API signs MOU to advance industry standards in Guyana

The Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) — the largest U.S. trade association for the oil and natural gas industry — have teamed up to provide Guyanese with access to internationally recognized certification in the field.

On Monday, the API signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centre which is Guyana’s premier organization for oil and natural gas information, training and policy advocacy.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration and using API’s best-in-class programs to enhance health, safety, security and environmental protection in Guyana’s energy sector.

“Guyana is swiftly becoming a leader in offshore energy development, and today’s MOU is a reflection of the country’s growing energy industry. We are honored to take this step in strengthening Guyana’s local manufacturers and suppliers and look forward to deepening our collaboration on safety, health and sustainability issues,” API Segment Standards and Services Vice President, Alexa Burr said.
Over the past two years, API and the Centre have identified opportunities for collaboration on training that supports local business and workforce development for the oil and natural gas industry and builds the technical capacity of Guyanese firms to compete in the sector.
Director of the Center, Dr. Natasha said: “The Centre is excited to be taking the next steps in the phased development of Guyanese suppliers from base knowledge of the oil and gas sector to the development of technical knowledge and certifications allowing more local content. This push into formal standards means Guyanese workers and enterprises will be able to support the long-term growth, operations and maintenance of the sector.”
The primary purpose of this MOU is to enhance cooperation between API and the Centre on several fronts. These include: expanding training and implementation of API Specifications Q1 and Q2, which are industry-leading quality management systems; sharing information and expanding training related to health, safety, security and the environment (HSSE) and developing API-U courses and instructor-led training for Guyanese companies.
It also includes implementing the API Individual Certification Program in Guyana; training local businesses on API’s 2D standard series, ‘Training for Offshore Pedestal-Mounted Crane Riggers, Operators, and Inspectors’; and providing updates on regulation affecting the oil industry in Guyana.