When you think of offshore oil rigs or remote sea platforms, one key image likely comes to mind: helicopters flying workers in and out over the ocean. For many, helicopters are just a mode of transport, but for offshore personnel, they represent a unique safety challenge. Traveling over open water in unpredictable weather brings risks, and in an emergency, knowing how to react quickly can be the difference between survival and disaster. That’s where helicopter safety and escape training come in.
In This Article:
A key requirement for offshore work
The BOSIET certificate, which stands for Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training, is mandatory for anyone stepping into the offshore oil and gas environment. More than a checklist item, it equips participants with essential skills, ranging from sea survival to first aid, firefighting, and, importantly, helicopter emergency procedures. It’s a powerful program designed to prepare workers for the very real dangers of offshore life.
The OPITO-approved BOSIET training is recognized worldwide. It’s the starting point for anyone looking to join the offshore industry and is often the first formal step toward securing a job in the field. The BOSIET course includes in-depth practical and theoretical training. Participants learn how to use emergency breathing systems (EBS), respond to fires, treat injuries in isolated locations, and execute safe evacuations from helicopters in case of a ditching or crash.
The heart of BOSIET training
One of the most intense parts of the course is the Helicopter Underwater Escape Training, or HUET. It simulates a helicopter crash at sea, including a full inversion underwater. Yes, you’re strapped in, submerged, and taught how to orient yourself, release the seatbelt, and escape through emergency exits. It’s not just physical, it’s a mental challenge that builds your ability to remain calm in the most stressful conditions imaginable.
Imagine flying to a rig in rough seas. The wind is howling, and visibility is low. The helicopter begins to descend when suddenly the pilot announces an emergency. In that moment, panic can take over, but if you’ve been through HUET, you’re not frozen, you’re focused. You remember your training, breathe and act. That’s the power of this kind of preparation.
The training also emphasizes teamwork. Offshore workers don’t operate in isolation; they rely on each other for survival. Through simulated emergencies, the course fosters communication, fast thinking, and leadership, skills that are critical both in drills and in real incidents.
An important part of helicopter safety training covered in BOSIET is learning how to use gear like flotation devices, survival suits, and breathing systems. You’ll practice with real equipment in a controlled environment, so it feels familiar if the day ever comes when you need to use it for real.
Why BOSIET matters
Because offshore life doesn’t come with guarantees. When you’re out there, flying, fixing, or supporting operations, your safety depends on what you know and how you respond under pressure. This training isn’t just a line on your CV; it’s a mark of readiness. It tells employers, teammates, and most importantly yourself, that you’re prepared for the unpredictable.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever considered working offshore or already do but haven’t completed the training, now is the time to take the next step. You’ll be the person who keeps calm when others can’t. Additionally, knowing that you’re not just working on helicopters, but you’re trained to survive with them enhances your confidence. This course can be the difference between life and death, so why take chances?
