Escaping from a water-crashed helicopter in a 180-degree flipped position is a daunting thought for most of us. However, for a trained individual, it's a significantly less intimidating prospect. Suriname is set to offer training for such crucial skills locally!

On February 1, 2023, the Kersten Group of Companies initiated the construction of a Tropical Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training (T-BOSIET) facility across the Staatsolie refinery at Tout Lui Faut, Wanica. Currently, T-BOSIET certification is only provided outside of Suriname.

T-BOSIET certification is a prerequisite for meeting the initial safety and emergency response training requirements for personnel in the offshore oil and gas industry operating in a tropical climate, such as working on drilling platforms and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. The objective is to familiarize trainees with specific safety issues and regulations, relevant to offshore installations while equipping them with basic knowledge and skills for helicopter emergency evacuation to and from offshore facilities.

In September 2021, as part of its Local Content development efforts, Staatsolie issued a call for interested parties to establish the first T-BOSIET facility in Suriname. After a selection process involving both local and international companies, Kersten Group was chosen. In June 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with them, and in January 2023, the rental and training agreements for setting up the training facility were finalized.

Staatsolie welcomes the launch of this facility and wishes Kersten Group success in its construction efforts. This development is a significant step towards enhancing the skills and safety of personnel in Suriname's growing offshore industry.

Want to learn more about the Kersten Training Facility?

Click here.