Important update: GWO training standards

Dear Valued Client,

We would like to inform you about the upcoming updates to the GWO Training Standards.

From 10 September 2026, the updated GWO Training Standards will become mandatory for all GWO-approved training providers, including FMTC Safety. These revisions have been introduced to further improve the quality and consistency of training, ensuring your crew is even better prepared for real-life working conditions in the (offshore) wind industry.

Several changes will affect how organisations plan and manage GWO training. To help you prepare, we have summarised the most important updates and their practical impact on your workforce.

At FMTC Safety, we understand that changes to training standards can affect workforce planning, certification management and operational scheduling. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible by providing clear information, practical guidance and tailored support.

Our team is available to support you with:

• Understanding how the new standards affect your organisation.
• Planning initial and refresher training efficiently.
• Managing certification validity and renewal requirements.
• Selecting the most suitable training pathway for your crew.
• Ensuring your LMS is aligned with the new requirements.

Key changes at a glance

• BST Refresher e-learning: No longer permitted. All refresher training will be instructor-led.
• Greater focus on practical learning for the Refresher: Theory is integrated into practical exercises called skill stations and realistic workplace scenarios.
• Sea Survival Initial: Training duration increases by 50 minutes.
• Sea Survival Refresher: Training duration decreases by 2 hours.
• ART Refresher: No longer renews Working at Height and Manual Handling certificates.
• ART: Single Rescuer modules are now integrated into the Initial ART programme.
• BTT: Introduction of the new Hazardous Energies Basic Safety (HEBS) module.

More practical learning, better prepared crew

One of the most significant changes across the revised GWO standards is the increased emphasis on practical competence for refresher delegates.

Instead of separating theory from practical exercises, delegates will complete skill stations, where theoretical knowledge is immediately applied before progressing to realistic workplace scenarios. This approach strengthens knowledge retention, improves practical performance and better prepares crew for the situations they encounter on site during projects.

This way of learning results in:

• Delegates spending more time actively participating in practical exercises.
• Theory being applied directly during hands-on activities.
• Training reflecting real operational situations more closely.
• Competence being demonstrated through practical performance rather than classroom-based theory.

Basic Safety Training Refresher fully instructor-led

The e-learning option for Basic Safety Training refresher training will no longer be available. The theoretical content previously completed online has been fully integrated into the practical sessions through skill stations. From 10 September 2026, BST refresher training will no longer be available as e-learning.

Changes to course duration

Most training modules remain unchanged in duration. The most notable adjustments are:

• Sea Survival Initial increases by approximately 50 minutes.
• Sea Survival Refresher is reduced by approximately 2 hours. This makes it possible to complete the training in half a day.
• Several other BST refresher modules have minor reductions in duration, with minimal impact on overall training planning.

Enhanced practical exercises

To better reflect today’s offshore wind operations, several new or enhanced practical exercises have been introduced, including:

• Sea Survival: Motion Compensated Gangway (Walk-to-Work) awareness.
• Sea Survival: Reintroduction of flipping an inverted marine liferaft.
• Working at Height: Updates to the rescue scenarios.
• First Aid: Realistic emergency response scenarios for refresher training.

These additions are designed to further strengthen delegates’ practical competence and confidence in real-life working conditions.

Important change to Advanced Rescue Training (ART)

One of the most significant changes for employers concerns certification renewal. From 10 September 2026, successfully completing an ART Refresher will no longer renew the following certifications:

• Working at Height
• Manual Handling

Delegates who require these certificates must now maintain them separately by completing the relevant BST Refresher modules.

We recommend reviewing certification expiry dates in advance to ensure training schedules remain compliant. Our team is happy to assist you in planning the most efficient certification pathway.

Wind Limited Access (WLA)

The revised Wind Limited Access standard includes only minor updates. There are no significant changes to course duration, certification or entry requirements, so organisations currently booking this training do not need to make any adjustments.

Basic Technical Training (BTT)

The updated BTT standard introduces a new module:

Hazardous Energies Basic Safety (HEBS)

This two-hour module provides additional awareness of hazardous energy sources encountered during wind turbine installation and maintenance activities.

Planning ahead together

The updated GWO standards represent an important step towards even more practical, consistent and effective training across the (offshore) wind industry.

By understanding these changes, your organisation can plan training efficiently, minimise disruption and ensure employees maintain the certifications they need.

If you have any questions about how these updates may affect your organisation, or if you would like support in planning your training programme, please contact your Account Manager or our Customer Support Team. We’re happy to assist you in finding the best training solution for your organisation.