OATC / SAFER Training Spearheading Skills Development in Energy Sector
As SA strives towards energy security amidst the ongoing load shedding crisis, the country is
intensifying its collective commitment to developing our natural resources to their fullest
poten8al.

SA government has emphasised the importance of accelera8ng the energy transi8on as an
element in economic stability and energy self-sufficiency. In a shi?ing energy paradigm, with
hydrocarbons forecast to account half of the global energy mix by 2030, natural gas and
renewables in par8cular have emerged as a crucial resource facilita8ng the energy transi8on.
“The need for skills and exper8se in the Energy Sector has never been more pressing in SA,” said
Gary Concar of OATC (Offshore Africa Training Centre). The centre’s leaders are gearing up for a
landmark 10 year anniversary and OPITO Approved Survival Courses launch event on the 22nd of
February 2024.

“At this unique event, taking place on-site at our state-of-the-art training facility, aUendees will get
a chance to tour the centre, and experience our world-renowned facili8es and training equipment
first hand” he said.

“We’re honoured to announce Joe Meanen, one of the legendary 61 heroic survivors of the 1988
Piper Alpha disaster, as a speaker at the event. Meanen will share his inspiring account – a
harrowing reminder of the importance of safety offshore, and a deeply moving story of human
resilience in the face of one of history’s most catastrophic gas rig disasters.”

“As exploration ramps up and new fields are discovered, SA’s Southern seas will play host to
increasing numbers of drill ships and FPSOs (Floating production storage and offloading units).
This growth will see demand for internationally approved Energy Sector workforce increase;
especially for professionals who are trained according to the most rigorous safety standards.”
With well-equipped training facilities – including a dedicated crane yard – the centre’s seasoned,
assessor’s – qualified instructors provide expert, hands-on tui8on that boosts our trainees’
international employability and industry standings.

The centre – The first in SA to offer OPITO-accredited training – continuously run courses covering
key topics like rigging, li?ing, slinging, banksman du8es, and LOLER (Li?ing Opera8ons and Li?ing
Equipment Regula8ons) and now OPITO Survival Courses (BOSIET CA-EBS etc). (OPITO is the
global, not-for-profit, skills body for the energy industry) . Their offerings are backed by a decade long
track record of successful training and assessment in the Energy Sector space.

OATC’s prime Cape Town loca8on, only a few minutes away from both the interna8onal airport,
and a wide range of accommoda8on op8ons, makes it an ideal hub for both local and
interna8onal industry par8cipants to launch their careers, or to level-up their skills in between
jobs.

The facili8es are easily accessible, with secure onsite parking available and includes a range of
well appointed theore8cal and prac8cal learning areas providing delegates with a conducive ,
learning environment in which to receive training and / or assessment / re-assessment.

OATC also provides a range of complimentary lunch and beverage op8ons daily for the delagates.
Their recently approved OPITO Approved Survival Courses (BOSIET / FOET . HUET CA-EBS and
Travel Safely by Boat Ini8al & Further -TSbB) courses will service a wide range of sectors involved
in the offshore and renewable will also be available digitally for those who can’t make it to Cape
Town. OPITO launched digital version of the Basic Offshore Safety Induc8on and Emergency
Training (BOSIET) suite in 2017, as an alterna8ve means to deliver the theore8cal components of
the course, while maintaining the integrity of its technical content.

“Liverpool-based SAFER Training have been a key partner in OATC’s ten-year journey, and have
been instrumental in our competitive edge, and the growth we’ve enjoyed in SA. SAFER Training
provide a range of internationally recognised courses, to the various energy sectors globally. Ian
McMillin of SAFER Training said.

The event will showcase OATC’s ongoing commitment to highest standards of health and safety at
a crucial 8me for the Energy Sector in and around SA. The centre is at the forefront of this
expanding industry, equipping professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to
navigate the myriad work opportunities within this dynamic, growing sector.

“Our courses will either get you – or keep you – working in a world of Energy Transition .”