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30 Jun 2026
Can you fail a BOSIET course?
If you’re heading offshore for the first time, or preparing to renew your credentials, you’ve probably wondered what happens if things don’t go to plan during your training. The BOSIET course is a serious, practical qualification, and it’s natural to ask whether you can fail it and what that means for your career. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a BOSIET course and who needs it?
A BOSIET course, short for Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training, is a mandatory OPITO-accredited qualification for anyone working offshore for the first time. It covers the essential survival and emergency skills needed to work safely on oil, gas, or wind installations at sea. Without a valid BOSIET certificate, you will not be permitted to travel to most offshore platforms.
The course is typically required by employers, contractors, and offshore operators before a worker sets foot on an installation. It applies to a wide range of professionals, including engineers, technicians, catering staff, and anyone else who needs access to an offshore environment. If you are new to offshore work, this is almost certainly the first certification you will need to obtain.
You can find a full overview of available BOSIET, HUET, and FOET courses to understand which variant is right for your role and region.
Can you actually fail a BOSIET course?
Yes, you can fail a BOSIET course, but it is relatively uncommon when participants are prepared and engaged throughout the training. The course is not designed to catch people out. Rather, it is built to ensure that every offshore worker has genuinely acquired the skills to survive an emergency at sea. Assessments are competency-based, meaning you are evaluated on whether you can demonstrate the required skills, not on academic performance alone.
That said, failing to demonstrate a required competency, missing a practical exercise, or not meeting the minimum standard in a critical element will result in a fail for that component. Instructors are experienced professionals who want participants to succeed, and they will support you throughout the process.
What parts of BOSIET are you assessed on?
The BOSIET course assesses participants across several core areas, both theoretical and practical. Assessment is continuous throughout the course, and every element must be completed to a satisfactory standard.
The main areas of assessment include:
- Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET): Simulated helicopter ditching and underwater escape, including inversion and window exit
- Sea survival: Jumping into open water, boarding a life raft, and surviving in a marine environment
- Firefighting: Use of fire extinguishers and basic fire response techniques
- First aid: Basic emergency first aid, including CPR and casualty management
- Offshore emergency procedures: Muster drills, emergency signals, and the use of personal survival equipment
- Written or online knowledge assessments: Covering safety theory, hazard awareness, and emergency protocols
Each of these components must be passed individually. Excelling in one area does not compensate for a shortfall in another.
What happens if you fail part of the BOSIET course?
If you fail one element of the BOSIET course, you will typically be given the opportunity to resit or repeat that specific component, rather than retaking the entire course. The exact process depends on the training provider and the OPITO standards applicable to your course variant. In some cases, a reassessment can be arranged on the same day or shortly after.
If a participant is unable to complete a physical element due to a medical issue or an unexpected difficulty, the training provider will usually discuss the options available. Serious or repeated failures across multiple components may require you to attend the full course again.
It is worth noting that certain physical requirements, such as swimming ability, are prerequisites for BOSIET. Failing to meet these before the course begins can prevent you from completing the HUET element entirely.
How can you prepare to pass your BOSIET course?
Preparing properly for your BOSIET training significantly reduces the risk of failing any component. The course is practical and physically engaging, so both mental and physical readiness matter.
Follow these steps to give yourself the best chance of success:
- Check the prerequisites early: Confirm you meet the swimming requirements and any medical fitness standards before your course date
- Review the course content: Familiarise yourself with the topics covered, particularly emergency procedures and first aid basics
- Get a good night’s sleep: BOSIET is a multi-day course with physically demanding elements, and fatigue affects performance
- Listen actively during instruction: Instructors explain exactly what is expected before each exercise, so pay close attention
- Ask questions: If anything is unclear, ask before the practical exercise begins, not during it
- Stay calm in the water: The HUET element is the most anxiety-inducing for many participants, but instructors will guide you through each step
How long is a BOSIET certificate valid for?
A BOSIET certificate is valid for four years. After this period, you are required to complete a Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET) course to renew your certification. The FOET is a shorter refresher course that updates your skills and extends your offshore safety credentials for another four years.
It is important not to let your certificate lapse, as an expired BOSIET will prevent you from accessing offshore installations until the renewal is completed. Many employers and booking departments track expiry dates closely, so keeping an eye on your own certification timeline is good professional practice. If you have any questions about which renewal course applies to you, feel free to contact FMTC Safety for guidance.
How FMTC Safety helps you succeed with your BOSIET course
At FMTC Safety, we understand that completing your BOSIET training is a critical step in your offshore career. We make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on learning rather than logistics.
Here is what we offer to support you:
- OPITO-accredited BOSIET courses at strategically located training centers, including near major ports and airports
- Experienced, industry-qualified instructors who guide participants through every practical element with clarity and patience
- Guaranteed course availability, even with small groups, so your booking is never at risk of cancellation
- Flexible cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course, giving you peace of mind if your plans change
- A 5-star Trustpilot rating from nearly 3,000 reviews, reflecting the quality and reliability of our training
Whether you are booking as an individual professional or arranging training for a team, we are here to help you get certified with confidence. View our BOSIET course and book your place today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to pass the BOSIET course?
You don't need to be an Olympic-level swimmer, but you do need to meet a basic swimming competency requirement before you can participate in the HUET and sea survival elements. Most providers require you to be able to swim at least 25–50 metres unaided and tread water for a short period. If you're unsure whether you meet this standard, contact your training provider before your course date — it's far better to address this in advance than to arrive and be unable to complete a critical element.
Can a medical condition prevent me from completing the BOSIET course?
Certain medical conditions can affect your ability to complete specific elements of the course, particularly the HUET and sea survival components. You'll typically be required to complete an offshore medical examination (such as an OGUK or equivalent medical) before or alongside your BOSIET training, and your fitness to participate is assessed at that stage. If you have a known condition such as severe claustrophobia, a heart condition, or a respiratory issue, speak to your GP and your training provider ahead of time — reasonable adjustments may be available in some cases, but certain physical elements cannot be waived.
How soon can I resit a failed component, and will it cost extra?
The timeline and cost of a resit depend entirely on your training provider and the specific component you didn't pass. Some providers can arrange a reassessment within the same training week or shortly after at no additional charge, while others may require you to book a separate session. It's worth clarifying your provider's resit policy before you book your course, so there are no surprises if you need a second attempt at any element.
What's the difference between BOSIET and FOET, and do I need both?
BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) is the full qualification required the first time you work offshore, covering all core safety and survival competencies from scratch. FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) is the renewal course taken every four years once your BOSIET certificate expires — it's shorter because it refreshes existing skills rather than introducing them for the first time. You only complete BOSIET once; after that, you renew with FOET. If your BOSIET has been expired for an extended period, check with your provider whether a full BOSIET retake is required.
Will anxiety about the HUET element affect my chances of passing?
It's completely normal to feel anxious about the helicopter underwater escape simulation — it's one of the most commonly cited concerns among first-time BOSIET participants. The good news is that instructors are trained to support nervous candidates, and the exercises are introduced progressively, starting with simpler exits before moving to full inversion scenarios. Communicating your concerns to your instructor before the session begins is strongly encouraged, as they can provide additional briefing and reassurance to help you approach each stage with more confidence.
Can I take the BOSIET course if I'm not yet employed offshore?
Yes, absolutely. Many people complete their BOSIET training before securing their first offshore role, as holding a valid certificate makes you a more competitive candidate and removes a key barrier for employers looking to deploy staff quickly. There's no requirement to be employed or sponsored by a company — you can book and fund the course as an individual. Having your BOSIET already in hand when you apply for offshore positions is a practical advantage that demonstrates readiness and commitment to prospective employers.
What should I bring to my BOSIET course, and is there anything I should avoid?
Most training providers will send you a pre-course information pack detailing what to bring, but as a general rule you should wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing suitable for physical activity and water immersion, and bring a swimsuit or shorts for the pool-based elements. Avoid wearing contact lenses for the water exercises, as they can be dislodged during submersion. It's also advisable to avoid alcohol the night before and to eat a light meal on the morning of water-based sessions — arriving well-rested and properly fuelled makes a genuine difference to your performance and comfort throughout the course.
