Raising the Standard in Pipeline Emergency Response Training
We are delighted to announce that the UKOPA Pipeline Emergency Response Officer (PERO) course has now been officially accredited by JOIFF – the International Organisation for Industrial Emergency Services Management.
This recognition marks an important milestone for both UKOPA and the wider pipeline industry, affirming that the PERO programme meets JOIFF’s rigorous international standards for competence, safety, and professional excellence.
What the PERO Course Delivers
The PERO course was developed in partnership with the Fire Service College, a JOIFF Accredited Training Centre, to prepare pipeline emergency responders with the skills, knowledge, and decision-making capability needed to manage incidents effectively. Through a combination of theory, immersive and interactive scenario-based learning at the Fire Service College. The programme develops participants confidence that they are equipped to support a multi-agency response to a pipeline emergency where clear, robust decisions and actions need to be taken with minimum delay, often in a rapidly changing environment.
Accreditation by JOIFF demonstrates that the course is benchmarked against global good practice in industrial emergency response training.
Why JOIFF Accreditation Matters
JOIFF accreditation is recognised worldwide as the gold standard for training in high-hazard industries. Achieving this accreditation means:
- International Recognition – PERO graduates now hold a JOIFF-accredited certification, validating their competence across the global energy and emergency response community.
- Independent Assurance – The course has been externally audited against JOIFF’s stringent quality standards.
- Enhanced Industry Confidence – Operators, regulators, and stakeholders can be assured that UKOPA’s training provision meets the highest professional levels.
A Step Forward for UKOPA and the Industry
This accreditation reinforces UKOPA’s commitment to promoting the safe and reliable operation of the UK’s pipeline infrastructure. By aligning the PERO course with JOIFF standards, UKOPA strengthens the capability of pipeline operators and emergency response teams to respond effectively to incidents, protecting both people and the environment.
UKOPA member organisations wishing to develop their emergency response capability can now access the JOIFF-accredited PERO course through UKOPA. More details on course content, delivery dates, and enrolment can be found by clicking here.
The JOIFF accreditation of the PERO course is more than just an endorsement — it is a clear statement of UKOPA’s leadership in pipeline emergency response training. Together, we are setting new standards for safety, professionalism, and resilience across the industry.