How do you prepare an offshore workforce for helideck emergencies?

Preparing an offshore workforce for helideck emergencies requires a combination of certified safety training, clearly defined emergency roles, and regular drills. Every worker who travels to or from an offshore installation by helicopter must complete recognized training before they can fly, and those with specific helideck responsibilities need additional qualifications. This article walks through the key questions around helideck emergency training, from the risks involved to where workers can get certified.

What training do offshore workers need for helideck emergencies?

Offshore workers who travel by helicopter are required to complete Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) as a minimum. This training is typically delivered as part of the BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) for new entrants, or the FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) for those renewing their certification. Both courses are accredited by OPITO, the global safety training standard-setter for the oil and gas industry.

Workers with direct helideck responsibilities, such as Helideck Assistants (HDAs) and Helideck Landing Officers (HLOs), need additional OPITO-certified helideck training on top of their basic offshore safety certification. These roles require a thorough understanding of helideck operations, emergency procedures, and communication protocols.

In short, the training required depends on the worker’s role:

• All offshore helicopter passengers: BOSIET or FOET including HUET
• Helideck Assistants: OPITO HDA certification
• Helideck Landing Officers: OPITO HLO certification
• Emergency response team members: Additional major emergency response training

What are the main risks during a helideck emergency?

The main risks during a helideck emergency include helicopter crashes on or near the deck, fire and explosion, rotor blade contact, and the risk of workers or passengers entering the water in a helicopter ditching scenario. Helidecks are located on the edge of offshore installations, often at height, which adds significant complexity to any emergency response.

Fire is one of the most serious hazards. Aviation fuel ignites quickly, and the confined space of a helideck can allow flames to spread rapidly. This is why trained Helideck Assistants are required to be present during every helicopter movement, equipped with firefighting equipment and ready to act immediately.

Helicopter ditching, where the aircraft goes down in the water, presents a different set of challenges. Workers may need to escape from a submerged, inverted helicopter in cold or rough seas, often under stress and with limited visibility. This is precisely the scenario that HUET training is designed to prepare workers for.

How does HUET training prepare workers for helicopter ditching?

HUET training prepares workers for helicopter ditching by simulating the experience of escaping from a submerged helicopter in a controlled pool environment. Participants practice inverting in a mock helicopter cabin, locating and opening emergency exits, and swimming to the surface, both with and without Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS).

The training builds muscle memory and confidence so that workers can act calmly and effectively under pressure. Key skills covered include:

1. Bracing for impact and preparing for water entry
2. Waiting for the cabin to flood and stabilize before attempting escape
3. Locating the emergency exit in low or zero visibility
4. Using a Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS) to extend survival time underwater
5. Inflating a lifejacket after surfacing
6. Signaling and awaiting rescue

HUET is a mandatory component of both the BOSIET and FOET certifications. Workers in tropical regions may also complete the T-BOSIET or T-FOET, which are adapted versions of the same courses for warmer water environments.

Who is responsible for helideck emergency response on an offshore installation?

On an offshore installation, the Helideck Landing Officer (HLO) holds primary responsibility for helideck emergency response. The HLO oversees all helicopter movements, coordinates with the pilot, manages the Helideck Assistants, and takes charge during an emergency on or near the deck. The installation’s Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) retains overall authority for the emergency response operation.

Helideck Assistants support the HLO directly during normal operations and emergencies. They are trained in firefighting, first aid, and rescue procedures specific to helideck environments. The broader emergency response team on the installation, including medics and firefighting teams, will also be mobilized depending on the severity of the incident.

Clear communication between the HLO, the helicopter crew, and the installation’s control room is critical. Roles and responsibilities must be practiced regularly so that every team member knows exactly what to do without hesitation.

How often should helideck emergency drills be carried out?

Helideck emergency drills should be carried out regularly as part of the installation’s overall emergency response schedule. Industry guidance and regulatory requirements typically specify that helideck drills take place at defined intervals, often monthly or quarterly depending on the type of drill and the applicable national regulations. Installations should follow the requirements set by the relevant competent authority and the operating company’s own safety management system.

Drills should cover a range of scenarios, including helicopter fire, helicopter ditching close to the installation, and medical emergencies involving passengers. Realistic and varied drills help ensure that the helideck team remains prepared for different types of incidents, not just the most common ones.

After every drill, a debrief should be held to identify what worked well and what needs improvement. Documentation of drills, outcomes, and corrective actions is important for both internal safety management and regulatory compliance.

Where can offshore workers get certified helideck safety training?

Offshore workers can get certified helideck safety training through OPITO-accredited training providers. OPITO accreditation ensures that the training meets the internationally recognized standards required by operators and regulators in the oil and gas industry. Workers should always verify that their chosen provider holds current OPITO accreditation for the specific course they need.

Training locations are an important practical consideration. Many offshore workers need to complete or renew their certification before traveling to a project, so choosing a training center near a major port, airport, or industry hub saves time and reduces the risk of delays. Training locations near key hubs make it significantly easier to fit certification around project schedules.

For workers requiring HUET as a standalone renewal or as part of a BOSIET or FOET, it is worth checking whether the provider offers flexible scheduling and guaranteed course dates, particularly when working to tight project timelines.

How FMTC Safety helps with helideck emergency training

We offer a full range of OPITO-certified courses for offshore workers and helideck teams, from BOSIET and FOET with HUET to specialist OPITO helideck courses for HDAs and HLOs. Here is what sets us apart:

• Guaranteed course dates: Courses run even with a small number of participants, so your team is never left waiting
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
• Strategic locations: Training centers near airports, ports, and offshore industry hubs in the Netherlands, the United States, France, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, and more
• Experienced instructors: Our trainers are qualified, certified, and have real-world offshore experience, making the training practical and relevant
• 5-star Trustpilot rating: Based on nearly 3,000 reviews from professionals across the offshore and energy sectors

Whether you are an individual worker preparing for your next offshore rotation or an HSE team coordinating training for a larger crew, we make it straightforward to book, complete, and document the certification you need. View our HUET, BOSIET and FOET courses and find a date that fits your schedule.