OIL and gas industry skills body OPITO has commissioned a new study which aims to identify the skills and competence gaps in offshore supervisors and how this impacts on the prevention of major safety incidents.

Researchers at Robert Gordon University are undertaking in-depth interviews with current, former and retired offshore installation managers (OIMs) with extensive experience of working in the UK Continental Shelf to gain their insights into the influence of managerial commitment to safety in the offshore industry.

The announcement follows last week's comments by industry leaders at the Oil & Gas UK breakfast that the shortage of experienced staff is potentially jeopardising the North Sea's world-leading safety standards as the sector prepares for its biggest boom for 30 years.

Tags: OPITO