New offshore firefighting training facility opens in County Durham

Offshore workers from around the UK and beyond can learn how to tackle helicopter and helideck fires in County Durham after a new training zone has been given the green light.

The facility is based at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s (CDDFRS) training centre in Bowburn and features a helicopter simulator along with a full-size helideck. It is made up of a three-storey mock offshore platform rig with internal structures to mirror those on an offshore installation.

OPITO, the oil and gas industry training body, has given the training zone accreditation to offer a full range of emergency response courses.

“I really cannot stress enough how vital this new equipment and the enhanced training it offers will be to people working in the offshore sector. When you’re offshore, you can’t just dial 999 and expect immediate assistance.

“Offshore Firefighters are more likely than others to face scenarios such as helicopter fires or pressurised oil fires, so individuals need to be well-trained and self-sufficient when dealing with these scenarios.”

Rob Cherrie, Director, CDDFRS.

The centre hopes the OPITO backing will attract thousands of offshore workers from across the UK and globally to train in offshore emergency response.

The training facility is a joint venture between 3t Training Services, energy sector training provider, and Vital Fire Solutions, the trading arm of CDDFRS, following a six-figure investment.

“Utilising our wealth of experience in firefighting training, teamed with our state-of-the-art technology here at our training centre, we are able to give those offshore workers with firefighting responsibilities the skills they need to cope with the worst-case scenarios.”

“This training zone is a fantastic asset to the region and we hope there will be a good knock on effect for the local economy, helping to keep local hotels, inns and restaurants busy.”

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