IADC’s first competence accreditation goes to Rowan

Rowan Drilling UK Ltd. last year became the first company worldwide to gain full competence accreditation for its drilling personnel training through the International Association of Drilling Contractors.

Brenda Kelly, IADC director of accreditation and certification, said the Competence Assurance Accreditation Program (CAA) helps assure that worker competence programs designed by drilling and service companies meet accepted practices.

In February 2008, Rowan received conditional accreditation. The company made some minor revisions to its program and achieved full accreditation in November 2008, Kelly said.

Rowan’s CAA applies to 16 rig positions and the personnel holding those positions who work in northern European waters. Kelly said the positions are wide ranging and include roustabouts, crane operators, drillers, electricians, and medics.

Currently, another company has conditional accreditation. Three others have applied for accreditation and await site visits to verify the quality of their competence programs, Kelly said. A fourth company is in the program application review process.

The CAA is a way to help ensure the flow of knowledge and skills from industry’s aging workforce to its newer recruits.