In January, the UK’s first Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) was launched. It was developed by the Downstream Oil Industry Distribution Forum (DODF) to deliver a consistently high level of training to all petroleum tanker drivers, verified by an accredited third party. It represents a benchmark by which all petroleum driver training is measured and gives confidence to terminal operators, hauliers etc that all drivers have been trained to the same high and externally verified standards.

The scheme is managed by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) and to gain accreditation, drivers must complete both a classroom and a practical assessment. The classroom assessment can be taken on paper or online. For the practical element, drivers need access to a terminal and must be assessed by an SQA-registered individual.

The passport has also been designed to sit alongside existing industry regulation, with a five-year renewal cycle, in line with ADR (heavy goods licence to carry dangerous goods), and annual refresher requirements that can be aligned to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

The integration of the PDP requirements with ADR and Driver CPC is extremely helpful. Drivers are able to request the additional PDP module when their ADR is up for renewal, or take an interim version until their ADR expires. It also makes it easier to register the training as a Driver CPC module.

So far, over 2,300 passports have been issued with an additional 3,500 in the pipeline. Although the passport is not currently a legal requirement, terminals will begin using it as a requirement of entry from January 1, 2015.

In addition to the PDP, UKPIA has now signed an agreement with the Freight Transport Association to launch a revised Safe Loading Pass Scheme (SLPS) for road tankers loading at fuel distribution terminals. SLPS covers the equipment and systems required for fuel tankers and trailers. The new scheme launches this month. UKPIA has been spearheading these two initiatives as our members see them as a major contribution to ensuring safety standards across our industry.

For more information on the PDP, visit www.pdpassport.com. For the Safe Loading Pass Scheme, visit www.safeloadingpass.co.uk.

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