Introduction
Are you interested in working offshore in Suriname and in the Guyana Suriname Basin, as a geologist or in another capacity? This guide shares my experiences as chief geologist exploration, from 15 years in the Dutch offshore industry and outlines essential requirements for offshore personnel, nowadays particularly relevant for professionals from Suriname preparing for their own future with unprecedented expanding opportunities offshore. The petroleum boom and some 100 years (?) exploration and production cycle of Guyana Suriname Basin.
Target Audience: This information is crucial for policy makers, Local Content entrepreneurs, Oil Boom industry participants, and Surinamese professionals planning to work in the Suriname offshore sector in the brilliant future with unveiling of the many, many billions of barrels in the subsurface.
Please see my other posts with scientific calculations, assumptions of the grand amount of petroleum that was generated by Canje source rocks,.
And by co-eval Upper Cretaceous sisters, the Naparima, Querecual, La Luna and Villeta Formations. These latter formations together are indicated to have generated about one quarter of all petroleum resources found till now on this precious globe.
Critical Safety Training Experience
My most valuable offshore training experiences included:
- Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET)
- Firefighting and emergency response protocols
- Platform evacuation procedures in emergency situations
- Group sea survival techniques
These certifications required regular refresher courses, often conducted in challenging conditions. Training in the rough North Sea in the Marsdiep near Den Helder during freezing February mornings was particularly memorable. Fortunately, my survival suit never leaked, unlike my unfortunate colleague’s experience.
As the Dutch would say: “Wordt je sterk van” (Makes you strong), similar to “drinking your daily glass of milk and yogurt,” as was often recommended.
Important Safety Considerations
Please note: Jumping from a rig at approximately 30 meters height to escape danger is extremely hazardous. Such actions should only be considered as an absolute last resort in life-threatening emergencies.
Key Requirements for Dutch Continental Shelf Operations
1. NOGEPA Mandatory Certifications
- Offshore medical certificate from approved physician (valid for 2 years)
- Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) with CA-EBS
- Basic firefighting and emergency response training
- Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET)
- First aid certification
2. Additional Required Documentation and Training
- Valid passport
- Drug and alcohol test clearance
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Company-specific HSE inductions
- Role-specific technical certifications
- VCA certification (Safety, Health and Environment Checklist)
3. Role-Specific Qualifications
- Advanced firefighting (for emergency response team members)
- Crane operator certification
- H2S awareness training when applicable
- Task-specific competency certificates
All certifications must remain current and be properly registered in the NOGEPA training database. Most basic safety training requires refreshing every 4 years through Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET).
Preparing for the Future
For Suriname offshore personnel: Ensure all necessary training institutions and specialized instructors are established well before 2028 to support industry development.
Enjoying the Offshore Experience
Beyond the rigorous safety requirements, offshore work offers unique professional opportunities and camaraderie. Consider joining industry associations, connecting with experienced offshore workers, and exploring resources like the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” that has become an unofficial anthem for safety-conscious offshore workers worldwide.
Wish to plan your journey to switi Suriname?
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