In terms of training the drilling crew, drilling contractors in Canada emphasize training and competency assurance programs that have been developed and put in place effectively to mitigate against risk. The crew is trained in well-controlled procedures, using certified well-controlled facilities in Atlantic Canada or the equivalent in Norway, the United Kingdom, or the U.S.
In particular for Canada, our facilities are certified by Enform, which is the safety association for the upstream oil and gas industry. The exacting standards from Enform were established and continue to be maintained at the world-class facility located in Nisku, Alberta. What's unique about that facility is that it's one of the few live well simulators located anywhere in the world. Canadian contractors in Atlantic Canada have had 40 years of operating jointly with the oil company and the regulator. As contractors, we work diligently to identify and understand risk.
In terms of spill response, rig crews are trained in accordance with shipboard oil pollution response procedures and an environmental management system. The program focuses on spills that are onboard the drilling rig itself. They include drills that are undertaken every 90 days for familiarization with the equipment, including high-risk containment and shut-off valves, and system specification.
Drilling crews are included in the oil company's contingency plan along with other subcontractors, and they have to have a contract in place with an approved spill response organization, such as the Eastern Canada Response Corporation. There are three levels of spill response, and I'm sure my colleagues from the Eastern Canada Response Corporation will get into those kinds of detail. Basically, level one is monitored offshore; level two is shore-based, and that includes the Canada Response Corporation, operating to the Norwegian standard, I'm told; level three is an international program like the oil response program from Southampton, England. The detail on these can be made available to you from CAPP, from the operators, or from the contractors who are involved in this.
In terms of a conclusion, the Canadian drilling contractors are part of an offshore team. We work with all operators and regulators to mitigate the risk of a spill or an accident. The record in Canada over the last 50 years reveals very few drilling incidents. These results stem from an effective regulation combined with advances in technology and the implementation of good management and operating practices.
Thank you, Chairman.