Offshore Training Investment for NSCC

Offshore oil and gas industry workers will soon have access to internationally recognized training using the latest technology, thanks to an investment of $500,000 in equipment for the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Nautical Institute. Energy Minister Ernest Fage made the announcement at the institute in Port Hawkesbury today, May 27.

"The Department of Energy is pleased to provide $500,000 for a dynamic positioning simulator," said Mr. Fage. "This investment will help the college continue to build training expertise in the offshore oil and gas sector and help Nova Scotians gain the skills needed to work in this exciting industry."

Dynamic positioning technology allows drill ships to remain positioned over the drilling target without anchors through global satellite positioning. This provides access to deepwater resources and reduces impact to sea floor ecosystems.

The simulator allows highly skilled training in realistic settings and allows graduates to receive certification that is recognized internationally.

"This investment marks another move forward for NSCC and its partner, the province of Nova Scotia, by combining vision, resources, and expertise to proactively support the training needs of the energy sector," said Robbie Shaw, Nova Scotia Community College. "The results of this partnership will impact the oil and gas industry in Nova Scotia and beyond, as the training this simulator provides is recognized, and in-demand globally."

Dynamic positioning can be found in tankers, tugs, seismic and supply vessels. Even the newly operational Eirik Raude drilling rig has dynamic positioning capability. Until now, NSCC could not meet the demand for this training and had to refer prospective students to other training centres outside of Nova Scotia. The simulator will be operational at the Nautical Institute in Port Hawkesbury in September.

"The provincial skills agenda - Skills Nova Scotia - identifies the need for partnerships between business, labour, industry, education and training and communities to fully address the demand for skilled workers in Nova Scotia," said Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We are working with these partners to help Nova Scotians get the education and training they need, to do the jobs they want to do, right here at home."

Globally, there are 350 dynamic positioning vessels demanding highly specialized workers. Through international training, NSCC will be working to export this expertise worldwide.