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29 Jul 2026
How do I book a BOSIET course?
If you work offshore or are heading into the oil and gas sector for the first time, getting your BOSIET certification is one of the first things you will need to arrange. The process is straightforward once you know what to expect, but a few practical details are worth understanding before you book. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about booking a BOSIET course, from what the training involves to what happens if your plans change.
What is a BOSIET course and who needs it?
A BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) course is a mandatory OPITO-certified safety training programme for professionals entering the offshore oil and gas industry. It covers essential emergency response skills, including helicopter underwater escape, sea survival, firefighting, and first aid. Anyone working on an offshore installation for the first time is required to hold a valid BOSIET certificate before they can travel offshore.
The course is specifically designed for workers who have no prior offshore experience. It provides the foundational safety knowledge and practical skills needed to respond to emergencies in an offshore environment. This includes:
- Helicopter underwater escape training (HUET)
- Sea survival techniques
- Basic firefighting and fire prevention
- Offshore emergency procedures and evacuation
- First aid and CPR
If you already hold a BOSIET certificate that is nearing expiry, you will need a FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) course to renew it rather than repeating the full BOSIET. The OPITO HUET, FOET and BOSIET courses are all part of the same certification pathway and are closely connected.
How do you book a BOSIET course?
Booking a BOSIET course is a simple process that can be completed online in just a few steps. You select a course date and location that suits you, complete the registration form, and confirm your booking. Most providers, including accredited OPITO training centres, allow you to book directly through their website without needing to call or email first.
Here is how the booking process typically works:
- Go to the course page for the OPITO BOSIET course you need
- Choose your preferred date and training location
- Fill in your personal details and any required pre-course information
- Complete payment or request an invoice if booking on behalf of a company
- Receive your booking confirmation and joining instructions by email
If you are booking for multiple employees or coordinating training for a team, most providers offer group booking options or can arrange invoicing directly for your organisation. It is worth contacting the training centre directly if you need to book for five or more people at once.
How far in advance should you book a BOSIET course?
You should book your BOSIET course at least two to four weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and location. During busy periods, popular course dates can fill up quickly, so booking earlier gives you the most flexibility. If your offshore start date is fixed, always book as soon as that date is confirmed to avoid last-minute stress.
There are a few timing factors worth keeping in mind. The BOSIET course itself typically runs over two days, so you need to factor that into your travel and project schedule. Your certificate is valid for four years, so planning ahead also means you can align your training with your project timeline rather than rushing to complete it at the last moment.
If you are working to a tight deadline, check whether your chosen training centre offers guaranteed course continuity. Some providers run courses even with a small number of participants, which means you are far less likely to face a last-minute cancellation.
What documents do you need to bring to a BOSIET course?
To attend a BOSIET course, you will need to bring a valid photo ID, such as a passport or national identity card. You may also be asked to complete a medical fitness declaration before or on the day of the course. Some course variants require a valid offshore medical certificate (such as an OGUK or equivalent medical) before you can participate.
Depending on the specific course and location, you may also need to provide:
- Proof of any prior safety training or certificates (if applicable)
- A completed pre-course medical questionnaire
- Your booking confirmation or course reference number
- Emergency contact information
It is always best to check the specific requirements with your training provider when you receive your booking confirmation. Requirements can vary slightly depending on which BOSIET variant you are taking and where the course is being delivered.
Can you cancel or reschedule a BOSIET booking?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule a BOSIET booking, and many accredited training providers offer flexible cancellation policies. The standard industry practice is to allow free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts. This gives you the flexibility to adjust your plans if your project schedule changes without losing your course fee.
If you need to cancel with less than 24 hours notice, cancellation fees may apply depending on the provider’s terms and conditions. It is worth reviewing the cancellation policy at the time of booking, especially if your work schedule is subject to change. For organisations booking training for multiple employees, it is also worth asking whether group bookings have different rescheduling terms.
How FMTC Safety helps you book your BOSIET course
We make the process of booking offshore safety training as simple and stress-free as possible. Whether you are an individual contractor arranging your first offshore certificate or an HR team coordinating training for a group, we have the flexibility and locations to support you.
Here is what you can expect when you book your BOSIET training with us:
- Guaranteed course continuity even with a single participant, so your booking will not be cancelled at the last minute
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
- Strategically located training centres near airports, ports and major industry hubs across the Netherlands, the USA, France, Belgium and Saudi Arabia
- OPITO-certified instructors with real-world offshore experience
- Easy online booking with fast confirmation and clear joining instructions
Ready to get certified? Book your BOSIET course directly on our website and choose the date and location that works best for you. If you have questions about which course variant is right for your situation, our team is happy to help via our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a BOSIET with CA-EBS and a standard BOSIET?
A BOSIET with CA-EBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System) includes additional training on using a personal breathing device during helicopter underwater escape scenarios. This variant is increasingly required by offshore operators, particularly in certain regions and for specific helicopter types. When booking, check with your employer or offshore operator which variant is required for your deployment, as arriving with the wrong certification could delay your offshore mobilisation.
Do I need an offshore medical certificate before I can attend a BOSIET course?
In most cases, yes — you will need a valid offshore medical certificate (such as an OGUK, UKOOA, or equivalent regional medical) before attending a BOSIET course, as it confirms you are physically fit to participate in the practical exercises, including the helicopter underwater escape and sea survival components. Some training providers will ask you to declare your medical fitness at the time of booking. It is strongly recommended to arrange your offshore medical well in advance of your course date, as obtaining one can take several weeks depending on your location and availability of approved medical practitioners.
How long does a BOSIET certificate remain valid, and what happens if it expires?
A BOSIET certificate is valid for four years from the date of issue. Once it expires, you cannot simply renew it by taking the BOSIET again — instead, you will need to complete a FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) course, which is the recognised refresher pathway within the OPITO certification framework. If your certificate has been expired for an extended period, your training provider can advise whether a FOET is still appropriate or whether a full BOSIET re-sit is required.
Can I attend a BOSIET course if I have a physical condition or disability?
Certain physical conditions may affect your ability to complete specific practical elements of the BOSIET, particularly the helicopter underwater escape training (HUET), which involves being submerged and inverted in water. You should disclose any relevant medical conditions or physical limitations to your training provider before booking, as they can advise on adjustments or whether a medical clearance is needed. In some cases, alternative assessment arrangements may be available, but this varies by provider and must be agreed in advance.
What should I wear or bring on the day of my BOSIET course?
You should bring comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity, as the course involves hands-on practical exercises including water-based drills. Most training centres provide all necessary specialist equipment such as immersion suits and breathing apparatus, but you will typically need to bring a swimsuit or suitable undergarments for the pool-based sessions. Your joining instructions, sent after booking confirmation, will include a full list of what to bring — read these carefully and contact your training centre if anything is unclear before your course day.
Is a BOSIET certificate recognised internationally, or is it only valid in certain regions?
A BOSIET certificate issued by an OPITO-accredited training centre is internationally recognised and accepted by offshore operators across most major oil and gas regions, including the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Middle East, and West Africa. However, some regions or specific operators may have additional local requirements or preferred course variants on top of the standard BOSIET. Always confirm with your employer or the offshore operator managing your deployment that your specific BOSIET variant meets their regional requirements before travelling.
What happens if I fail a practical element of the BOSIET course?
If you struggle with or are unable to complete a practical element during the course, your OPITO-certified instructor will work with you to provide additional support and guidance where possible. In some cases, a reassessment may be arranged, depending on the nature of the element and the provider's assessment policy. It is worth speaking openly with your instructor throughout the course if you have concerns, as they are experienced in supporting candidates through challenging exercises and can advise on the best course of action if a component needs to be retaken.
