CURRICULUM VITAE – Donald James Howell
Personal Details:
NAME: Donald James Howell
ID NUMBER: 580-***-**** 085
TEL NO: +27-21-785-**** (Home)
+27-83-206-**** (Cell)
DATE OF BIRTH: 23 July 1958
MARITAL STATUS: Married (20 Years)
CHILDREN: 2 Girls (Cailin age 16 & Kirsten age 16)
NATIONALITY: South African
PASSPORT: South African
PASSPORT NO: M00142121
PASSPORT EXPIRY DATE: 11 March 2025
LANGUAGES: English, Afrikaans
DRIVER’S LICENCE: Code 08
INTERESTS & HOBBIES: Gardening, golf, working with my hands, reading
Education:
Oude Molen Technical High School (1973 – 1974) – Standard 8
Cape Technical College (1975) – National Technical Certificate Part II – Distinction for Fitting and Machining Theory
Cape Technical College (1976) – National Technical Certificate Part III
Courses:
Private (2015) OPITO Approved Basic Offshore Survival Induction &
Emergency Training OPITO Course 5700
Shelf Drilling (2012) Certificate of Completion 2 Day Offshore Survival, HUET,
Fire Fighting & First Aid Course
Gordon Engineering Services Certificate of Completion Helicopter Refueling Course
Transocean Certificate of Participation Kelvin TOPSET Senior Investigators
Transocean Certificate of Completion Mechanic On Job Training
Transocean Certificate of Completion HSE On Job Training
Transocean Certificate of Completion Pathogens Awareness
Transocean (2009) Certificate of Completion Safety Leadership Training Course
S&N Pump Asia (2009) Certificate of Completion Operation and Maintenance Training
Course on Submersible Pumps
Transocean (2008) Certificate of Completion RMS/ICS Training
NOV (2008) Certificate of Completion TDS 4H/4S Mechanical & Hydraulic
Course (Intermediate)
VTRAC (2008) Certificate of Achievement Cat 3500B Master Mechanics Course
MSTS Asia (2008) OPITO Approved Basic Offshore Survival Induction &
Emergency Training with HUET EBS
Transocean (2008) Certificate Transocean Induction
SKILLS (2007) Advance OHS & E for Supervisors Course ESETA ES/ETQA/0030
SANDF (Navy) (2005) Marine Engineering Officer Charge Certificate
SAMTRA (2004) Cargo Handling Operations STCW ’95 Table A-II/1 and Table AII/2
SAMTRA (2004) Certificate Ships Stability STCW ’95 Table AII/2
SAMSA (2001) Advanced Marine Fire Fighting STCW Code: A-VI/3
SANDF (Navy) (1999) Certificate Military Training for Ratings Part 3
SANDF (Navy) (1993) Certificate Logistics Supervision and
Administration; Labour Relations
SANDF (Navy) (1986) Certificate of Competence Power Boat Handling
SANDF (Navy) (1984) Nuclear Biological Chemical Defence NBCD Part II
SANDF (Navy) (1983) Nuclear Biological Chemical Defence NBCD Part I
SANDF (Navy) (1982) Certificate of Competence Engine Room Watchkeeping 2500 kW
Diesel Engines
SANDF (Navy) (1980) Certificate of Competence Strike Craft Engine Control Room
Watchkeeping
SANDF (Navy) (1979) Certificate of Competence Strike Craft Sea Watchkeeping
SANDF (Navy) (1979) Certificate of Competence Strike Craft Harbour Watchkeeping
SANDF (Navy) (1979) Certificate Strike Craft Junior Sea and Harbour
Employment History:
Pyramid Drilling SAE. Egypt – 25 August 2015 to 26 December 2016.
I was employed with Pyramid Drilling as a Chief Mechanic. With the downturn in the oil industry, the rig lost its contract and was forced to shut down drilling operations and subsequently stacked the rig. In this position, I was supervising and managing the mechanical department onboard the Offshore Rig “Bennevis”. I was accountable and responsible for all the administration, maintenance, repairs, and daily running of all the mechanical rig associated equipment and the training of all the staff under my supervision.
Shelf Drilling – 16 September 2013 to 18 March 2015.
I was employed with Shelf Drilling as a Rig Mechanic. Transocean transformed and divided the company into a deepwater and shallow water divisions thus Shelf Drilling was formed. Trident 08 was then purchased and transferred to Shelf Drilling. The contract with Perenco Petroleum Company ended and the rig was then contracted to a petroleum company in Nigeria, where the rig crew was changed due to local laws regarding manning of the rig in Nigeria. I was then transferred to Singapore to carry out project work and to be employed as a Rig Mechanic on the Rig Key Singapore in the Global One Shipyard. In this period, I worked on various rig systems carrying out overhauling, installations and repairs of equipment. With the downturn of the market (low oil prices), I was then made redundant.
My duties and responsibilities were the same as laid down below with the employment with Transocean.
Transocean – 31 August 2008 to 15 September 2013.
I was employed with Transocean as a Rig Mechanic. I commenced employment with Transocean in the Fast Track Program (FTP) as a Chief Mechanic, after 9 months in the 12 month program I was released due to the nationalization in the South East Asia Division. During this period I carried out various courses and various workshop training on rig specific equipment (Koomey Units, Air Winches, and Crane Repairs etc) with various companies’ during my off time from the rigs. I also completed the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program. After being released from the FTP, I was placed in the Labour Pool of the West African Mediterranean Division. In this period I was employed on rigs which were in Out of Service Periods in dock doing various refitting of rig equipment. I was then employed on the Rig Trident 08 in Gabon, West Africa as a Mechanic since 13 March 2010 to 15 September 2013. My basic functions was to operate, maintain and carry out repairs on all mechanical, pneumatic equipment, hydraulic equipment and engine generating sets on the rig and to record all on the Rig Maintenance System (RMS). I periodically carried out the functions of the Chief Mechanic in his absence from the work place.
My duties and responsibilities were:
Operations/Maintenance:
Carry out mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic installation, maintenance, and repair in a safe and prudent manner.
Perform daily inspections and maintenance on mechanical equipment.
Maintain and repair mechanical systems and equipment i.e. prime movers, air and water system, lubrication and fuel system, etc.
Troubleshoot and repair faulty mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment and tools.
Assist in maintaining marine equipment, i.e. cranes, thrusters, ballast pumps and valves, auxiliary equipment, etc.
Identify and respond to abnormal operating conditions and/or patterns of equipment.
Carry out periodic maintenance according to the Rig Maintenance System (RMS) guidelines and coordinate that maintenance with supervisors and other department heads.
Ensure that requirements concerning regulatory bodies are met in all cases of equipment repair and installation.
Comply with the permit to work and isolation system.
Maintain service reports and advise supervisor on condition of equipment and spare parts requirements.
Perform machine work with lathe, drill press, grinding and surfacing equipment.
Install, operate, maintain and repair additional or temporary mechanical equipment used for special operations
Assist in implementing outstanding recommendations from equipment audits, as issued by Clients, Regulatory Authorities or rig management.
Assist in ensuring that all third-party equipment is fir for purpose, certified, correctly installed, and maintained while on the rig.
Inform supervisor and other department heads of any technical problems or limitations that may affect the safe operation of the rig.
Maintain an adequate supply of spares to fulfill maintenance requirements and facilitate a safe and efficient operation.
Ensure that service, maintenance and other operational reports are accurate and complete.
QHSE:
Incorporate the THINK planning process into all tasks, whether working alone or as part of a team.
Participate in the START process.
Call a Time Out for Safety (TOFS) whenever an unplanned hazard or a change in the expected results is observed.
Carry out assigned duties in a safe manner according to company policies and procedures.
Actively participate in weekly safety meetings and pre-tour meetings as required.
Report any incidents, potential hazards or abnormal situations to supervisor and other department heads.
Respond to emergency situations as per designation on station bill.
Ensure that all relevant safety procedures and practices are adhered to during mechanical maintenance work.
Assist in ensuring a high standard of hygiene and housekeeping is maintained onboard the rig.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for environmental protection.
Personnel:
Meet the training requirements according to the applicable training matrix.
Participate fully in the annual performance appraisal process.
Mentor, develop and train crew members to ensure that they are competent to work at their next job level.
Supervise and guide the Motor Operator and Mechanic Trainee in their On-the-job Training (OJT) programs.
Maintain discipline onboard and ensure compliance with Company disciplinary procedures.
South African National Defence Force (SANDF) (Navy) – 01 September 1979 – 31 August 2008
I served 29 years in the South African Navy as a Mechanical Fitter. I progressed from an Auxiliary Engine Room Watchkeeper, Senior Engine Room Watchkeeper to a Marine Engineering Officer. As a Marine Engineering Officer I was accountable for and responsible for the following:
Accountable for:
The organisation and management of the department, including the employment of all marine engineering personnel, their training and their welfare.
The maintenance (long term, short term and preventative) and operation of the main propulsion, auxiliary and domestic systems and equipment on my charge.
The maintenance in efficient working order and readiness for use of the hull and fittings, including the stability, strength, water tightness, gas tightness and preservation of the whole hull structure of the ship.
The custody of drawings and publications associated with above accountabilities and of machinery support spares and stores.
The maintenance of records of approved alterations and additions, and the co-ordination of proposals for new alterations and additions, for the whole ship.
The records, reports, returns and other forms associated with above accountabilities.
The marine fire fighting and damage control organisation and action control officer thereof.
The provision of technical advice and assistance to other departments.
Responsibilities:
Main propulsion systems of the ship and ships boats.
All auxiliary machinery systems, including desalination plants, in main and outside machinery spaces.
Main transmissions and propulsions, bow propellers, steering gear, rudders, ships stabilisers, and associated control systems.
All bulk liquid storage tanks with associated pumps and filling and distribution systems, including those for aviation fuels, and lubricating oils.
All salt water, flooding, draining and ballasting systems and their associated pumps and fittings, including flooding and spraying equipment and alarms fitted to magazines.
Hydraulic and pneumatic machinery and systems, capstans and cable holders, winches and boat hoists and associated power packs.
All air, oxygen and other gas-compression machinery, storage arrangements.
All refrigeration and air-conditioning machinery.
All ventilation, air treatment and air purification systems and equipment.
All machinery in the common machine shop and other specialised workshops.
All domestic machinery, sanitary plant and systems.
Mechanical instruments and equipment’s for transmitting signals in connection with machinery.
All portable diesel, electric and gas turbine driven pumps.
The watertight and gastight structure of the ship, including all openings and the operating mechanisms and lifting and securing arrangements of their closures.
Anchors, cables, davits, derricks, cranes, runways and Sampson posts.
All fire fighting equipment, including its distribution.
I have also served at various other units and ships in the South African Navy:
SAS SCORPION Durban Strike Craft Auxiliary Engine Room Watchkeeper.
SAS CHAPMAN Simon’s Town Mine Hunters Senior Engine Room Watchkeeper.
Naval Logistics Base Simon’s Town Stores Commodity Group Logistics Advisor.
SAS SALDANHA Saldanha Bay Maintenance Control Centre Maintenance Administration.
Air Sea Rescue Launches Senior Engine Room Watchkeeper.
Mechanical Workshop Mechanical Workshop Supervisor.
SAS DRAKENSBERG Simon’s Town Combat Support Vessel Senior Engine Room Watchkeeper.
SAS UMHLOTI Simon’s Town Mine Hunter Marine Engineering Officer.
SAS UMZIMKULU Simon’s Town Mine Hunter Marine Engineering Officer.
South African Naval Dockyard – 01 April 1975 – 31 August 1979
Apprentice Turner Machinist and Artisan
I served an apprenticeship of 4 years and as an artisan of 5 months. I have experience on centre lathes, milling machines, vertical boring machines, gear cutting machines, shaping machines, power saws, slot cutting machines and portable tools and approximately one year bench and marine fitting experience during this period.