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9 Jun 2026
How much does FOET cost?
If you work offshore and your BOSIET or HUET certificate is approaching its expiry date, chances are you have already heard about FOET. But what exactly does it involve, and how much should you expect to pay? This article answers the most common questions about FOET cost, renewal frequency, and where to complete the training.
What is FOET and who needs it?
FOET, or Further Offshore Emergency Training, is the refresher course that offshore workers complete to renew their basic offshore survival certification. It is the follow-up to BOSIET (Basic Offshore Emergency Training) and is required for anyone working in the oil and gas industry who needs to maintain a valid OPITO offshore safety certificate.
The course covers the same core competencies as the initial BOSIET, including helicopter underwater escape, sea survival, firefighting, and first aid, but in a condensed format designed for experienced professionals. FOET is internationally recognised and accepted by operators and installation managers across the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Middle East, and other offshore regions. If your BOSIET certificate is nearing the end of its four-year validity period, FOET is the course you need to stay compliant and keep working offshore.
How much does FOET training cost?
FOET training typically costs between €400 and €700, depending on the location, training centre, and whether the course includes additional modules such as compressed air emergency breathing systems (CA-EBS). Prices can vary across countries, with training in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France generally falling within a similar range, while costs in the United States may differ.
It is worth checking what is included in the quoted price before booking. Some providers include the OPITO registration fee and certificate issuance in the course fee, while others list these separately. Always confirm whether the price covers the full course or only the training day itself. You can view current pricing and available dates for OPITO HUET, FOET and BOSIET courses to compare your options.
What affects the price of a FOET course?
Several factors influence the final FOET course fee you will pay. Understanding these can help you plan your budget and avoid unexpected costs.
- Location: Training centres in major offshore hubs or near airports may charge differently than those in more remote areas.
- Included modules: A standard FOET costs less than one that includes CA-EBS or other add-on components required by certain operators.
- Provider accreditation: OPITO-accredited centres follow standardised quality requirements, which can affect pricing compared to non-accredited alternatives.
- Group or individual booking: Some providers offer reduced rates for group bookings made by companies or crewing teams.
- Last-minute availability: Booking well in advance often gives you access to better pricing and more scheduling flexibility.
How often do you need to renew your FOET certificate?
Your FOET certificate is valid for four years. After completing FOET, you must renew it again before it expires by completing another FOET course. This four-year renewal cycle continues throughout your offshore career as long as you remain active in roles that require OPITO certification.
It is important not to let your certificate lapse. If your FOET expires, you may be required to retake the full BOSIET course rather than the shorter refresher, which takes more time and costs significantly more. Most offshore workers and their employers track expiry dates carefully and schedule renewal training well in advance to avoid any disruption to project assignments.
Is FOET covered by your employer or do you pay yourself?
In most cases, employers cover the cost of FOET training, particularly for permanent employees or long-term contractors. Since FOET is a mandatory certification required to work offshore, many operators and installation owners expect their workforce to hold a valid certificate, and covering training costs is a standard part of employment in the sector.
However, freelancers and independent contractors often pay for their own FOET and treat it as a professional investment. In some countries, self-employed offshore workers may be able to deduct training costs as a business expense. If you are unsure who is responsible for covering your training fee, check your contract or speak with your HR or QHSE department before booking. You are also welcome to contact FMTC Safety if you have questions about your specific situation.
Where can you do FOET training near you?
FOET training is available at OPITO-accredited centres in key offshore regions around the world. In Europe, courses run regularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. In the United States, training is available at centres serving the Gulf of Mexico workforce. The Middle East is also covered, with locations in Saudi Arabia.
When choosing where to train, look for a centre that is conveniently located relative to your home base or project departure point. Many professionals complete their FOET at a centre near an international airport or port so they can travel directly to their offshore assignment afterwards. You can explore all available offshore training options to find the most convenient option for your schedule.
How FMTC Safety helps you complete your FOET on time
We understand that offshore professionals cannot afford delays when it comes to certification. Whether you are renewing your FOET as an individual or coordinating training for an entire crew, we make the process straightforward and reliable.
Here is what we offer:
- Guaranteed course continuity: Your course runs even with a small number of participants, so you never face last-minute cancellations.
- Flexible scheduling: Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts gives you peace of mind.
- Strategic locations: Our centres are situated near airports, ports, and industry hubs across the Netherlands, USA, France, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia.
- OPITO-accredited training: Certificates are issued directly by OPITO and recognised globally by operators and installation managers.
- Experienced instructors: Our trainers bring real-world offshore experience into the classroom, keeping the training practical and relevant.
Ready to book your FOET? View available dates and secure your place on our OPITO FOET with CA-EBS course page and keep your offshore certification up to date without the stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take FOET before my current certificate expires, or do I have to wait until it runs out?
You can and should complete your FOET before your certificate expires — there is no need to wait until the expiry date. In fact, most offshore professionals book their renewal training one to three months in advance to avoid any gap in certification. Completing FOET early does not shorten your next four-year validity period; the new certificate typically starts from the date of the training, so it is always better to plan ahead rather than cut it close.
What happens if my FOET certificate has already expired — do I have to retake the full BOSIET?
If your FOET certificate has lapsed, you will generally be required to retake the full BOSIET course rather than the shorter FOET refresher. BOSIET takes longer to complete and costs significantly more, so letting your certificate expire can be a costly mistake. The exact requirement may depend on how long your certificate has been expired and the specific operator or installation manager's policy, so it is worth checking with your employer or training provider as soon as possible.
Does FOET include the same helicopter underwater escape training (HUET) as the original BOSIET?
Yes, FOET includes helicopter underwater escape training (HUET) as a core component, just as the original BOSIET does. You will practise escaping from a submerged helicopter simulator, which is one of the most critical skills for offshore workers. The FOET is designed as a condensed refresher for experienced professionals, so while the content mirrors BOSIET, the pace assumes you already have a foundational understanding of the procedures.
What is CA-EBS and do I need it included in my FOET course?
CA-EBS stands for Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System — a device used to provide a short supply of breathable air during helicopter underwater escape. Whether you need this module included in your FOET depends on the requirements of your specific operator or the installation you are working on. Before booking, check your deployment paperwork or ask your employer's QHSE department whether CA-EBS is mandatory for your assignment, as adding it will affect the total course cost.
How long does a FOET course take to complete?
A standard FOET course is typically completed in one day, making it a much shorter commitment than the original BOSIET, which usually spans two days. The condensed format is intentional — FOET is designed for experienced offshore workers who are refreshing existing skills rather than learning them for the first time. If your course includes additional modules such as CA-EBS, allow for a slightly longer training day or an additional half-day depending on the provider's schedule.
Is my FOET certificate valid worldwide, or only in certain regions?
FOET is an OPITO-accredited certification, which means it is internationally recognised and accepted by operators and installation managers across major offshore regions including the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Middle East, and beyond. However, some regions or specific operators may have additional local requirements on top of the standard OPITO certification. Always confirm with your employer or the relevant operator that your FOET certificate meets the specific requirements of the country or installation where you will be working.
Can my employer book FOET training for a group, and is there a cost benefit to doing so?
Yes, many OPITO-accredited training centres, including FMTC Safety, accommodate group bookings for companies, crewing teams, and operators who need to renew certification for multiple employees at once. Group bookings can sometimes come with reduced per-person rates and the added convenience of coordinating everyone's renewal on the same date and location. If you are responsible for managing your team's offshore certifications, contacting the training provider directly to discuss group rates and scheduling options is the most efficient approach.
