News

Working on one of the world's largest jack-up oil rigs is no easy task. With sea depths of up to 400ft and drilling to depths of 35,000ft, the crew of the Gorilla V installation in the North Sea

has to maintain a tight control on risks to ensure that workers are operating safely.

That's why AquaTerra Solutions, an Aberdeen-based leading supplier of work at height-related services, was called upon for their experience and training expertise. Rowan Drilling UK, which owns and operates the rig, approached AquaTerra following a recommendation from a previous client of the work at height specialists. AquaTerra carried out a full review of Rowan's procedures and operations relating to work at height and subsequently identified training needs in two areas; working from ladders and scaffolds utilising personal fall protection equipment and operating from work baskets.

Jean Francois-Basse, learning and development manager at Rowan Drilling UK, says, "One of Rowan Drilling's key business drivers is health and safety. AquaTerra brought a high level of expertise into reviewing our procedures and implementing a revised competency standard. We worked closely with them to develop a training course that was tailored to fit with the requirements of the workers on board the Gorilla V, as well as complying with the industry's health and safety regulations.

"The training provided was very comprehensive, and the level of practical work in addition to theoretical activities meant that our employees could experience and appreciate the value and relevance of the training in relation to their own work environment."

AquaTerra instructors initially visited the Gorilla VII installation in Rotterdam, which has an identical layout to its sister rig Gorilla V, and carried out a full analysis and report of procedures and equipment used for working at height and rescue training. AquaTerra created a tailored training session to meet requirements identified in the report, and delivered a two-day course to 16 crew members from Gorilla V at its training facility in Aberdeen.

Mark Pearce, training director at AquaTerra, says, "This project was initiated after our managing director, Pete Robinson, drafted a report specifying the competence required for Rowan Drilling to undertake safe working practices at height. Our tailor-made courses are built around specific projects, industries or business needs, and by working closely with Rowan, we were able to identify areas, and subsequently design a course that would target areas for improvement.

"We aim to provide clients and their workforce with a balanced understanding by incorporating a high level of practical activities to support the theoretical training. Complying with latest health and safety regulations is not a requirement in all global locations, but by providing our clients with training that satisfies UK legislation, we are ensuring that they can exercise global best practice."

Following the successful training of the 16 personnel on Gorilla V, it is intended that those who have been trained by AquaTerra will be able to communicate best practice to others on board the rig. Rowan is also planning to work with AquaTerra to expand the course to include Confined Space Entry Training. This will be rolled out across the rest of Rowan's Gorilla jack-up fleet, which are based in the North Sea, West Africa and the Middle East.

Notes to Editors

AquaTerra Solutions is an Aberdeen-based company that specialises in work at height and rope access related services including NDT/Inspection, maintenance and construction services; work at height and rescue training; and work and rescue equipment supply. In addition to providing comprehensive services both offshore and onshore for the oil and gas industry, AquaTerra clients also include those in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, power generation, marine, renewable energy, communications and civil engineering sectors. AquaTerra is based in Stoneywood in Aberdeen. More information about AquaTerra can be found at www.aquaterra.co.uk by emailing info@aquaterra.co.uk or calling 01224 710100.

Rowan Drilling UK is a subsidiary of Rowan Companies, a major provider of international and domestic contract drilling services. With a special focus on high-specification, premium jack-up rigs and a manufacturing division that is unique within the industry, Rowan provides its customers with innovative drilling products and systems including those that serve its niche market — hard-to-drill deep gas wells. Rowan Drilling provides offshore drilling services internationally and currently has rigs working in the Gulf of Mexico, the Middle East, the North Sea and Trinidad. The company also operates land rigs in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Alaska. More information can be found at www.rowancompanies.com or by contacting 01224 216550.

AquaTerra Solutions Ltd

AquaTerra House, Tofthills Avenue, Midmill Business Park, Kintore, Aberdeen, AB51 0QP

Tel: +44 (0) 845 257 7570

Fax: +44 (0) 845 257 7572

info@aquaterra.co.uk

Registered in Scotland No. 262031,
Registered Office: 34 Albyn Place
Aberdeen, AB10 1FW