Liberia Launches Offshore Exam, Training Initiative

The Liberian Registry has launched a new examination and training standards initiative for the offshore industry which will help develop new business training models, create transparency in the examination process, and streamline the documentation and processing of offshore personnel.

Working with the US-based International Association of Drilling Contractors, the Liberian Registry has developed an Exam and Training Standards Initiative (ETS 2010). The key objectives of ETS 2010 are to bring the Liberian examination system up-to-date with current industry practice, to identify new categories of certification for industry-specific positions, and to research and propose alternative fast-tracking career options for shore-based, degree-level engineers seeking employment offshore.

For companies participating in ETS 2010, Liberia has agreed to process documentation for existing personnel regardless of flag affiliation, although companies registered in Liberia will qualify for LISCR’s platinum service, which features same-day response and a central problem resolution point.

James Walsh, vice-president of seafarer certification and documentation at LISCR (the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “We are very pleased to be working with IADC on this project. IADC has been at the forefront of the oil exploration and production business for more than twenty years, and has worked successfully with LISCR on a number of previous occasions.

“Participation in ETS 2010 will reduce operating costs because Liberia has agreed to process existing personnel regardless of flag and MoU affiliation. Liberia’s web-based personnel documentation system is currently processing over 600 documents a day, with a turn-round time of less than two business weeks.

“Liberia and IADC will be reviewing current manning and training methods and the certification and documentation procedures now being used. Strengths and limitations, as well as potential for development and growth, will be assessed.

“The offshore market is a critical sector of the world economy. The industry is engaged in a search for not only more oil and more gas, but also for more properly qualified people. ETS 2010 will help the industry achieve those objectives.”