IQTC Riga

📰 In May, the Global Wind Organisation joined leading developers, vessel operators, turbine manufacturers, and GWO members in Scotland for the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) Walk-to-Work Interface Standardisation Workshop.

The session centred on strengthening safety and operational practices in Walk-to-Work systems—an essential part of offshore wind operations that allows technicians to move safely between vessels and turbine structures.

⁉️ Why does this matter so much? And where does technician awareness begin? Let’s take a closer look.🔎

ℹ️ A motion-compensated gangway system is a specialized access bridge that allows personnel to safely walk between an offshore vessel and a wind turbine, offshore platform, or other structure while both are moving due to waves, wind, and sea conditions.

Even large vessels constantly move at sea—they roll, pitch, heave, sway, and yaw. A conventional gangway would move with the vessel, making it unsafe or impossible to cross.
A motion-compensated gangway uses:
▫️ Sensors to detect vessel movement in real time.
▫️ Hydraulic or electric actuators to automatically adjust the gangway's position.
▫️ Advanced control systems that keep the gangway's tip stable against the turbine landing platform.

As a result, technicians experience a much more stable walkway, even when the vessel beneath them is moving.

Why it is important in offshore wind
✅ Safer transfers
Reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls during vessel-to-turbine access.
✅ More working time
Allows transfers in a wider range of sea states than traditional methods.
✅ Greater efficiency
Technicians can move quickly between the vessel and turbine with tools and equipment.
✅ Access to distant wind farms
Essential for modern offshore wind farms located far from shore.

Typical components
🔩 Gangway bridge (usually 15–30+ meters long)
🔩 Motion compensation system
🔩 Control cabin/operator station
🔩 Safety nets and handrails
🔩 Landing and securing mechanism

While technicians are not trained to operate motion-compensated gangways during , the training helps them understand:
👉 Offshore transfer risks
👉 Safe behavior during vessel operations
👉 Emergency procedures
👉 Sea survival techniques
👉 Communication and situational awareness during offshore access activities

For offshore wind technicians, a motion-compensated gangway is essentially a "floating bridge" that automatically compensates for vessel motion, making Walk-to-Work transfers safer, faster, and more reliable.

Get trained | Be aware | Stay safe

🥴 Fatigue is a hidden hazard—schedule breaks and rotate tasks to keep alert on site.

⚠️ Fatigue is a hidden hazard in the wind industry because it often builds up silently — reducing concentration, reaction time, and decision-making long before a technician notices it. During work at height, even a small lapse in focus can increase the risk of dropped objects, incorrect PPE use, or delayed rescue response. In wind turbine environments, long shifts, climbing, weather exposure, and demanding tasks can quickly drain physical and mental energy.

👉Review how fatigue can affect you, how to recognize it, and how to stay safe.

ℹ IRATA Level 3 Technician theory examination is now available in Portuguese (European), Czech, and Persian 🗣.

👉 Remainder:
Level 3 Candidates shall undertake a Theory Examination consisting of 10 questions and be awarded one of the following outcomes for their Examination:
▪️ Greater than or equal to 70% - Pass
▪️ Greater than or equal to 50% but less than 70% - Minor Discrepancy
▪️ Less than 50% - Major Discrepancy

The Theory Examination covers the following subjects:
✔️hazard identification and risk assessment;
✔️selection of access method;
✔️selection of personnel and competence;
✔️safety method statement;
✔️exclusion zones, protection of third parties, and permits to work;
✔️planning for emergencies;
✔️first aid and suspension intolerance;
✔️equipment.

The Theory Examination and practical Assessment are conducted on the same calendar date and are invigilated by an IRATA Assessor.

Examination is available in Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Polish, traditional Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, Czech, and Persian.

All about IRATA Assessment day read from our blog https://iqtc-riga.com/irata-assessment-day/