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25 Jul 2026
How long is a BOSIET course?
If you work in the offshore oil and gas industry, completing a BOSIET course is one of the first steps you need to take before setting foot on a platform or vessel. But before you book, it helps to know exactly what to expect: how long the training takes, what you will learn, and how long your certificate stays valid. Here are the most common questions answered clearly.
What is a BOSIET course?
A BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) course is a mandatory OPITO-certified safety training programme designed for professionals who are new to working offshore in the oil and gas industry. It provides the foundational safety knowledge and practical skills required before starting any offshore assignment for the first time.
The BOSIET is widely recognised across the global offshore industry and is a requirement set by operators, contractors and regulatory bodies in regions including the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. The course covers survival techniques, firefighting, helicopter safety and emergency response, giving workers the confidence and competence to respond effectively in a real emergency.
Because it is an OPITO basic course, the BOSIET is a starting point. Once certified, offshore workers renew their training through a shorter refresher course called the FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training).
How long does a BOSIET course take to complete?
A BOSIET course typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete, depending on the specific variant and the training centre delivering it. The OPITO BOSIET with CA-EBS runs over approximately 3.5 to 4 days of combined theoretical and practical training.
The duration reflects the depth and intensity of the content. This is not a classroom-only course. A significant portion of the time is spent on hands-on practical exercises, including real water-based survival drills and helicopter underwater escape training (HUET). These physical components require dedicated time to complete safely and thoroughly.
What is covered each day of the BOSIET training?
The BOSIET programme is structured across multiple days, with each day building on the last. While the exact schedule varies slightly between accredited training centres, the training typically follows this progression:
- Day 1: Safety induction, offshore hazard awareness, manual handling and introduction to emergency procedures
- Day 2: Firefighting theory and practical fire exercises, including use of breathing apparatus
- Day 3: Sea survival training, including life raft deployment and survival techniques in open water
- Day 4: Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), including underwater egress exercises and CA-EBS use, followed by assessments and certification
Each module is designed to be practical and realistic. Instructors with hands-on offshore experience guide participants through scenarios that reflect real emergency situations. This approach ensures that the training is relevant and directly applicable to working life offshore.
Is there a shorter version of the BOSIET course?
Yes. The T-BOSIET (Tropical BOSIET) is a shorter variant designed for professionals working in tropical offshore environments, typically outside the North Sea. It covers the same core safety competencies but is adapted for warmer climates where certain cold-water survival elements are not applicable, making it slightly shorter in duration.
There is also the e-BOSIET, which combines online pre-learning with a reduced number of days in the classroom and practical training centre. The e-learning component covers theoretical knowledge, allowing participants to arrive at the training centre already prepared for the practical elements. This can reduce the time spent on-site without reducing the quality or validity of the certification.
If you are unsure which variant applies to your role or region, contact FMTC Safety and we can help you identify the right course for your assignment.
How long is a BOSIET certificate valid for?
A BOSIET certificate is valid for 4 years from the date of completion. After this period, offshore workers are required to complete a FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) to renew their certification and maintain their eligibility to work offshore.
It is important to track your certificate expiry date carefully. Many offshore operators and contractors will not allow workers on-site with an expired certificate, and last-minute renewals can cause project delays. Building in enough lead time before your certificate expires ensures you can book a refresher course without disrupting your work schedule.
Where can you complete a BOSIET course?
BOSIET courses must be completed at an OPITO-approved training centre. OPITO accreditation ensures that the training meets the required safety standards and that the certificate is recognised by offshore operators worldwide. Not all training providers hold this accreditation, so it is important to verify this before booking.
Training centres are often located near major offshore industry hubs, ports and airports to make it practical for workers travelling to and from projects. Locations across the Netherlands, the United States, France, Belgium and Saudi Arabia are among the regions where OPITO-approved safety training is available.
How FMTC Safety helps you complete your BOSIET training
We offer a full range of OPITO HUET, FOET and BOSIET courses for offshore professionals in the oil and gas industry. Whether you are completing your first BOSIET or looking for a convenient location to renew your certification, we make the process straightforward.
- OPITO-certified instructors with real offshore experience
- Multiple training locations near airports, ports and industry hubs
- Guaranteed course continuity, even with a single participant
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
- Both standard BOSIET and e-BOSIET options available
- Certificates issued directly by OPITO and recognised globally
Ready to book your BOSIET? View our BOSIET course dates and locations and secure your spot today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete a BOSIET course if I have a medical condition or physical limitation?
Because the BOSIET includes physically demanding elements such as underwater escape drills and open-water survival exercises, participants must meet a minimum level of fitness and health. You will typically need to provide an approved offshore medical certificate (such as an OGUK or equivalent) before attending. If you have a specific medical condition or physical limitation, contact your training centre in advance so they can advise on whether any adjustments or alternative arrangements can be made.
What should I bring to my BOSIET training?
Most training centres will send you a pre-course information pack confirming exactly what to bring, but as a general rule you should arrive with comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity, a swimsuit or swim shorts for the water-based exercises, and any required identification or pre-course documentation. If you are completing the e-BOSIET, make sure your online pre-learning modules are fully completed before your first day on-site, as instructors may verify this before allowing you to proceed.
What happens if I fail an assessment during the BOSIET course?
The BOSIET is competency-based rather than exam-based in the traditional sense, meaning assessors are evaluating whether you can demonstrate the required skills safely and correctly. If you struggle with a particular element, instructors will typically provide additional guidance and give you the opportunity to attempt it again. In cases where a participant is unable to meet the required standard, the training centre will advise on next steps, which may include rebooking specific modules rather than repeating the entire course.
Is the BOSIET certificate recognised worldwide, or only in specific regions?
The BOSIET is an OPITO-certified qualification, and OPITO accreditation is recognised by offshore operators across the globe, including in the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. However, some regions or specific operators may have additional local requirements on top of the BOSIET, so it is always worth confirming with your employer or the operator you are working for that your certification meets all requirements for your specific assignment.
How far in advance should I book my BOSIET course?
Booking at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance is generally recommended, particularly if you have a fixed start date for an offshore assignment. Popular course dates at well-located training centres can fill up quickly, and leaving it too late risks delaying your deployment. If your current BOSIET certificate is approaching its expiry date, aim to schedule your FOET renewal well before the deadline to avoid any gap in certification that could affect your ability to work offshore.
What is the difference between the BOSIET and the FOET, and do I ever need to go back to a full BOSIET?
The BOSIET is the initial certification taken by first-time offshore workers, while the FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) is the shorter refresher course completed every 4 years to keep your certification current. In most cases, you will continue renewing with the FOET throughout your career and will not need to repeat the full BOSIET. However, if your certification has lapsed for an extended period, some operators may require you to retake the full BOSIET rather than the FOET, so staying on top of your renewal dates is important.
Can my employer arrange group BOSIET training for a team, or does each person need to book individually?
Many OPITO-approved training centres, including FMTC Safety, can accommodate group bookings for teams or companies sending multiple workers through the BOSIET at the same time. Booking as a group can simplify logistics and scheduling, and some centres offer dedicated course dates for corporate clients. If you are coordinating training for a team, it is best to contact the training centre directly to discuss availability, group rates and any specific requirements your organisation may have.
