The global satellite communications industry, in coordination with Access Intelligence, organizer of Offshore Communications 2009, is providing energy-sector interests with the information tools necessary to improve standards of satellite system deployment and maintenance worldwide.

The VSAT Installation and Maintenance Training Program is being coordinated by GVF, the non-profit association of the international satellite communications market, and it includes provision of:

• Interactive online VSAT installation training before Offshore Communications
• Field-based Hands On Skills Test and Certification during Offshore Communications
• Energy-sector access to the GVF Certified VSAT Installer Database

To register for GVF VSAT Installation & Maintenance Training at Offshore Communications 2009, visit the GVF Training Portal at. Enter promo code OC09 to receive a 10 percent discount on all prerequisite online courses and the on-site sessions.

“The versatility of satellite communications has long been recognized as effective for use in supporting energy-sector operations,” said David Hartshorn, Secretary General of the GVF. “As a result of recent increased requirements to improve operational efficiencies in exploration and drilling, the entire spectrum of oil & gas interests is coordinating with GVF on this initiative, including value-added resellers, turn-key communications service providers, the satellite market, and Access Intelligence, the leading event organizer serving ‘The Patch’.”

As a focal point for the initiative, GVF has developed the GVF-Certified Installer Database, where contact details for hundreds of GVF-Certified VSAT Installers are now available to the energy sector via. These technicians, all of whom have completed the GVF’s rigorous Certification Program, are available to deploy satellite systems in every major region of the world. The GVF Certification Program has been endorsed by the international satellite operator community and the Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group.