Experienced Personnel – how to verify their competence the ICA route
It would be fair to say that nobody could deny that a competent workforce is essential to any project. Demonstrating a competent workforce is in fact mandatory for many projects that take place in the challenging offshore energy industry. Contracting companies are required to prove that they have some form of competence management program that facilitates the process of measuring competence of their employees
Similarly freelance personnel, often working through recruitment agencies, that are so vital to the supply chain, also have a duty to demonstrate competence in their work role.
Evidence of an individual’s competence is normally confirmed by a ‘Certificate of Competence’ that has been awarded on the basis of a formal assessment and verification process often by an independent and accrediting assessment centre
As a recognised centre for awarding of Certificates of Competence MTCS are often asked by organisations how to go about ensuring their existing workforce can be awarded a Certificate of Competence. There is often a misconception that experienced personnel will have to complete a wide range of competencies and undergo assessment and verification processes that are normally more applicable to a new start to the industry.
This is not the case and it is important to recognise the importance of ‘historical evidence’ in the assessment and verification process
Historical evidence refers to evidence that an individual will have gathered, over a period of time, whilst working in a particular role. This evidence will confirm that they have worked in the role for at least 12 months and are deemed competent by virtue of their experience. In practice evidence may include
- Appraisals forms
- Witness Statements
- Log Books
- Written reports completed by the individual
- Mandatory documentation such as sea survival & medical certificates
MTCS have as dedicated Competence Certification process for experienced personnel referred to as the ‘Individual Competence Assessment (ICA)’
Further details of the ICA process can be found on the MTCS website at https://mtcsuk.com/certification/individual-competence-certification/