IRATA the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association was formed in the late 1980's, as the result of an initiative by a number of leading companies involved in industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry. Rope access work can only be carried out in a reliably safe manner where operatives are suitably experienced, trained, and competent, capable of inspecting and assessing their own equipment and subject to appropriate levels of supervision. Because of the potential hazards associated with working at height, it is essential that operatives are properly trained in the methods of access that they will use.
Safety is paramount in our industry. Since its formation irata, and its member companies, have worked assiduously to:
•  improve safety in the industry.
•  produce an industry standard set of guidelines and training requirements.
•  provide a comprehensive assessment and registration process for operatives.
IRATA has developed a formal training scheme and grading structure where workers are grouped into three grades depending upon their experience and level of assessment. These are:

Level 1: Technician
Level 2: Lead Technician (more experienced worker)
Level 3: Supervisor, as defined in the IRATA publication ‘General requirements for certification of personnel engaged in Rope Access methods’.

A technician who is able to perform a limited range of rope access tasks under the supervision of a level 3 supervisor . As long as you are safe and apply all principles taught your supervisor will be happy.

A technician / supervisor who is capable of complete responsibility for work projects.

Able to demonstarte the skills and knowledge required of levels 1 and 2. Is conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation. Has a comprehensive knowledge of advanced rescue techniques. Holds a current first aid qualification and has knowledge of the IRATA certification scope.

Progression from a level 2 to 3 requires at least a 1000 hours and a minimum of one year involved in a comprehensive variety of work situations and techniques.

All IRATA members must adhere to the IRATA code of ethics. The person responsible for the work site should only allow rope access methods to be used by persons who are experienced operatives, trained and assessed to IRATA standards. This includes any representative of the client.

From my experiences the clients or contractors like the level 3 to have a good knowledge of the task. Especially if the level 3 is the supervisor. To that end not all level 3's are suitable for the offshore industry unless they gain experience offshore, but to get offshore you need experience if your supervising. So you may find that not all level 3's are supervisors but purely safety advisors. All level3's that I have come across offshore are good guys, but others may think differently.