A significant milestone has been passed in the work to create the UK's first Petroleum Driver Passport. The UK Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (DODF) has announced that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has been appointed as Scheme Manager. This follows a tendering exercise which saw SQA meet the demanding quality and delivery requirements set by DODF.
This appointment means that detailed work is now underway so that the Passport can be launched on 1st January 2014. The Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) will give assurance to fuel terminal operators, customers and the wider public that all tanker drivers have a common core of tested knowledge and competence in the loading, driving and off-loading of fuel tankers. The Passport is supported by the PDP Training Standard which all tanker operators will be able to use as the basis of their driver training and development.
The PDP builds on the knowledge already tested in the ADR certification process by adding vital additional knowledge and a practical assessment of skills identified by the employers and trades unions involved on the DODF. This includes content specific to five industry sub sectors; Home Heat, Commercial, Aviation, Retail and Marine.
The PDP will be delivered through a combination of in-house or third party training and assessment providers who will be accredited and audited by SQA. The passport will be valid for a five year period, as with the ADR licence, but each driver will be subject to an annual refresher day and importantly both a written and a practical assessment before their PDP is issued.
Brian Worrall, DODF Independent Chair welcomed the appointment of SQA, commenting: "We continue to make rapid progress towards the launch of the PDP. SQA bring valuable experience and expertise which will ensure the quality and credibility of the PDP.
Sue Macfarlane, Head of Specialist Awards and Services at SQA, said: "Being appointed Scheme Manager for the Petroleum Driver Passport is a significant accomplishment for SQA and we are delighted to be working with the DODF. I believe SQA's considerable experience of developing, assessing and quality assuring qualifications relating to the transport of dangerous goods means we can be trusted by the industry to help demonstrate drivers' skills and knowledge of relevant safety procedures to terminal operators, customers and the public."
For further information, please contact:
Skills for Logistics Sector Skills Council - John Bowman; john.bowman@skillsforlogistics.org
Cogent Sector Skills Council - Kelly Connor; kelly.connor@cogent-ssc.com