Are there OPITO courses designed specifically for offshore wind workers?

OPITO does not offer courses designed specifically for offshore wind workers. OPITO’s training framework was built for the oil and gas industry, and its certifications reflect that focus. Offshore wind workers typically train under the GWO (Global Wind Organisation) framework instead. That said, some OPITO courses do apply to wind professionals in specific situations, and the two frameworks can complement each other.

Understanding which certifications you need and when each framework applies can save you time, money and potential project delays. The sections below break down the key differences, the relevant courses, and how OPITO and GWO training can work side by side.

Does OPITO cover offshore wind or only oil and gas?

OPITO primarily covers oil and gas. The organisation was established to set safety training standards for the upstream oil and gas industry, and the majority of its certified courses, including BOSIET, FOET and HUET, are designed with that sector in mind. Offshore wind is not the core focus of OPITO’s training framework.

However, this does not mean OPITO training is irrelevant to wind professionals. Some offshore wind projects, particularly those involving shared infrastructure, vessels or personnel working across both sectors, may require OPITO-certified training. Certain employers and project operators specify OPITO certification in their requirements regardless of the energy source involved. So while OPITO is not built for wind, it can still be a requirement depending on your role, employer or project location.

What training do offshore wind workers actually need?

Most offshore wind workers are required to complete GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) as their primary certification. GWO BST covers five core modules that are mandatory across the majority of offshore wind projects worldwide.

The five GWO BST modules are:

• Manual Handling
• First Aid
• Fire Awareness
• Work at Height
• Sea Survival

Beyond GWO BST, additional training requirements depend on the specific role, project and region. Technicians working on vessels may also need STCW certification. Workers on projects in certain countries or operating under specific contracts may be asked to hold OPITO certification as well. Always check the requirements set by your employer, project operator or contracting company before booking training.

What’s the difference between GWO and OPITO training?

GWO and OPITO are separate accreditation bodies with different industry focuses. GWO was created specifically for the wind energy sector, while OPITO was established for the oil and gas industry. Both set safety training standards, but they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

Here is a direct comparison of the two frameworks:

1. Industry focus: GWO is wind-specific; OPITO is oil and gas-focused
2. Course design: GWO modules reflect the hazards of wind turbine environments; OPITO courses address offshore platform and installation risks
3. Recognition: GWO certificates are widely recognised across the global wind industry; OPITO certificates are the standard in oil and gas
4. Validity periods: Both frameworks have defined renewal cycles, but the specific durations differ by course
5. Regulatory alignment: OPITO aligns with UK North Sea and international oil and gas regulations; GWO aligns with wind industry standards across Europe, the US and beyond

The practical takeaway is that if you work in offshore wind, GWO training is your baseline. If you work in oil and gas, OPITO is the standard. Some professionals working across both sectors will need both.

Which OPITO courses are most relevant for wind technicians?

The OPITO courses most likely to be relevant for offshore wind technicians are those focused on helicopter safety and sea survival, particularly when workers travel to offshore locations by helicopter. These courses address emergency scenarios that apply regardless of whether the destination is a wind farm or an oil platform.

The most applicable OPITO offshore safety courses for wind professionals include:

• BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training): Required for first-time offshore workers travelling by helicopter, covering sea survival, helicopter underwater escape, firefighting and first aid
• HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training): Focused specifically on escaping a submerged helicopter, relevant for anyone flying to offshore wind installations
• FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training): The renewal course for BOSIET, required every four years to keep offshore emergency certification current

Whether you need these courses as a wind technician depends on your project’s requirements. If your employer or operator specifies OPITO certification for helicopter travel, these are the courses to look at first.

Can OPITO and GWO certificates be used together?

Yes, OPITO and GWO certificates can be held simultaneously and are often used together by professionals working in or near both sectors. There is no conflict between the two frameworks. They cover different competency areas and are issued independently, so holding both simply means you meet a broader range of project requirements.

This combination is increasingly common as the energy industry evolves. Offshore wind farms are often located in the same waters as oil and gas infrastructure, and many vessels, contractors and personnel move between the two sectors. A wind technician who also holds OPITO BOSIET or HUET certification is better positioned to take on roles that require access to shared offshore environments or travel by helicopter.

Keeping both sets of certificates current requires tracking separate renewal cycles, so it is worth noting the expiry dates for each qualification and planning refresher training in advance to avoid gaps in certification.

How We Help With Offshore Wind and OPITO Training

At FMTC Safety, we offer both GWO and OPITO-certified training, so you do not need to coordinate between multiple providers to meet your full certification requirements. Whether you are a wind technician who needs GWO Basic Safety Training, or a professional who also requires OPITO helicopter emergency training for offshore access, we have the courses and the locations to support you.

Here is what we offer to make the process straightforward:

• Certified OPITO courses including BOSIET, HUET and FOET at strategically located training centres
• GWO Basic Safety Training covering all five mandatory modules
• Flexible scheduling with guaranteed course continuity, even with small groups
• Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
• Training centres near ports, airports and industry hubs across the Netherlands, the United States, France, Belgium and Saudi Arabia

If you are unsure which combination of courses you need, our team can help you figure that out. Get in touch with us and we will point you in the right direction, or browse our full range of OPITO offshore courses to find the right training for your role.