News

Seacroft Marine Consultants become OPITO Approved Training Centre

Seacroft Marine Consultants, a leading provider of Marine Consultancy, has partnered with the Marine Safety Forum (MSF) and OPITO to transform their pioneering training course into a global standard to enhance awareness of Safe Offshore Marine Operations.

The newly developed product, “The Safe Offshore Marine Operations (SOMO) – Offshore Installations & Energy Structures Safety Zone,” is not just another training program. It’s a meticulously crafted solution that uniquely addresses the critical need for heightened safety protocols within exclusion zones surrounding offshore installations worldwide. The primary objective of this initiative is to mitigate avoidable collisions and enhance overall safety standards within these controlled maritime zones in the Energy & Renewables sectors.

Seacroft, in response to a recommendation from the Marine Safety Forum and following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), has spearheaded the development of this comprehensive training program. This collaborative effort, involving industry experts and regulators, is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and best practices for operating safely in and around safety zones across the offshore energy sectors.

Aligned with the Marine Operations Guide established by the MSF under the auspices of Step Change in Safety, the SOMO course delineates the prescribed methodology for approaching offshore structures, ensuring adherence to globally recognised standards.

Michael Cowlam, Managing Director of Seacroft Marine Consultants, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative effort, stating: “For the past eight years, we have been at the forefront of providing specialised training to over 3000 individuals, both domestically and internationally, to foster best practices and reduce incidents involving attending vessels at offshore Installations. We are thrilled that this groundbreaking training course has been developed into a universally recognised industry standard, thanks to our collaboration with OPITO and industry stakeholders, including the MSF.”

Mr Cowlam further added, “Through this initiative, we anticipate making a significant impact on knowledge dissemination and risk mitigation among personnel overseeing marine operations within safety zones, thereby promoting safer operations not just locally but globally.”

The launch of the SOMO training course represents a significant breakthrough in the ongoing commitment to enhancing offshore safety standards. It underscores the collective efforts of industry stakeholders to prioritise safety within maritime operations.

Seacroft Marine Consultants is a leading provider of Marine Consultancy, Assurance, and Safety training solutions. It offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime industry. Seacroft Marine Consultants’ steadfast commitment to excellence delivers innovative training programs to foster a culture of safety and compliance across various offshore energy and maritime sectors.