Challenges faced by offshore workers in obtaining the T-HUET course required by OPITO and proposed solutions
The search for qualifications in the offshore sector, especially regarding the T-HUET course (Submerged Aircraft Escape Training for Tropical Waters), has become a subject of great concern for professionals wishing to enter or return to the area, especially in the oil and gas industry led by Petrobras in Brazil and other companies you can find the list here.
The requirement for this course by OPITO (Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization) has highlighted the difficulties faced by thousands of workers, particularly those who are currently unemployed and those from states far from Rio de Janeiro, such as the Northeast.
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Associated Costs and Impacts on Workers
The obstacles are not just academic or professional, but also financial. The costs for obtaining the T-HUET certificate include, but are not limited to, air tickets, accommodation, food and the cost of the course itself.
These accumulated costs can be prohibitive for many who wish to work in Petrobras' offshore sector, especially when we consider an unemployed worker trying to return to the market, although the city tried to offer free courses some time ago to minimize this process. For example, a worker from the Northeast faces significant expenses just to get to the course location, in addition to the costs of accommodation and food during their stay, not to mention the cost of the course itself.
Monopoly and the Need for Collective Action
The perception of a monopoly in offering the T-HUET course is one of the main concerns. This not only limits the options available to workers, but also contributes to keeping costs high. The call to action involves not only affected workers, but also companies, unions and other actors in the sector. Mobilization through social media and other communication channels is seen as a vital strategy to face this situation.
Call for Structural Change
One proposed solution is to expand the number of institutions certified by OPITO to offer the T-HUET course. This would not only increase geographic accessibility, but could also introduce healthy competition that would tend to reduce costs for workers. The decentralization of training would allow professionals from different regions of Brazil to have easier access and at lower costs, mitigating the financial and logistical barriers currently faced.
The issue of access to the T-HUET course in Brazil is complex and involves several factors that go beyond availability and cost. It is crucial that there is a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, including OPITO, Petrobras, training companies, workers and their representatives.
The objective should be to facilitate access to the necessary training to ensure not only the safety of offshore workers, but also the sustainability and competitiveness of the Brazilian oil and gas sector. Through joint efforts and a shared willingness to address these issues, it is possible to find solutions that benefit everyone involved and keep the Brazilian oil and gas industry strong and resilient.
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