KCA DEUTAG has become the first North Sea drilling contractor to achieve OPITO approval for its internal competence management system.

The status ensures personnel across KCA DEUTAG's head office in Aberdeen and its offshore facilities in the North Sea are performing their roles to best practice criteria.

The standards are based on the National Occupational Standards in Offshore Drilling Operations and developed for industry by OPITO in line with recognised competency processes. They focus on an individual's ability to competently carry out their job role rather than simply their knowledge and understanding and are achieved over a sustained period.

Jim Cameron, director of standards and approvals at OPITO, said, 'A skilled and competent workforce is vital to the health of the oil and gas industry, in terms of ensuring safe operations and supporting the export of the knowledge and expertise that has grown up with it.

'Having a system for managing workforce competence independently approved to industry best practice not only ensures there is measured development of employees' skills sets, it helps to set and maintain a framework for continuous improvement.

'KCA DEUTAG has gone to great lengths in the management of the competency of their rig crew staff and we commend them for this outstanding achievement.'

The approvals process saw OPITO undertake a full audit of the contractor's processes both onshore and offshore.

Martin Ellins, KCA DEUTAG's UK country manager said,'Within the drilling industry it is critical to have proven competent personnel who fully understand their roles and functions. Gaining OPITO approval ensures we are achieving this and helps us continually improve our business processes to provide safe, effective and trouble-free operations. We are very proud to have been awarded OPITO approval.'

Tags: KCA DEUTAG