Posted By Jim T
Hi all

After being involved, on in HSE/Security appointments on a worldwide basis for the last 8 years I have finally decide to join IOSH! lol

I have specialised in working what is referred to as Hostile Environment Support, which take in regions of the world which suffer harsh climatic conditions, are areas of political instability/war zones or areas affected by natural disasters.

The clients who work in the regions described above tend to be oil & gas exploration/production (on shore), media news & documentary crews and NGO's throughout Africa, The Middle East and South America.

I'm now looking to become more involved in the exploration and upstream side of the oil industry and was wondering if any of you on this forum are already in this field?

My main hurdle is that whilst I am well read in HSE I have no formal qualifications. Whilst operating with oil E&P clients I used the Shell HSE Case Book as my main point of reference and was lucky enough to be operating with a much more experienced HSE hand.

So my question is this - What qualifications are the essential and what would be the best route to study/obtain them?

I will be self sponsoring so obviously cost and time come into the equation.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Jim

Posted By Ross Stirton
Hi Jim,
NEBOSH certificate is normally the bare minimum, plus 5 years oil & gas/petrochemical experience. Overseas there is now strong pressure from governments to train up the locals, so getting a foot in the door as an expat 'trainee' is very difficult. As with many jobs, the best way would be to phone/e-mail any contacts you have in your little black book. My suggestion would be to either take anything you can to get into the industry, doing your NEBOSH at the same time. Once you are in, vacancies often crop up at short notice for shutdowns (planned and unplanned) and when personnel decide they aren't returning after field breaks, or they fall out with someone and get on the next plane home. Most of the better positions are never advertised, but filled after the lead HSE person 'phones their contacts, who in turn recommend others they know are available and can be recommended.

Hope that is of some use and not too off-putting. Ross

Posted By Jim T

Wow! what a response! Can I just thank everyone who has either posted on this thread or e mailed me directly. It would appear that joining IOSH was a wise decision, as I have had some really sound advice.

The reason I wish to gain formal qualifications in the HSE field is that whilst my clients, colleagues and I are more than happy with my knowledge base, I sometimes feel that I lack "credibility", especially when submitting a CV to a company or client who have no previous knowledge of me.

As many of you who are involved in the oil & gas sector have pointed out it is just so much easier to be short listed for a position if someone within the company already knows you on a personal/professional level.

I would also like to thank the forum member who has (attentively) offered me the chance to apply for a post. If there is anyone else who would like a copy of my CV then please don't hesitate to ask.

If anyone is looking for a HSE/Safety/Security person to operate in a remote area, where it is 55C during the day and -3 at night or -15 during the day and -25C at night. Where the HSE culture is one of "If it is Gods will it will happen" (Inshala) and there is a client who shouts and screams at the merest hint of safety interfering with their schedule..........give me a shout and I will forward my CV! LOL

So once again.....keep the advice coming!

Jim ;-)