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24 May 2026
What happens during a HUET underwater escape exercise?
For anyone heading offshore for the first time, the idea of a helicopter underwater escape can feel daunting. But HUET training exists precisely to take that uncertainty away. By the time you complete the exercise, you will know exactly what to do if a helicopter ditches into the water, and that confidence is what keeps people alive. Here is everything you need to know about what HUET training involves, who needs it, and how the process works.
What is a HUET and why is it required for offshore workers?
A HUET, or Helicopter Underwater Escape Trainer, is a simulator designed to replicate the experience of a helicopter capsizing in water. It is required for offshore workers because helicopter transport is one of the primary ways personnel reach offshore installations, and in the event of a water landing, the ability to escape quickly and correctly is critical to survival.
The offshore industry operates under strict safety regulations, and completing HUET- or BOSIET-certified training is a mandatory requirement for anyone who travels to or works on offshore oil, gas, or wind installations. Regulatory bodies such as OPITO set the standards for this training to ensure that every worker who boards a helicopter over open water has practiced what to do if the worst happens.
The requirement is not simply a box-ticking exercise. Helicopter ditching scenarios are disorienting, physically demanding, and happen fast. Training in a controlled environment builds the muscle memory and calm decision-making that could make the difference in a real emergency.
What actually happens during a HUET underwater escape exercise?
During a HUET underwater escape exercise, participants are strapped into a helicopter simulator that is submerged and rotated to simulate a real capsize. Trainees must then locate their exit, release their seatbelt, open the window or door, and escape to the surface, all while submerged and often in a disoriented, inverted position.
The exercise typically follows this sequence:
- Participants board the simulator and are briefed on the procedure by an instructor
- The simulator is lowered into the pool and begins to fill with water
- The unit rotates and inverts, replicating a real capsize
- Participants wait for the movement to stop before acting
- Each person locates their exit, releases their seatbelt, and pushes out the window or hatch
- Participants swim to the surface and are assisted by safety divers in the water
Instructors and safety divers are present throughout the exercise. The environment is controlled, but the physical sensation is realistic enough to prepare participants for genuine emergency conditions.
What equipment is used in a HUET training session?
A HUET training session uses a helicopter fuselage simulator, an indoor or outdoor pool, and personal protective equipment including a survival suit and lifejacket. Participants may also train with a Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS), which provides a short supply of breathable air to assist escape in low-visibility or physically challenging conditions.
The CA-EBS is an important element of the training. In a real ditching, smoke, darkness, or physical injury could make holding your breath while escaping extremely difficult. The CA-EBS gives you a few additional breaths to complete your exit safely. Some HUET course variants include CA-EBS training as standard, while others offer it as an add-on depending on the specific certification required by your employer or project.
How long does a HUET course take and what does it include?
A standalone HUET course typically takes one day to complete. It combines theoretical instruction with the practical pool-based exercise, ensuring participants understand the principles behind the escape procedure before they enter the water.
The course content generally covers:
- Helicopter safety awareness and emergency procedures
- How to operate emergency exits and seatbelt releases
- Correct body position and technique during capsize
- Use of the CA-EBS breathing system if included
- Post-escape survival techniques in open water
HUET is also commonly completed as part of a broader BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training), which covers additional topics including firefighting, sea survival, and first aid. If you are new to offshore work, completing a full BOSIET is usually the most efficient path.
Who needs to complete HUET training before going offshore?
Anyone who travels to an offshore installation by helicopter is required to hold a valid HUET certificate. This includes offshore oil and gas workers, wind technicians, marine crew, engineers, contractors, and any visitor or inspector who boards a helicopter to reach an offshore platform or vessel.
The specific certification required can vary depending on the region, the operator, and the type of installation. In the North Sea, OPITO-certified HUET training is the standard. In other regions, equivalent standards may apply. Your employer or the installation operator will specify which certification you need before travel is approved.
How often do you need to renew your HUET certificate?
A HUET certificate is valid for four years. After that period, you are required to complete a refresher course, known as a FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training), to renew your certification and maintain your eligibility to travel offshore by helicopter.
The FOET covers the same core competencies as the initial training but is designed for those who already have offshore experience. It is shorter than the original course and focuses on refreshing your skills and updating your knowledge of any changes to emergency procedures or equipment. Keeping your certification current is not just a regulatory requirement; it ensures your escape skills stay sharp and reliable.
How FMTC Safety helps you prepare for offshore helicopter travel
We understand that completing mandatory offshore training needs to be straightforward, flexible, and reliable. At FMTC Safety, we offer a full range of OPITO-certified HUET and related courses to meet the requirements of offshore professionals across multiple sectors.
Here is what you can expect when you train with us:
- OPITO-certified HUET courses available with or without CA-EBS, depending on your certification requirements
- Courses guaranteed to run even with a small number of participants
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
- Training locations near major airports, ports, and industry hubs for easy access
- Experienced, qualified instructors with real offshore and emergency response backgrounds
- Options to combine HUET with a full BOSIET for new offshore entrants
Whether you are booking for yourself or arranging training for a team, we make the process as simple as possible. Get in touch with our team to find the right certification for your next offshore project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete HUET training if I'm not a confident swimmer?
Yes, you can still complete HUET training even if you are not a strong swimmer. The exercise takes place in a controlled pool environment with qualified safety divers present at all times, and you will be wearing a lifejacket and survival suit throughout. That said, it is worth informing your training provider beforehand so that instructors can offer additional reassurance and support. Basic water confidence is helpful, but you do not need to be an experienced swimmer to pass the course.
What should I bring and how should I prepare for my HUET course day?
You should arrive well-rested, well-hydrated, and having eaten a light meal beforehand — the physical demands of the pool exercise are manageable, but going in tired or on an empty stomach is not ideal. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and any personal medication you may need, and declare any medical conditions or injuries to your instructor during the pre-course registration. All specialist equipment, including the survival suit, lifejacket, and CA-EBS, is provided by the training centre. Wearing or bringing a swimsuit or fitted base layer under your clothing is also recommended.
Are there any medical conditions that could prevent me from completing HUET training?
Certain medical conditions may affect your ability to safely participate in the underwater escape exercise, including severe claustrophobia, uncontrolled epilepsy, serious cardiovascular conditions, and some ear or sinus disorders. Most training providers, including FMTC Safety, require you to complete a medical self-declaration before the course. If you have a pre-existing condition, it is best to consult your GP and contact the training provider in advance so they can advise whether any adjustments or medical clearance are needed.
What is the difference between a HUET course and a BOSIET, and which one do I need?
A standalone HUET course covers helicopter underwater escape training specifically, while a BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) is a broader certification that includes HUET alongside additional modules such as sea survival, firefighting, and emergency first aid. If you are entering the offshore industry for the first time, a BOSIET is almost always the right choice, as it fulfils the full range of mandatory entry-level safety requirements in one course. If you already hold a valid BOSIET and only need to update your helicopter escape certification, a standalone HUET or FOET refresher may be all that is required — your employer or installation operator will confirm which applies to your situation.
What happens if I freeze or struggle during the underwater escape exercise?
It is completely normal to feel anxious during your first submersion, and instructors are experienced in supporting trainees who feel nervous or momentarily freeze. Safety divers are in the water throughout the exercise and will intervene immediately if anyone is in difficulty. The exercise is paused and repeated if needed, and no one is expected to get it perfect on the first attempt. The goal of the training is to build confidence through practice, and instructors will work with you at a pace that ensures you leave with both the skill and the composure to perform the escape correctly.
Does my HUET certificate transfer between different offshore regions and operators?
An OPITO-certified HUET certificate is widely recognised across the global offshore industry and is accepted by the majority of operators in regions including the North Sea, West Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond. However, some regions or specific operators may have additional local requirements or equivalent standards that sit alongside OPITO certification. Always check with your employer or the installation operator before travelling, as they will confirm exactly which certifications are required for your specific role and destination.
Can my HUET certificate expire while I am working offshore, and what should I do if it does?
Yes, your HUET certificate can expire during a period of offshore employment, and it is your responsibility — along with your employer's — to track your renewal date and book a FOET refresher before it lapses. Most operators will flag an expiring certificate during pre-mobilisation checks, but it is good practice to monitor your own certification dates proactively. If your certificate does expire, you will not be permitted to travel offshore by helicopter until you have completed a valid FOET renewal, so booking well in advance of your expiry date is strongly recommended.
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