Training

HAZWOPER first responder awareness-level and first responder operations-level training course. Course content includes the topics of competency as listed within 29 CFR 1910.120 (q) for hazardous operations including, but not limited to, hazardous materials recognition, proper use of response equipment, toxicology and an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS).

• Course format includes lecture, group discussion and classroom exercises.
• A student workbook is provided for each student.
• Training certificates are provided upon course completion.
• Instructor credentials are available upon request.
• Class size is limited in order to facilitate a proper learning environment.

Course cost: $495.

O'Brien's comprehensive security training course meets the 33 CFR 105 (USCG) and 49 CFR 172 (USDOT) requirements. Facility personnel will leave with a clear understanding of basic facility security measures and security duties. After completing the course, facility security officers, known as FSOs, will have a more a more in-depth level of training that focuses on facility security plans, assessing risks and vulnerabilities, threat identification and security equipment and systems.

Course content addresses the following areas of interest:

• Facility security plan overviews.
• MARSEC.
• Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC).
• Recognition and detection of dangerous goods and devices.
• Behavior patterns.
• Techniques used to circumvent security measures.
• Current security threats and patterns.
• Crowd management and control techniques.
• Security related communications.
• Emergency procedures and contingency plans.
• Operation and maintenance of security equipment and systems.
• Inspection, control and monitoring techniques.
• Physical screening, searches and non-intrusive inspections.
• Handling sensitive security information.
• Conducting security drills and exercises.
• Assessing security drills and exercise.
• Instruction techniques for security training.
• FSP regulatory overview.
• Declaration of security.
• Recordkeeping.
• Detailed facility security plan review and questionnaire.

Course cost: $750 for a full day.

Dates offered:

Houston 2013: Feb. 13, May 15, Aug. 28, Nov. 6

Training is based on all applicable federal regulations including BOEMRE/BSEE (30 CFR 254), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) pipeline regulations. Training elements for QIs are outlined in the Training Reference for Oil Spill Response Guidebook and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) for response managers.

O’Brien’s offers two QI training classes: (1) Initial QI Training and (2) Annual QI Refresher Training. Initial QI training covers:

• The role of the QI as defined in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and in the post-discharge review of the plan.
• Review of Area Contingency Plan: locating environmentally sensitive areas, as identified in a facility's area plan, and local facility response plan.
• Review of company's response and notification procedures, including site maps, internal communications (IT support—computer/phone/projector; meeting spaces; conference call capabilities) protocols and operations support (personnel).
• SMT notification procedures, communications systems and information requirements.
• Response organizational structure used to manage response actions and the responsibilities of each team member. Information included in this section includes command and control, public information, safety, liaison with government agencies, operations, planning, logistics and finance.
• The required training, drill and exercise intervals as set by federal/state/company regulations.
• Information on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for worker health and safety per 29 CFR 1910.120.
• Roles and responsibilities of federal and state agencies regarding oil spill response.
• Information on alternate response technologies.

This class lasts approximately 8 hours and includes a post-training exercise and test to ensure that QIs understand their roles and responsibilities.

Course cost: $495.

Dates offered: TBA

The annual QI refresher course covers the role and responsibilities of the QI as defined in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and in the post-discharge review of the plan. This covers:

• Review of area contingency plan: locating environmentally sensitive areas, as identified in a facility's area plan, and local facility response plan.
• Review of company’s response and notification procedures, including site maps, internal communications (IT support—computer/phone/projector; meeting spaces; conference call capabilities) protocols and operations support (personnel).
• SMT notification procedures, communications systems and information requirements.
• Response organizational structure used to manage response actions and the responsibilities of each team member. Information included in this section includes command and control, public information, safety, liaison with government agencies, operations, planning, logistics and finance.

This class lasts approximately 4 hours and includes a post-training exercise and test to ensure that QIs understand their roles and responsibilities.

• Participants are requested to bring their facility response plan for use in the class.
• Course format includes lecture, group discussion and classroom exercises.
• A student workbook is provided for each student.
• Training certificates are provided upon completion of both initial and refresher courses.
• Instructor credentials are available upon request.
• Class size is limited in order to facilitate a proper learning environment.

Course cost: $495.

Dates offered: TBA

This half-day course orients and familiarizes participants on engaging with news media and the public. An additional half-day course is available to a small group (no more than 4) who would like to work on their on-camera interview skills. Who should attend? People who may be a company’s designated or “accidental” spokesperson.

This seminar covers how to prepare for and conduct successful encounters with the news media in a pre- and post-incident environment. In this day and age of the 24/7 news cycle and high stakeholder expectations, the question isn’t whether or not to engage with the news media and the public; the question instead should be “how and when” to engage with them. This seminar discusses the benefits and risks of working with the news media and provides basic information on media survival tips and strategies. Participants also discuss the basics of news media and public engagement and how it relates to their business. Topics included in this seminar are:

• News media relations as seen in terms of managing a company’s risk.
• The basics of the news media industry.
• The role news media plays in today’s society and business.
• Communications requirements and limitations when participating in the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Interview formats and techniques.
• Crisis communications basics.
• Messaging.
• How to conduct a press conference.
• How to avoid those “gotcha” questions.
• And more!

Course cost: $495.

Dates offered: TBA

O'Brien's offers customized training courses at clients' facilities. Each of our private training programs is tailored to your specific needs. This enhances the overall effectiveness with the least possible impact on your daily operation.

Key programs include:

• Crisis management.
• HAZWOPER (8hr refresher, 24hr, or 40hr).
• All levels of the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety requirements.
• Qualified Individual (QI) and spill manager exercises and drills.
• Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) security training (FSO/VSO).
• Hurricane and disaster response.
• Oil spill response.
• Environmental compliance.
• Spill prevention, control and countermeasure (SPCC) and stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWP3) management.

If you are interested in a course not listed here, please email us.