SMS now offers globally recognized, OPITO-approved training courses. Here, students learn survival techniques for emergency helicopter evacuations.
Safety Management Systems (SMS) has expanded its course selection to include globally-recognized Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization (OPITO) training. Classes begin Jan. 8.
OPITO, an industry-owned organization that sets standards for international oil & gas training, approved SMS as a provider after a rigorous process to assure the quality and content of SMS’ offshore safety curriculum. SMS will offer three OPITO courses at its Lafayette, La., training academy: Basic Offshore Safety Induction Emergency Training (BOSIET), Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), and Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET).
SMS was well-equipped for this type of training: Its academy features a sea survival training pool with Modular Egress Training Simulator (METS), a fire field, a 30-ton pedestal crane, and an MCB24 lifeboat. Additionally, it has upgraded its equipment to meet OPITO’s international standards.
Operating for more than 30 years, OPITO works closely with companies to identify the need for new training standards, and to ensure that these standards are met. OPITO certification is recognized in almost all operational regions of the oil & gas industry, helping to avoid duplicate training. Additionally, OPITO maintains a database of personnel training details, allowing worldwide access by employers.
“This is one of the biggest endeavors that the training academy has undertaken,” said Chris Broussard, training academy supervisor. “It was a lengthy process that required a strong team effort. So it was incredibly rewarding to not only meet OPITO’s standards but, in many cases, exceed them.”
SMS is already working on becoming approved for other OPITO courses this year.
SMS, a division of Acadian, is one of the largest providers of safety, medical, security, training, and health & wellness services in the nation.
Since 1971, Acadian has been committed to providing the highest level of emergency medical care and transportation possible. In the past decade, the company has expanded to include a diverse suite of services in health, safety, and transportation. Acadian’s six divisions are Acadian Ambulance Service, Acadian Monitoring Services, Air Med, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, National EMS Academy and Safety Management Systems.
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Cutline: SMS now offers globally recognized, OPITO-approved training courses. Here, students learn survival techniques for emergency helicopter evacuations.
