InsightsTrainingMTCS - Clarifying the role of a Technical Authority - High Voltage Training and Competence

The Role of the Technical Authority in the MTCS ROV High Voltage Course

The MTCS ROV High Voltage Training Course has become the de facto standard for much of the international ROV industry working in offshore energy.

As we are all too aware, working with High Voltage systems is an inherently hazardous activity and the best safeguard against costly and potentially fatal incidents is a thorough understanding of safe working practice.

The MTCS Online ROV High Voltage Training Course is applicable to personnel working with a wide range of marine High Voltage systems associated with subsea engineering.

Stage 2 of the training course requires individuals to carry out an electrical isolation under supervision and in accordance with their company High Voltage procedures. It must be carried out on an ROV system or other suitable equipment.

Supervision of this practical activity must be provided by someone who is deemed competent in High Voltage Isolations and are working in a Supervisory role. They are referred to as a ‘technical authority’, and in practice may be the ROV Supervisor or Chief Electrician onboard the vessel.

To provide further clarity, a Technical Authority is someone who has the authority to make a decision about whether the High Voltage Equipment has been isolated safely, correctly and in accordance with company procedures.

For the purposes of the MTCS High Voltage Course, the Technical Authority will act as a witness to an Electrical Isolation that is being carried out on the ROV System.

The Chief Electrician (or equivalent) will ultimately be responsible for authorising any maintenance that is to take place on High Voltage equipment, and be a signatory on the Permit to Work documentation. For this reason they are ideally suited to act as the ‘Technical Authority’ and can therefore witness the Senior Pilot Technician, ROV Supervisor or ROV Superintendent carrying out the Electrical Isolation required in Stage 2 of the course

The Chief Electrician will have completed mandatory High Voltage training in accordance with relevant Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) regulations.

The Technical Authority may also be a member of the ROV team, for example, the ROV Supervisor who holds a Certificate of Competence in High Voltage Systems (i.e., successfully completed Stage 1, 2 and 3 of the MTCS High Voltage course).

For further questions on the Technical Authority and their involvement in the ROV High Voltage course please contact MTCS on enquiries@mtcs.info