What happens during a HUET course?

A HUET course teaches you how to escape from a helicopter that has ditched into the water. During the training, you practice underwater escape techniques inside a realistic helicopter simulator that is submerged and inverted. The course is designed for anyone who travels by helicopter to offshore locations, and it is one of the most important safety requirements in the offshore industry. Below, this article answers the most common questions about what the training involves.

What skills does a HUET course actually teach you?

A HUET course teaches you the practical skills needed to survive a helicopter ditching in water. You learn how to brace for impact, release your seatbelt underwater, locate and open the emergency exit, and swim to the surface safely. The training also covers the use of emergency breathing systems and basic sea survival techniques.

The goal is to build muscle memory so that, in a real emergency, you can act quickly and calmly even in disorienting conditions. Instructors walk you through each skill step by step before you enter the water, so you understand exactly what to do and why. The training covers:

• Correct brace position during a helicopter water impact
• Seatbelt release techniques when submerged
• Emergency exit operation underwater
• Controlled underwater escape and ascent
• Use of a Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS)
• Basic sea survival and personal flotation device use

These skills are not just theoretical. Every participant practices them physically in the pool, which is what makes helicopter underwater escape training genuinely effective.

What does the helicopter simulator exercise involve?

The helicopter simulator exercise involves being seated inside a mock helicopter cabin that is lowered into a pool, rotated, and fully submerged. You must then perform the escape sequence you practiced on dry land, including releasing your seatbelt, opening the exit hatch, and exiting the cabin underwater before surfacing.

Most HUET courses include multiple simulator runs, with increasing difficulty. Your first run may be a straightforward submersion without inversion, while later runs involve the cabin rotating 180 degrees so you are upside down underwater. This prepares you for the most realistic and disorienting scenario possible.

Trained instructors and safety divers are present in the pool at all times. Their role is to observe your technique and assist if needed, ensuring the exercise is challenging but always safe. The simulator is designed to closely replicate the interior of real offshore helicopters, including the seating layout and exit positions.

Is a HUET course physically demanding?

A HUET course is moderately physically demanding. You need to be comfortable in water and capable of swimming a short distance, but you do not need to be an athlete or a strong swimmer. The exercises are designed to be achievable for most working adults who meet the basic medical fitness requirements.

That said, the experience of being submerged and inverted can feel intense, particularly for people who are not used to being in water. The training builds up gradually, giving you time to grow confident before the more challenging runs. Participants who feel anxious beforehand often find that the structured approach of the course makes the exercises far more manageable than expected.

Before attending, you will typically need to confirm that you meet basic health and fitness criteria. Anyone with serious heart conditions, respiratory issues, or severe claustrophobia should speak with a medical professional before enrolling. Most providers will outline the specific fitness requirements when you book.

How long does a HUET course take to complete?

A standard HUET course takes approximately one day to complete. The exact duration depends on the specific course variant and whether it includes additional modules such as the Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS) component, which extends the training slightly.

The day is divided between classroom theory, poolside briefings, and the practical simulator exercises. The theory portion covers helicopter safety, ditching procedures, and emergency protocols. The practical portion takes place in the pool and typically includes several simulator runs per participant.

If you are completing HUET as part of a broader offshore survival programme such as BOSIET, the helicopter escape module is integrated into a multi-day course. For standalone HUET and FOET courses, a single day is the standard format.

What certificate do you receive after HUET training?

After completing HUET training, you receive an OPITO-accredited certificate confirming that you have passed the Helicopter Underwater Escape Training standard. This certification is internationally recognized and accepted by operators across the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and other major offshore regions.

The certificate is valid for four years. After that period, you are required to complete a refresher course known as FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) to renew your certification. Keeping your certificate current is essential if you want to maintain access to offshore helicopter flights.

Your certification details are registered in the OPITO database, which operators and employers can verify directly. This makes the documentation process straightforward for both individual workers and the companies that manage their compliance.

Who is required to complete HUET training?

HUET training is required for anyone who travels to or from an offshore installation by helicopter. This includes offshore oil and gas workers, wind energy technicians working on offshore wind farms, maritime professionals, and contractors visiting offshore platforms for any reason.

The requirement is set by operators and enforced by industry safety standards, particularly in regions governed by OPITO certification requirements. In practice, if your role involves helicopter travel over water to an offshore worksite, you will need a valid HUET certificate before you are permitted to board.

The following groups are most commonly required to hold HUET certification:

1. Offshore oil and gas workers travelling to platforms by helicopter
2. Wind turbine technicians working on offshore wind installations
3. Engineers, supervisors, and inspectors visiting offshore sites
4. Contractors and freelancers assigned to offshore projects
5. Crew members on vessels that operate helicopter deck facilities

If you are unsure whether your specific role requires HUET certification, check with your employer, the project operator, or the relevant regulatory body for your region. Requirements can vary depending on location and the type of installation involved.

How we help you complete your HUET certification

We at FMTC Safety offer OPITO-accredited HUET training at strategically located training centers, making it easy to complete your certification before heading to your next offshore project. Our instructors are experienced professionals who combine technical knowledge with a practical, hands-on teaching approach.

Here is what you can expect when you book your HUET course with us:

• OPITO-accredited training that meets international offshore requirements
• Courses available at multiple locations, including sites near major ports and airports
• Guaranteed course continuity, even with a small group of participants
• Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
• Clear documentation and certification registered in the OPITO system
• Friendly, experienced instructors who guide you through every step

Whether you are booking for yourself or coordinating training for a team, we make the process straightforward. Book your HUET course directly online, or contact us if you have questions about the right course variant for your situation.