Tolmann to the rescue

Exploration and production of oil and gas can be a risky activity, especially in offshore fields. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that there be personnel trained to international standards in safety, rescue and survival training. In Niger Delta, only one 100% Nigerian company boasts the necessary certification from the UK, the US and Nigeria, and has been recognised as one of Africa’s best risk management safety and emergency companies.

Based in Port Harcourt, Tolmann Allied Services trains some 4,000 people annually in various fields, using its first-rate simulators and highly qualified instructors.

In maritime training, the company offers an extensive range of courses covering personal safety and social responsibility, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid and personal survival techniques. Other courses include Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (PSCRB), offshore lifeboat coxswain, fast rescue boat and helideck fire fighting, among others. In aviation, Tolmann provides training for pilots, passengers and crew ditching. In the oil and gas sector Tolmann trains offshore personnel in Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training (BOSIET), HUET/SAS, fire fighting (basic and advanced), first aid, induction and swing rope, etc. for corporate clients such as Total E&P, Shell, ExxonMobil, Addax, NNPC, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, and others.

“Shell chose Tolmann because of the quality and high level of sophistication and competence of trainers, which we’ve maintained all this time,” says Emmanuel Onyekwena, CEO of Tolmann. Shell even went so far as to write Tolmann a letter of commendation, “which never happens with Shell,” adds the CEO.

The training centre’s untarnished reputation is backed up by an unwavering focus on quality. As Mr Onyekwena puts it: “The key to success is sustainability and remaining focused on what we’re doing. Also, it’s about maintaining quality, work ethics and integrity. This has led us to earn retention from our corporate clients all year round.” 

Tolmann is currently building new, larger premises with an investment of £4 million; a further US$1.3-2 million will go towards new world-class equipment from a Canadian manufacturer.

Mr Onyekwena, a mechanical engineer, holds an MBA from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, as well as professional qualifications from the Scottish Qualification Authority – SQA as A1 Assessor and V1 Verifier.

Tolmann has certifications and approvals from DPR (certified offshore training centre), ATLAS (approved IMIST invigilation centre) and STCW 95 (certified centre by NIMASA, IMO). The training centre is also a member of various organisations, including NASP, NISP, OGTAN, IIRSM and IASST, in which Tolmann is the country representative.