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27 Jun 2026
What is a helideck emergency response team course?
Working on a helideck requires more than just technical skill. It demands a specific set of emergency response competencies that can mean the difference between a controlled situation and a serious incident. A helideck emergency response team course equips personnel with the knowledge and practical skills to respond effectively when things go wrong during offshore helicopter operations. Whether you are new to helideck duties or looking to refresh your qualifications, understanding what this training involves is essential.
What is a helideck emergency response team course?
A helideck emergency response team course, often referred to as a HERTC course, is a certified safety training programme designed for personnel who form part of the emergency response team on an offshore helideck. It trains participants to manage helicopter emergencies, including fires, crash landings, and medical incidents, in a structured and coordinated way.
The course focuses on the specific hazards associated with helicopter operations on offshore installations. Unlike general offshore safety training, the HERTC is tailored to the helideck environment, covering team roles, communication protocols, firefighting techniques suited to aviation fuel, and casualty handling. It is a hands-on, practical course that simulates real emergency scenarios to build genuine competence under pressure.
Who needs to take a helideck emergency response team course?
The helideck emergency response team course is required for any personnel designated to serve on a helideck emergency response team (HERT) on an offshore installation. This typically includes helideck assistants, helideck landing officers, and other platform crew members assigned to helideck duties.
In practice, this means the course is relevant to a broad range of offshore workers. If your role involves being on standby during helicopter arrivals and departures, or if you are part of the first response team in the event of a helicopter incident, this training is mandatory. Operators and installation managers are responsible for ensuring that all designated HERT members hold a valid certification before taking on these responsibilities.
What does a helideck emergency response team course cover?
The course covers the full range of skills and knowledge required to respond to helicopter emergencies on an offshore helideck. Content is both theoretical and practical, ensuring participants understand the principles behind each procedure as well as how to execute them under pressure.
Core topics typically include:
- Helideck layout, hazards, and safety zones
- Roles and responsibilities within the emergency response team
- Helicopter familiarisation and emergency exit procedures
- Firefighting techniques specific to aviation fuel and helicopter structures
- Casualty handling and basic first aid on the helideck
- Communication and coordination during an emergency
- Use of personal protective equipment and firefighting equipment
- Post-incident procedures and reporting
The practical elements are particularly important. Participants work through simulated emergency scenarios that replicate the conditions and time pressure of a real incident, building confidence and muscle memory alongside theoretical understanding.
How long does a helideck emergency response team course take?
A helideck emergency response team course typically takes one to two days to complete, depending on the training provider and the specific syllabus followed. Initial certification courses tend to be longer, while refresher courses for those renewing an existing qualification are usually shorter.
The certification is not a one-time requirement. HERTC qualifications have a validity period, after which personnel must complete a refresher or revalidation course to maintain their certification. Staying on top of renewal dates is important, as an expired certificate can prevent you from performing helideck duties and may affect your ability to work on certain installations.
Which certification standards apply to a helideck emergency response team course?
Helideck emergency response team training is governed by standards set by OPITO, the global standards body for the oil, gas, and energy workforce. OPITO’s HERTC standard defines the learning outcomes, assessment criteria, and validity periods that accredited training providers must follow.
OPITO-accredited training is recognised internationally across the offshore oil and gas industry, making it the benchmark for helideck safety competence. Some regions or operators may have additional requirements, but OPITO certification forms the foundation. If you are also required to complete helicopter underwater escape training, you may want to explore OPITO HUET, FOET and BOSIET courses alongside your HERTC qualification, as these are often required together for offshore helicopter travel.
Where can you take a helideck emergency response team course?
Helideck emergency response team courses are available at OPITO-accredited training centres located near major offshore industry hubs. When choosing a training location, it is worth considering proximity to your port of departure, airport access, and course availability to avoid delays to your project schedule.
Training centres are typically located near offshore operational centres in regions such as the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Middle East. Selecting an accredited provider ensures your certification will be recognised by operators and installation managers worldwide. If you have questions about the most convenient option for your situation, do not hesitate to contact our team for guidance.
How FMTC Safety supports your helideck emergency response training
We at FMTC Safety understand that offshore professionals need reliable, flexible training that fits around demanding project schedules. As a globally certified safety training provider with a strong track record in offshore and helideck safety training, we are well positioned to support individuals and organisations with their HERTC and related certification needs.
When you train with us, you can expect:
- Guaranteed course dates that run even with small groups, so you are never left waiting for a full class
- Flexible cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts, free of charge
- Strategically located training centres near airports, ports, and offshore industry hubs for maximum convenience
- Qualified, experienced instructors with real-world offshore backgrounds who make training practical and relevant
- OPITO-accredited programmes that are recognised internationally across the offshore sector
If you are preparing for helideck duties or need to renew an existing qualification, explore our full range of OPITO helideck courses or get in touch with our team to find the right training solution for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a helideck emergency response team course if I have no prior firefighting or offshore experience?
Yes, the HERTC is designed to be accessible to personnel at various experience levels, including those new to helideck duties. The course builds foundational knowledge from the ground up, covering helideck hazards, team roles, and firefighting techniques in a structured way. That said, having completed basic offshore safety training beforehand — such as a BOSIET — is typically a prerequisite, so check with your training provider or employer before enrolling.
How often do I need to renew my HERTC certification?
OPITO HERTC certifications have a defined validity period, typically three years, after which you must complete a refresher or revalidation course to keep your qualification active. It is important to track your expiry date carefully, as an lapsed certificate can disqualify you from performing helideck duties and may delay your mobilisation to an offshore installation. Many employers and operators will flag upcoming renewals, but ultimately it is your responsibility to stay current.
What is the difference between an initial HERTC course and a refresher course?
An initial HERTC course is for personnel who have never held the certification before and covers the full syllabus, including all theoretical modules and practical emergency scenario exercises — typically taking one to two days. A refresher or revalidation course is a shorter programme designed for those renewing an existing, valid (or recently expired) qualification, focusing on updating skills and knowledge rather than starting from scratch. If your certificate has been expired for a significant period, your training provider may require you to retake the full initial course.
What should I wear or bring to a helideck emergency response team course?
Most training providers will supply the specialist personal protective equipment (PPE) used during practical exercises, such as firefighting suits and breathing apparatus, so you do not need to bring your own. You should wear comfortable, practical clothing suitable for physical activity, as the course involves hands-on drills and simulated emergency scenarios. It is always worth confirming specific requirements with your training provider in advance, as some centres may have additional guidance on footwear or personal items.
Does the HERTC cover medical emergencies, or is separate first aid training required?
The HERTC does include casualty handling and basic first aid as it applies specifically to the helideck environment — for example, managing injured passengers following a crash landing. However, it is not a substitute for a dedicated offshore first aid or medical emergency response course. Depending on your role and your operator's requirements, you may need to hold both qualifications, so it is worth reviewing your installation's competency requirements with your employer or safety officer.
Is HERTC certification recognised globally, or only in specific regions?
Because the HERTC is governed by OPITO — the internationally recognised standards body for the oil, gas, and energy sector — certification earned at any OPITO-accredited training centre is broadly recognised across the global offshore industry. This means your qualification should be accepted whether you are working in the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Middle East, or other major offshore regions. Some operators or national regulators may have additional local requirements, so it is always sensible to confirm recognition with your specific operator before mobilising.
Can organisations book group or on-site HERTC training for their teams?
Many OPITO-accredited training providers, including FMTC Safety, can accommodate group bookings for teams requiring HERTC certification at the same time, which can simplify scheduling and reduce downtime for operators. In some cases, on-site or bespoke training arrangements may also be possible depending on the provider and the size of the group. Getting in touch directly with your chosen training centre is the best way to explore the most practical and cost-effective option for your organisation's needs.
