Recently, affected by the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the operation of some training centers and travel arrangements for trainees have been disrupted to varying degrees. To address the difficulties in training delivery during this special period, and ensure the continuity of training, safety and compliance for industry personnel, OPITO has made temporary adjustments to the Dispensation process.
AsSIOETC International Ocean Engineering Training Center, we have immediately monitored and aligned with the relevant policy changes. The key points of this temporary adjustment are summarized below for the reference of relevant enterprises and trainees.
1. Background to the Policy Adjustment
Due to the impact of the current situation on the operation of training centres, personnel mobility and travel safety, some trainees who are required to complete refresher training before their certificates expire may temporarily be unable to attend courses as scheduled.
In response, OPITO has made a phased update to the existing dispensation process, allowing eligible personnel to apply for a one-off extension to maintain continuous training during this special period.
II. Eligible Applicants
This temporary dispensation policy applies to:
- Personnel who have completed relevant OPITO training;
- Regular offshore/shore-based workers whose current certificates are due to expire and require refresher training;
- Trainees who are unable to complete refresher training before certificate expiry due to special and objective reasons.
A special note:
This adjustment has changed the requirements compared with the current dispensation form. The requirement that
"at least one refresher course must be completed before application" has been removed.
III. Key Content of the Extension Policy
According to the notice, during the ongoing crisis, eligible trainees may apply for:
-
One‑off Extension
Trainees may apply for a
one‑off extension of up to 3 months.
-
For Special Circumstances Only
The extension is
not automatically approved and applies only to special situations, such as:
- Temporary closure of training centres;
- International or regional travel restrictions;
- Safety‑related objective limitations.
- Required Approval by Responsible Person
Prior to applying for an extension, the application must be reviewed and approved by a Responsible Person, typically:
- OIM (Offshore Installation Manager), or
- Senior onshore operations manager.
The review includes, but is not limited to:
- Trainee's training records;
- Job experience;
- Participation in emergency drills.
-
One‑time Use Only
This dispensation is
limited to one use only and cannot be extended repeatedly.
-
Certificate Validity Calculated Retrospectively
Even if the trainee completes refresher training during the extension period, the validity period of the new certificate
shall start from the original expiry date, not from the actual date of training completion.
IV. Training Centre Procedures
In accordance with the notice, training centres shall focus on the following when assisting companies and trainees with the application:
Step 1: Ensure complete form completion
Ensure the employer completes the attached application form in full.
Step 2: Confirm Responsible Person signature
Verify that the Responsible Person has completed the review, signed and dated the form.
Step 3: Inform trainees of extension requirements
Remind the employer to promptly notify trainees that:
Once the extension is approved, they must complete refresher training as soon as possible within the extended validity period.
Step 4: Bring documents for course registration
When attending refresher training at the centre, trainees shall bring the signed dispensation form.
Step 5: Backdate certificate validity
When issuing certificates related to refresher training, the centre shall ensure the validity period is backdated to align with the original certificate expiry date.
V. Reminder from SIOETC
During the extension period, OPITO still encourages all training centres and employers to continuously remind relevant personnel to:
- Maintain participation in drills and on-the-job practice as much as possible;
- Continuously consolidate key operational competencies;
- Keep safety awareness and job proficiency.
This will not only help to smoothly get through the temporary extension period, but also ensure on-site operational safety and team emergency response capabilities.
VI. Recommendations from SIOETC
SIOETC advises all relevant companies and trainees to:
- Sort out OPITO training certificates that are due to expire as early as possible;
- If affected by the situation, travel or training arrangements, assess whether you meet the extension criteria as soon as possible;
- Prepare the required application materials in advance to avoid delays in approval due to incomplete procedures;
- Complete refresher training as soon as conditions permit to ensure continuous validity of qualifications.
SIOETC will continue to monitor updates to OPITO policies and provide timely training consultation and support services to industry clients, assisting companies and trainees in properly complying with refresher training requirements during this special period.
VII. Contact Information
If you need information on the eligibility criteria, application process of this extension policy, or subsequent training arrangements, please contact SSIOETC International Ocean Engineering Training Center for support.
We will continue to uphold the service philosophy of professionalism, efficiency and responsibility, providing solid support for offshore engineering and maritime safety training.
Tel: 👉 +86-536-5123388 / 5123389 / 5123399
