“Competence” is a combination of someone who has the capability, experience, skills, including a good attitude that an individual must obtain and demonstrate in order to meet the performance standards onshore/offshore. Although the primary use in the international oil, gas and energy industry continues to be the identification and closure of skill and knowledge gaps, new applications and technologies are emerging. Thus, one must attain the acquired skills and knowledge to perform safely and efficiently. Additionally, a safe and qualified workforce is vital to the success of any company.
Keep Your Skills Current
With increasingly sophisticated and innovating technologies, one has to keep up with the industry pace. This means staying well-informed when it comes to government and safety regulations including relevant standards for both the employer and employee. Even though advancements in technology make it safer to work on a rig, having certificates and on the job training are essential. Every worker must learn how to reduce the risk of injury when working in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Subsequently, it is vital to stay up-to-date on safety and environmental protection, which in fact is the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE’s) highest priority. A change in 
industry standards or practices may warrant a change in the Bureau’s regulations or policies. New regulatory safeguards to improve safety or protect the environment can heighten drilling safety standards and help reduce the chances of a loss of well control- including adding focus on new technologies, tools, containment capabilities, processes and procedures in the event of an oil spill. For electrical safety in the workplace, OSHA relies on expert consensus bodies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and its standards published in NFPA 70E. To ensure that employers are following NFPA and OSHA guidelines, OSHA trains its inspectors and compliance officers to ask specific questions in the event of an electrical safety incident. If you really wish to succeed and get the promotion, be ready to attend additional training on your downtime. This ensures developing your professional skills and uphold superior standards when it comes to technological excellence.
Innovative and Creative Solutions
Since technology is always changing, one must keep an open-mind and a good attitude when it comes to adjusting to these changes. Technology can help facilitate efficiency while accessing critical data and give instant direct feedback in addition to other beneficial solutions. This is in fact true considering the issues being faced today that are entirely new for the oil and gas industry and require a fresh outlook to create different outcomes. Traditional processes and methods are not suited to many of the changes and challenges that arise with the introduction of new technologies, expanded regulations and new modes of engagement with stakeholders. While the amount of experience and years of education and training build expertise, these two factors can also be the largest barrier to creative solutions. The ability to determine obstacles through creativity, risk-taking and non-traditional assessment models will provide useful and beneficial solutions that is required. Additionally, to remain successful in the oil and gas industry, it is ideal to keep reinventing yourself so you are ready to face complex challenges, as well as make you stand out above the rest.
Conclusion
No matter what your age or how much experience you have, you should always be willing to learn a new skill or technique since jobs are constantly changing and evolving. Consequently, you must show an openness to grow and learn with that change. Furthermore, the use of competence in the oil and gas industry is well established and will continue to develop as we refine current methods and seek new applications.
At OCS Training Institute, our goal is to provide the training and skills essential to help companies in a wide array of industries operate safely and efficiently. Our training courses include online courses and onsite courses conducted in our state-of-the-art facilities for realistic hands-on instruction. Our current courses include:
- Hazardous Area Awareness & Inspection Course
- High Voltage Safe Working Procedures
- ATEX Directives Familiarization
