Hydrocarbon Handling Facilities (IMH) Operator Training
A specialized training program has been developed for operators of Quebec’s Oil Handling Facilities (OHFs) to meet Transport Canada requirements. This first French-language course, tailored to the realities of St. Lawrence terminals, will be offered starting in fall 2025. Summary: A new French-language training program for Quebec OHF operators, designed to meet Transport Canada standards and adapted to St. Lawrence terminal operations, will launch in fall 2025.
Training for Operators of Oil Handling Facilities (OHFs)
In Quebec, 40 handling facilities were recorded, 9 of which were in the North of the province. The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001) requires that operators of an OHF have procedures, equipment, and resources in place and ready to be deployed to respond immediately to a spill. These requirements are detailed in the Environmental Response Regulations and the Environmental Response Standards.
An OHF must ensure that employees (including contractors) responsible for loading and unloading a vessel are prepared to assume the responsibilities they may be called upon to carry out by receiving appropriate training.
As the Associate Director of Continuing Education at IMQ, I was approached by the OHF Association to set up training for marine terminals on the St. Lawrence in French.
The needs assessment was a crucial element, as the terminals were not all of the same calibre, ranging from major facilities to small local ports in remote communities. It was imperative to find the common denominator to cover various situations and conditions and to meet regulatory requirements and the training criteria set out in the standards issued by Transport Canada.
I developed training tailored to the facilities’ needs in close collaboration with representatives of the designated OHFs to ensure its development in accordance with international standards and Canadian regulations.
This training, the first in French, will be offered in fall 2025, with strong potential for conversion to a distance-learning format in the near future.