and used as evidence of their competence. Tasks recorded must be witnessed and when completed should be submitted for assessment and verification by NSL and EAL.
Once satisfactorily completed, EAL issue the delegate with a certificate of competence.
The competence certificate is valid for two years after which time the candidate can return for re-assessment to confirm competence is being maintained or progress to the next level.

NSL currently offer competence programmes in the following subjects and levels:

RIGGING AND LIFTING LEVEL 1
Aimed at Technicians, Banksman / Slingers and Load Handlers
This programme has no pre-requisites and is aimed at personnel who are required to perform Routine and Simple lifting operations. Personnel may also complete Complicated and Complex lifting operations under supervision.

RIGGING AND LIFTING LEVEL 2
Aimed at Riggers and Deck Foremen
This programme is aimed at personnel who are required to plan and perform Complicated and Complex lifting operations.
Personnel who require to proceed directly onto the level 2 competence programme without completing level 1 must provide written evidence that they have at least 3 years experience working in lifting operations.

RIGGING AND LIFTING LEVEL 3
Aimed at Riggers, Deck Foremen and Rigging Supervisors
This programme is aimed at personnel experienced in lifting operations. It comprises a 2-day theoretical course with continuous assessment covering angular loadings, force triangles, calculating area, volume, load weights, load centre of gravity etc.
Personnel must have achieved level 2, gained 2 further years experience in lifting operations and completed / recorded a further six complicated / complex portfolio logs before entry onto this level.

COMPETENCE IN LIFTING EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATION

LIFTING EQUIPMENT INSPECTOR
Due to the extensive range of lifting equipment, the training and competence in this programme has been separated into six modules to allow prospective inspectors to qualify in one subject at a time and gradually build up their knowledge, experience and therefore competence.
Clients and inspectors may choose any course, in any order, if only training is required. However, if the competence portfolio route is required then the first module must be completed before any other module can be attempted.

The programme is divided into the following modules:
Module 1: General Lifting Equipment
Module 2: Winches and Powered Hoists
Module 3: Pedestal and Mobile Cranes
Module 4: Overhead Travelling Cranes, Runway Beams and Swing Jibs
Module 5: Forklift Trucks and Stackers
Module 6: Containers and CCU’s

CRANE OPERATOR ASSESSMENT

NSL has a team of more than 30 Instructors / Skills Assessors, most of whom are qualified and capable of carrying out Crane Operator assessments in accordance with BS ISO 15513 and BS 7121.

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
The assessment begins with a questionnaire. This enables the assessor to confirm that the Crane Operator’s knowledge is adequate. The Operator is also interviewed to assess their experience on the specific type of crane they operates. The Assessor then observes the Operator performing various practical exercises according to the skills level they are being assessed against. Observation is from Deck Level and where possible, also from the Cab / Operator Level. Feedback is given during the assessment, and also at the end during the debrief, when the Operator is informed of the result. The assessment is only completed when every relevant unit of the standard has been covered.
Typical elements covered:

BASIC DECK OPERATIONS UNDER SUPERVISION - STAGE 1

• Handling containers, tubulars and pipe-work, loads with an offset C of G
• Hand signals and radio communications
• Full pre-shift inspection of the crane, knowledge of company procedures, knowledge of the crane, knowledge of basic slinging including sling angles and tensions

DECK OPERATIONS UNSUPERVISED - STAGE 2

• Handling containers, tubulars and pipe-work,
  loads with an offset C of G
• Hand signals and radio communications
• Full pre-shift inspection of the crane, knowledge of company procedures, knowledge of the crane, knowledge of basic slinging including sling angles and tensions. Also, knowledge of emergency operating systems and procedures

DECK OPERATIONS UNSUPERVISED AND SUPPLY VESSEL LIFTING OPERATIONS - STAGE 3

• Handling containers, tubulars and pipe-work, loads with an offset C of G
• Hand signals and radio communications
• Full pre-shift inspection of the crane, knowledge of company procedures, knowledge of the crane, knowledge of basic slinging including sling angles and tensions, knowledge of emergency operating systems and procedures
• The operator would also be required to demonstrate both theoretical and practical experience of; dynamic loading, sea states, bulk hose operations, wind-speeds and related company and crane operating limitations. Also, all operations regarding loading and unloading of supply vessels