MITAGS is continuing to diversify, using the collective experience of our mariners to support and lead training in new industries.
Having been awarded several Maryland Energy Administration grants since 2020, the MITAGS team is supporting workers entering the offshore wind energy industry through quality safety training programs. With over 90,000 new jobs expected to be created, MITAGS is the most recent training provider certified to offer Global Wind Organization (GWO) Basic Safety Training (BST).
GWO BST is designed specifically for personnel working in the wind industry. The training program provides essential safety knowledge and skills necessary for working in and around offshore wind turbines. Certification from MITAGS ensures that workers have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs safely and effectively on the offshore structure, as well as while transiting back and forth to shore.
GWO BST consists of five modules: Working at Heights, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness, First Aid, and Sea Survival. Each module covers specific safety aspects that are relevant to offshore wind power generation.
Working at Heights provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely climb the turbine tower and work at high elevations. The course covers risk assessment, fall protection equipment, and rescue techniques. Participants are trained to use the correct safety equipment and to perform a rescue in the event of an emergency. To deliver this module, MITAGS has constructed a dedicated training tower.
Manual Handling teaches participants the correct ergonomic procedures applicable to the wind industry. The training covers lifting and carrying techniques, as well as the safe use of equipment such as cranes and hoists. The aim of this module is to prevent injuries related to lifting and moving parts and equipment, and to ensure that participants can perform their job safely.
Fire Awareness provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and handle fires in the wind in the wind turbine tower and nacelle. The training covers fire prevention, the correct use of fire extinguishers, and evacuation procedures. Participants learn how to recognize and respond to different types of fires and how to evacuate the tower safely in the event of an emergency.
First Aid teaches participants how to respond to accidents and injuries in and around the wind turbine platform. The training covers how to assess and manage injuries, as well as how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator. Participants learn how to respond to different types of injuries, such as cuts, burns, and fractures, and how to contact emergency services.
Sea Survival provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to survive at sea in the event of an emergency. The training covers topics such as life-saving equipment, sea survival techniques, and rescue procedures. Participants learn how to use life-saving equipment such as life jackets and life rafts, and how to safely embark to and from offshore wind turbine platforms.
Having achieved the GWO endorsed Level 2 audit in February, training at MITAGS East is expected to start in June 2023, expanding to our West Campus in Seattle by the end of the year.
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