Posted: March 18, 2015
As with most of our blog posts lately we like to start with a quote. Just a little something to keep in mind while reading our blogs. So we have decided that for this blog our quote should be “Safety isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life”. Those few words explain just how our instructors work. Safety for our instructors is not just a slogan; it really is a way of life.
Who am I?
Before anybody goes offshore there are a number of courses which they must complete, depending on their role in the oil & gas sector, with a MIST, BOSIET and HUET being the basic requirement.
Seen as I’m the new marketing executive for NMCI Services I decided it was time for me to take the plunge and complete one of the many offshore courses we offer through S.N.O (SEFtec NMCI Offshore). When people read blogs they want to read about peoples personal experiences and know what exactly happens when a delegate arrives to do a course. So on Thursday March 12th I had the opportunity to be a delegate on a HUET Course.
My day as a delegate
As I’m an employee things were a little different. I didn’t have to arrive in reception at 8.45 am or I didn’t have to find my way or travel from a neighbouring country. So I was going doing the meet and greet at 1:30pm.
After the theoretical aspects of the course were completed it was time to get into the water. Before a delegate can get into the water you have to don your swimwear and a tracksuit and t-shirt. The instructor will then give you a pair of overalls and a transit suit. I have to admit this is a bit strange because you feel like you’re in a blow up boiler suit. Once the shoes are on then it’s time to put on your life jacket.
What happened…
After a safety briefing pool side it was time to get into the water in our environmental pool. The temperature is kept at 21 degrees so it wasn’t cold like I had expected. It was hard to stay up in the water as at no point in our pool can you stand up. This is to help simulate the idea of being in the ocean. When you’re in the suit you have to swim backwards to stay afloat and then make your way over to the unit. Out unit is manufactured by SEFtec.
Once in the unit the instructor once again goes through what is going to happen. You are so well briefed that the idea of being underwater without air doesn’t seem so terrifying. There were 2 divers and then 2 instructors pool side. Safety is paramount when it comes to any course but for somebody who wouldn’t exactly be a water baby I definitely felt safe in the hands of all the instructors.
I will admit I was a bit nervous once the 3 safety checks had been done and the briefing had been completed. Before completing the first exercise we once again completed the 3 safety checks and went into the brace position. Once the unit hit the water it was time to pull the emergency strap on the window and once the water reached chest level it was time to take that big breath of air. Depending on which side of the ditcher unit you are in you have one hand on the window and the other on your buckle. This helps ensure that you are in a position to release the buckle and to push the window out so you can easily remove yourself from the unit. The first time the unit was submerged I found I was able to hold my breath but then again I did probably get out too fast. Second time around I was more psyched up to do it and the instructors helped calm me and motivate me to complete the training. Safety checks were completed again, brace position, pull the latch, take a deep breath and then once the unit has stopped moving unbuckle and remove yourself through the window. I didn’t seem to follow the steps and when I went to unbuckle I didn’t fully twist the buckle to unlock it. This meant I was stuck. Like I previously mentioned I’m not exactly a water baby so my immediate response was to panic. The instructors and divers are on high alert and noticed straight away and released me from behind my seat. Once I reached the surface I was perfect but I had gotten a bit of a shock. Third time lucky right? Well that did work. On my third attempt I completed each of the steps. This time I even decided to stay in the unit just a while longer as I wasn’t sure if it had stopped moving. Then once I did get out I was ready to take on the “capsize” aspect of the training.
The adrenaline was obviously present at this stage because I was a nervous wreck the night before thinking about it and then I was all go. I returned to the unit and once again strapped in and completed the safety briefing then the safety checks. I was fortunate enough to do the capsize without the window in the unit, don’t know if I would even have the strength to push out the window. The unit was being submerged in the water, I placed my right hand on the window frame tightly and placed my left hand on my buckle. Once we were completely submerged and the unit began to capsize the force of water wasn’t what I was expected and I lost my grip on the windows edge which did frighten me. I had my eyes open which meant I could see everything moving really fast. I would definitely recommend delegates to keep their eyes closed if possible as it’s hard to adapt to the change in surroundings when you’re capsizing.
Overall experience
The instructors and divers really made me feel comfortable in the water. It’s not an easy task completing any training but knowing you have people, for whom safety is a way of life, by your side definitely helps you relax. From the moment I walked up the stairs to the pool to the moment I got out of the environmental pool I felt like I was in safe hands. Everything is explained numerous times and they ask questions to ensure you are comfortable. For me, even climbing up a ladder is terrifying, so knowing that I was able to complete a HUET, I can safely say it was down to the team of people who were there on the day. For some delegates it can be extremely challenging to complete courses and I can now understand the nerves they develop, but I was the same and the team here at SEFtec NMCI Offshore helped me to face my fears. If I can do it then you can too…
Thanks for an amazing afternoon Joey, Terry, Cillian & Melissa.
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Posted: February 19, 2015
Adventure Time
Today we bring you on a behind the scenes tour of a BOSIET course which was being ran by two of our Instructors- Cillian & Elizabeth today. Check out the pictures below to see the delegates and instructors in the Environmental Pool.
What is a BOSIET Course?
This 3 Day offshore course is designed to provide delegates with a basic knowledge of safety and emergency response procedures for working in offshore environments. Delegates gain a basic level of understanding and awareness of the hazards encountered when working on offshore installations, and of the safety regime and safety management systems in place to control and mitigate those hazards. The course is a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, during which delegates are required to demonstrate their level of knowledge and understanding of the training programme content.
The course covers the following elements:
– Safety Induction
– Helicopter Safety and Escape
– Sea Survival
– Fire fighting
– First Aid
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Posted: February 17, 2015
Why choose NMCI Services?
NMCIS is the commercial division of the National Maritime College, Europe’s leading third level maritime college. Our goal is to achieve and deliver excellent, quality service to our existing and future customer base. All of our clients are safe in the knowledge that they are trained by experienced, professional mariners to the highest standards. Let NMCI Services be your first port of call.
Did you know that we have a 10 acre site with state of the art facilities located only 16km from Cork City, a city with key transport links across Europe? Well we do! We partnered with GAC and SEFtec Global Training Ireland Ltd, enabling us to meet International Standards. And just when you thought that wasn’t enough we give corporate discounts and even offer bespoke training to meet the needs of your industry. Why not make NMCIS your first port of call…
What delegates have to say about us…
When you think of maritime training then you should be thinking NMCIS, that’s what comes to mind for delegates who have completed their training with us.
We have handpicked the best instructors in industry to teach all our professional short maritime courses and this is reflected in the testimonials from delegates. Check out some of those testimonials below;
BOSIET
“An excellent course ran by professionals. Training was delivered to a very high standard and information was conveyed in a clear and professional manner. Overall I felt the course was very good and well delivered by all trainers”. (Terry J. Rathire) (BOSIET Course)
“The course content was excellent and all four instructors (Terry, Joe, Killiann, and Liz) were exceptional at their jobs. I would highly recommend the training centre. I will definitely be returning to complete my next course at the facility”. (Rory O’Connor) (BOSIET Course)
FOET
“I had an enjoyable day on the FOET. The three instructors were very professional and informative. All questions were answered and explained thoroughly. I will definitely recommend NMCIS to all of my colleagues”. (Stephen Harris) (FOET Course)
Personal Survival Techniques
“Brilliant course, it was very well structured and presented. I have to say that Terry, Liz and Killian are extremely knowledgeable and were great operators. Thanks a million”. (Patrick McLeod) (PST Course)
“I found the course very enjoyable. It was a great combination of theory and practical learning. The lecturers were extremely knowledgeable, and friendly. I would highly recommend this course to anybody”. (Romano Capocci) (PST)
“Great course. I’m not very confident in the water but felt very safe and completed the helicopter simulation thanks to the instructors. Overall it was a great experience and I will be recommending NMCIS to my colleagues”. (Chris Marsh) (PST)
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Posted: February 13, 2015
“Our people are our most valuable asset”
Steve Jobs once said that “The only way to do great work is to love what you do”. – that’s why we at NMCI Services take pride in getting leading industry experts to join our team. By handpicking our team we are confident that they love what they do, have the relevant qualifications and experience, and most importantly that they want to be a part of our growing company.
Our Story
Not only do our employees love what they do but they take pride in delivering top class maritime training courses to meet the needs of both our current and prospective clients. Meeting the specific needs of that customer base enables us to gain a deeper understanding of them. Understanding their needs and wants has enabled us to grow and develop, to create specific training courses and to offer bespoke dates.
While understanding our clients and providing a top quality service has been an integral part of our ethos, we have always recognized how safety is paramount. A key motto for all staff at NMCI Services is and always will be “safety first – safety always”.
Since the development of NMCI Services back in 2008, by management of the NMCI, we have expanded. By joining forces with GAC and SEFtec we have developed our range of course offerings and have become world leaders in maritime training.
Why us?
One element of our long term focus is develop a team of highly skilled and experienced instructors who will deliver our specialised maritime training courses at our $100 million dollar state of the art facilities. Not only have we state of the art facilities but we are a center of excellence with great connectivity. Located only 9 miles from Cork Airport and 1 mile from the Port of Cork, NMCI Services is located on a 10 acre site overlooking Cork harbor – a world class facility on Europe’s doorstep.
As we grow, our team is expanding; we want to have the best in industry on board. Not only are we a great company to work for, but we are continuously developing and meeting the needs of our customer base.
Remember
Follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn today to kick-start your career with us. Remember, “Our people are our most valuable asset” so let us be your first port of call for a career in the maritime sector.
What our Instructors have to say about us;
“I’ve been working with NMCI Services for a while now and I have to say that the staff are a great bunch of people to work with. I like how I get to interact with so many different people on a daily basis due to the vast amount of short courses we offer here”.
“I like being able to assist people to create a safer environment for them at sea” .
“I really like my position as an instructor within NMCI Services due to the fact that everyday, even though I walk through the same door and enter the same office, it brings me new adventures. I get to meet and be influenced by new people, new traditions and new experiences. The other main reason I love working here is the people and the staff”.
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Posted: December 5, 2014
Pictured above are the SEFtec Group delegation at the recently sponsored OPITO Safety and Competence Conference(OSCC) 2014 in Abu Dhabi. OSCC is the only annual, global event focused entirely on safety and competency in oil and gas. The aim of OSCC is to bring operators, contractors and the supply chain together with training organisations to provide a forum for improving standards of safety and competency that protect the workforce and the industry’s reputation. (Pictured left to right are Sean Mowlds, Michael Delaney, John Cogan, Conor Mowlds, Colman Garvey, Darren O’ Sullivan, Tricia Jordan and Garrett O’ Rourke)
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