How long is a FOET course?

A FOET course typically takes one day to complete. More specifically, the Further Offshore Emergency Training course runs for around 8 to 10 hours, depending on the training center and the specific variant you take. It is a refresher course designed for offshore professionals whose BOSIET or previous FOET certificate is approaching its expiry date. This article covers everything you need to know about FOET training, from what it involves to where you can take it.

What does a FOET course involve?

A FOET course, or Further Offshore Emergency Training, is an OPITO-accredited refresher course that updates and reinforces the emergency survival skills you first learned during your BOSIET. The course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical exercises, ensuring you stay competent and confident in real offshore emergency situations.

The training typically covers the following core areas:

• Helicopter underwater escape training (HUET), including practice in an escape simulator
• Sea survival techniques, such as using a life raft and personal survival equipment
• Firefighting and fire prevention awareness
• First aid and emergency response procedures
• Helicopter safety briefings and emergency drills

Because FOET is a refresher rather than an introductory course, the pace is generally faster than a BOSIET course. Instructors assume a baseline level of knowledge and focus on reinforcing the skills that matter most in an offshore emergency environment.

How long does a FOET course take to complete?

The FOET course duration is typically one full day, running approximately 8 to 10 hours including both theory and practical sessions. The exact FOET course length may vary slightly depending on the training provider, the specific OPITO standard being delivered, and whether the course includes a Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS) module.

Some variants, such as the Tropical FOET (T-FOET), may have slightly different scheduling requirements due to additional content tailored to tropical offshore environments. In all cases, the course is designed to be completed within a single working day, making it practical for professionals with tight project schedules.

How often do you need to renew your FOET certificate?

Your FOET certificate is valid for four years from the date of issue. Before it expires, you must complete another FOET course to renew your certification and maintain your eligibility to work offshore. Letting your certificate lapse can prevent you from being deployed to a project, so keeping track of your expiry date is essential.

Many offshore professionals and the companies that employ them set calendar reminders well in advance of the expiry date. Booking your FOET training at least a few months before your certificate expires gives you enough buffer to accommodate scheduling changes or unexpected delays.

What’s the difference between BOSIET and FOET?

The key difference between BOSIET and FOET is that BOSIET is the initial offshore survival course you take before your first offshore deployment, while FOET is the renewal course you complete every four years to keep your certification active.

BOSIET, which stands for Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training, is longer and more comprehensive. It is designed for people who have never worked offshore before and need a full introduction to offshore safety procedures. FOET builds on that foundation by refreshing and updating your existing knowledge and skills rather than starting from scratch.

Both courses are OPITO-accredited, and both include practical helicopter escape and sea survival exercises. The main practical difference is time: a BOSIET typically takes two to three days, while a FOET or BOSIET course refresher can be completed in a single day.

Who needs to take a FOET course?

Anyone who has previously completed a BOSIET and works, or plans to work, in the offshore oil and gas sector needs to complete a FOET course before their current certificate expires. This applies to a wide range of offshore professionals, regardless of their specific role on the installation.

Common roles that require FOET certification include:

• Offshore engineers and technicians
• Drilling and production personnel
• Catering and accommodation staff working offshore
• Contractors and freelancers on short-term offshore assignments
• Supervisors and managers visiting offshore facilities

If you are unsure whether your role requires FOET training, your employer, crewing agency, or the operator of the offshore installation will be able to confirm the specific certification requirements for your project.

Where can you take an OPITO-accredited FOET course?

OPITO-accredited FOET courses are available at certified training centers around the world. When choosing a provider, it is important to confirm that the center holds current OPITO accreditation, as only accredited providers can issue recognized FOET certificates.

Training locations are often positioned near major offshore industry hubs, airports, and ports to make it easier for professionals to complete their training before traveling to a project. When comparing providers, consider the following:

1. OPITO accreditation status: Verify that the training center is officially accredited by OPITO.
2. Location convenience: Choose a center close to your home base or departure point.
3. Course availability: Check that scheduled dates align with your project timeline.
4. Flexibility: Look for providers that offer free cancellation or rescheduling options in case your plans change.
5. CA-EBS module: Confirm whether the course includes the compressed air emergency breathing system component, which some operators require.

You can find our training locations across the Netherlands, Belgium, France, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, all chosen for their proximity to key industry hubs.

How FMTC Safety helps you complete your FOET training

We at FMTC Safety make it straightforward to book and complete your FOET training without unnecessary stress or delay. Whether you are an individual contractor managing your own certification or an HR team coordinating training for a larger group, we offer a practical and reliable solution.

Here is what you can expect when you book with us:

• OPITO-accredited FOET courses delivered by qualified, experienced instructors
• Guaranteed course continuity, meaning your training takes place even with a small group
• Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
• Strategic training locations near airports, ports, and offshore industry hubs across multiple countries
• Multiple FOET variants available, including the standard FOET with CA-EBS and the Tropical FOET

Ready to book your FOET training? View our available dates and locations on the OPITO FOET course page and secure your spot today.