News

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we want to update you with the latest certificate extension guidance.

We expect many candidates will want to gain or renew their eCert in the coming months. Due to the continuing global travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines, we recently implemented virtual classroom training as an option to continue to train well operations crews globally. This initiative will help support accredited training centres with candidate demand.

We understand that some candidates may be unable to attend virtual classroom training. Therefore, IWCF’s Board of Directors have agreed a further certification extension for candidates who cannot attend training for the following reasons.

• The candidate is unable to secure a place on a virtual training course because the centre’s schedule is fully booked.
• Virtual classroom may not be available in the candidate’s language.
• The candidate is working in a remote location where they are unable to travel and have limited time or access to a computer to take virtual classroom training.
• The candidate’s employer does not want them to attend a virtual classroom training course.

To support candidates who are unable to attend virtual classroom training, we will implement the following measures.

Certificate Extensions

A certificate extension of 90 days will be granted to candidates who now have a certificate expiring between 17 February 2020 and 31 July 2020. All candidates must apply to receive this extension using our online form.

Example: The candidate’s initial certificate expires 31 July 2020. If they submit their details using the online form, the candidate will receive an additional 90 days. The new certificate expiry date is 29 October 2020.

Candidates with Current Certificate Extensions

If a candidate has already been granted a certificate extension and this expires, the candidate must apply for a further extension using our online form.

Example: The candidate’s certificate expired on 17 February 2020. The candidate submitted their details using the online form and received an initial extension of 90 days which then expires on 17 May 2020. The candidate must apply for a further 90-day extension through the online form on the IWCF website.

Virtual Classroom

We will recommend virtual classroom training to all candidates who have/will apply for a certificate extension. All candidates will be asked the reason why they are unable to attend virtual classroom training.

Example: The candidate’s certificate expires 31 July 2020. The candidate must remain on a rig and is unable to complete a virtual classroom training course. The candidate must complete the online form on the IWCF website to apply for a certificate extension and state the reason they are unable to attend a virtual classroom training course.

Instructors and Assessors

All IWCF accredited instructors and assessors were granted a 90-day extension in March 2020. If an instructor or assessor requires a further extension, they must apply to receive this extension using our online form.

A question has been added to the online form for candidates to indicate if they are an instructor and/or assessor.

Example: An instructor’s certificate expired on 17 February 2020. IWCF granted an initial extension of 90 days. This expired on 17 May 2020. IWCF will grant an additional extension of 90 days if the instructor is unable to attend a virtual classroom training course. The instructor must apply for an extension using the form on the IWCF website.

We will continue to monitor the developments and issue updates as required. Thank you for your support and understanding during this time.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

We have created a dedicated Coronavirus (COVID-19) page where all our updates will be published. You can find this on our home page, menu bar or by clicking here.

Virtual Training Update

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation which has resulted in worldwide restrictions being imposed. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees and well operations crews is maintained, we have been investigating innovative ways for our accredited centres to deliver training during this time.

As a temporary measure, IWCF’s Board of Directors have approved the introduction of virtual classroom training. This solution allows us to accommodate the requirement for training during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst maintaining our high standards and integrity. We are committed to collaborating with our accredited centres to ensure this can be delivered effectively to candidates globally.

Candidates must complete all assessments including practical assessments at an accredited centre once social distancing measures are lifted. There will be a maximum time of 90 days to complete assessments following training however this will be monitored in line with government advice regarding travel.

As virtual training applications are approved, we will update our virtual training page and locations map to show this as an additional delivery option. You can search for them on the map by using the the ‘Programmes’ filter and selecting “Virtual Training.”

Accredited Centres can download the guidance document and application information from our Members Login Area, or contact our accreditation team for further information.

We have created a dedicated Coronavirus (COVID-19) page where all our updates will be published. You can find this on our home page, menu bar or by clicking here.

IWCF have continued to monitor the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic over recent weeks and have been respecting and responding to local guidance as it has evolved.

We have been working closely with our centres and suppliers globally to follow regional advice. We advise our members to follow their government guidance and adhere to any restrictions that are in place.

In line with UK guidance, the IWCF head office remains closed. However, our operations and services have continued without interruption despite the transition and ongoing requirement for remote working. We are available to support you as normal so please contact us if you have any questions.

Member Questions

We have received questions from our members about accrediting virtual classroom training for all our current programmes. We are currently developing alternative solutions that will help us accommodate and adapt to the current situation without compromising our high standards or integrity. Our aim is to ensure that the delivery of training and competency can be maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to provide updates on this when they are available.

If you have any questions throughout this time, you can contact us at iwcfinformation@iwcf.org and we will collate these questions into an FAQ document on our website for all to access.

Certificate Extensions

The certificate extension procedure is continuing for candidates who have an IWCF eCert expiring between 17 February 2020 and 31 May 2020. Candidates are reminded to complete the online form then contact certification@iwcf.org to request a confirmation letter of this extension if this is required for their employer.

We will review this decision on 01 May 2020 and send out an update with further information.

Thank You

As we successfully navigate our way through these unprecedented times, never have our core values been more relevant or important.

• We will continue to display Courage as we are required to make important decisions.
• We will continue to maintain the highest standards of Integrity whilst we meet the evolving demands of this situation
• We will be required to adapt and Innovate suitable solutions to deliver our mission whilst meeting the needs of our members
• We Care for the wellbeing and safety of our members, staff and industry and we will continue to support you throughout these difficult times.

We would like to thank you all for your continued support and for helping to share our updates during this time.

Sharing Information – IWCF’s Communication Channels

Our communication channels all feature our latest COVID-19 news, so please share the following links with your colleagues and clients to ensure they receive our important updates too.

Our channels include:

• Our social media profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• A dedicated page on our website to host all COVID-19 updates in one place.
• You can sign up to our newsletters to receive our latest news directly into your inbox. (Please note if you receive an error message when signing up, this means you are already subscribed)
• Information Notices are available for members to view at any time in the Members Login Area.
• Updates are also saved into candidate FORUM accounts in the ‘Useful Documents’ section.

We have created a dedicated Coronavirus (COVID-19) page where all our updates will be published. You can find this on our home page, menu bar or by clicking here.

IWCF continues to closely monitor the developing COVID-19 situation.  Our priority is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, members and visitors whilst continuing to deliver our services.

We are working hard to ensure that we take all necessary steps to mitigate any possible impact to our customer operations while maintaining the welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and other stakeholders.

We wanted to share some information and new measures we have introduced to ensure we operate “business as usual” over the coming weeks.

Our Employees

We have adopted a home working policy. We are confident our approach to working remotely means the measures we have in place can ensure business continuity.

We are encouraging staff to limit face-to-face contact unless absolutely necessary to help reduce the risk of infection. Our employees are available to discuss any issues by phone, or have virtual meetings using Microsoft Teams.

All employees are available as usual on their mobile numbers and email addresses.

Travel

Travel is restricted in line with official advice. Business travel is restricted to ‘essential’ travel only.

Official guidelines on isolation are being followed for employees returning from any affected areas.

We have temporarily suspended onsite scheduled visits for audits, Train the Trainer and Assessor Courses until further notice.

Candidate Certificate Extensions

Since announcing the certificate extension procedure on Friday 13th March 2020, we have received a high volume of requests which we are currently processing as quickly as possible.

Candidates will only receive a response from IWCF regarding the extension in the following circumstances:

• After completing the online form, the candidate emails certification@iwcf.org to request a confirmation letter;
• The extension request requires further investigation.

Otherwise, once you have completed the online form, please trust that a 90-day extension will be applied.

Future Updates

After introducing the above measures and in line with official guidance, we would like to assure you that it is business as usual within our organisation.  As this is a fluid and rapidly changing situation, we will continue to closely monitor developments and will provide you with updates as required.

Please continue to share our updates.

We’d like to thank our members, stakeholders and colleagues for their patience and support during this time.

We want to give you some advance notice that we are moving our server which hosts Level 1 and WOCRM on Monday 2nd March 2020 and we expect a period of downtime which will last approximately 3 days.

During this time the Level 1 and WOCRM courses will be unavailable, as will access to your online certificate.

Please ensure you fully complete all modules by Sunday 1st March as only fully completed modules will be transferred to the new system. If you are mid-way through a module your progress will be lost, and you will need to restart the module in the new system.

When the server move is complete on Thursday 5th March 2020, you will be able to login to the new server using the same username. Due to the security in place, you will need to click Reset Password to set your new password the first time you visit.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Please contact level1@iwcf.org if you have any questions.

We are looking for Well Intervention Pressure Control (WIPC) experts to help us review and develop our syllabi, assessments and technical programmes.

As IWCF operate internationally, we are looking to attract consultants from all global regions. Applicants must have the ability to work remotely.

Role Summary:

Company: International Well Control Forum Operations Ltd

Skills: Well Intervention Pressure Control, Well Intervention, Completions

Other Skills: Risk Management, project management, well integrity, pedagogic competence

Experience: 15 + Years

Education: BSc or equivalent

Employment Type: Part-time consultant

Location: Home based

IWCF Technical Consultants are responsible for:

• promoting integrity and ethical standards;
• reviewing and auditing our question bank;
• creating and amending technical content for programmes and assessments;
• supporting the development of practical assessments; and
• providing technical guidance and support to our CEO and all relevant IWCF departments.

To be eligible for the position, consultants must have the following skills:

• B.Sc. or higher degree in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering or similar
• A minimum 15 years experience in well intervention within the oil and gas industry
• Project management and operational experience within an operating company or major service provider
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and leadership skills
• Excellent oral and written English language skills.

We particularly value knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Well integrity assurance
• Risk management
• Project management
• Pressure control
• Well barriers
• Wireline operations
• Snubbing operations
• Coiled tubing operations
• Completion and workover operations
• Subsea operations.

How to Apply

Please apply by sending your CV and covering letter to hr@iwcf.org. The closing date for applications is 5pm (GMT) on Friday 24th January.

We are delighted to announce that Petronas will be a keynote speaker at our Workshop next month.

Shahril will discuss Petronas key initiatives including the aggressive ramping up of operations in the last year, including drilling and subsea WIPC activity.

Shahril is passionate about the industry readiness of crew and how IWCF can assist with the competency of candidates and their skill set within their roles.

You can download the full agenda for the event here.

As our annual workshop fast approaches we are pleased to announce that the agenda for the event has been released.

IWCF are delighted the secure eAssessment solution, FORUM HUB, developed by eCom, was the winning entry in the innovation category at the eAssessment Association’s 2019 annual awards.

eCom had to take into consideration that we are a global organisation with over 260 accredited training centres, spanning 54 countries.  This eAssessment solution gives training centres that operate in remote locations, with internet connectivity issues, the ability to offer the same secure ‘online’ assessment experience offline.

With FORUM HUB, remote centres can use pre-programmed Raspberry Pi device to download and upload assessments from a secure online link, for use at their centres.  Assessments are then automatically marked, with results issued to the candidates once the scripts are uploaded back into the centre FORUM database.

FORUM, based on eNetAssess™, eCom’s flexible online assessment system, customised for IWCF, facilitated the move from paper-based exams to online assessment (eAssessment).  This has delivered significant benefits to our organisation, centres and candidates, such as instant marking, cost reductions, instant resits and results as well as increased flexibility.

CEO Antony Quin said “We Knew digitising our processes was key to transforming our business.  FORUM enabled delivery of eAssessment at most of our centres and now, thanks to FORUM HUB, all our centres can be now offer eAssessment. Because of this, we’ve been able to improve quality and delivery of our assessments on a global scale.”

Commenting on the delivery of FORUM HUB, eCom Group CEO, Linda Steedman said “We’re delighted to be working with IWCF, putting the platform for innovative scalable eAssessment in place to support and enhance their business.  Winning the eAssessment Association’s innovation awards is great recognition that we’re setting the standards in the eAssessment industry.”

REGISTER NOW!

As part of our mission to provide competency assurance and continuous development globally, we invite our members to join us at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Well Control Workshop.

Taking place at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel in Malaysia on 29-30 October 2019, our interactive members event will be your opportunity to let your voice be heard as we discuss key well control topics.

Topics will include:

• Human factors
• Enhanced well control
• Well Intervention Pressure Control updates including practical assessments
• Specialist modules
• Continuous learning
• Assessor and instructor competency

The full agenda will be made available shortly.

All current members will receive free delegate passes to attend the event. Places are limited so register your attendance today by clicking here.  If you are not a member of IWCF but would like to attend the event, contact us for more information.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the event.