Phew, What a Scorcher!

We returned to Doha in the fierce heat of the Gulf’s summer to deliver further training courses at IMO levels 1 (First Responder) and level 2 (On-Scene Commander) for Qatar Petroleum (QP) and other relevant organizations in Qatar. We have now trained over 200 personnel in the country.

QP has a comprehensive oil spill training programme which we have been developing and delivering for over two years. In parallel with this programme, there is an on-going increase in the specialized pollution equipment held by QP’s oil spill response department. This investment represents the State of Qatar’s commitment under the OPRC Convention and is commensurate with the risks in the country and the wider region.

We were able to use some of QP’s shoreline equipment during hands-on training, representing an important part of the courses. It gave the participants practical experience of deployments and familiarity with the specific items held in Qatar’s stockpiles. This aspect of the courses also allows us to emphasise safety and demonstrate effective site control. Even though outdoor temperatures reached an extreme of 48°C, the participants remained enthusiastic and appreciative of the opportunity to deploy the equipment.