The Ship Manoeuvring Simulator (SMS) training centre in Trondheim, Norway, has become the first institution to develop an ice navigation training module to surpass the DNV's strict certification criteria.

Jon Rysst, DNV's regional manger of Norway, Finland and Baltics, described the company's certification as "representing the world's only competence standard in this area" and added that the importance of ensuring these strict standards will only become more important as Arctic drilling increases.

"This certificate is evidence that what we are doing upholds a high standard. We have raised the bar on international ice navigation training," said Bard E Bjornsen, manager engineering, projects and business development at SMS.

The SMS centre was established privately in 1990 after ten years in operation as a government-run company.

Since this time it has expanded its course offerings significantly, tailoring particularly to the changing needs of the oil and gas industry as it explores ever more remote and inhospitable regions.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development