What is FOET training?

FOET training, or Further Offshore Emergency Training, is a refresher course for offshore workers who already hold a BOSIET (Basic Offshore Emergency Training) certificate. It covers the same core survival and emergency response skills as the initial certification, but in a condensed format designed to keep your knowledge and practical abilities current. Below, we answer the most common questions about the FOET course so you know exactly what to expect.

Who needs to complete FOET training?

Anyone working offshore who holds an existing BOSIET certificate needs to complete FOET training before their certification expires. This applies to a wide range of professionals, including offshore oil and gas workers, maintenance technicians, catering and support staff, and anyone else required to travel to or work on an offshore installation. Employers and operators typically require a valid OPITO FOET certificate as a condition of site access.

If you work in the offshore wind sector, you may follow a different refresher pathway under GWO standards. FOET is specifically tied to the OPITO framework and is most commonly required for oil, gas, and petrochemical offshore environments.

What does FOET training cover?

FOET training covers the core emergency response and survival skills that every offshore worker needs to maintain. Because it is a refresher course, the content mirrors the BOSIET curriculum but focuses on reinforcing practical competency rather than introducing concepts from scratch.

The main topics covered in a FOET course include:

• Helicopter underwater escape training (HUET), including use of a Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS)
• Sea survival techniques, including the use of lifejackets and life rafts
• Firefighting and fire prevention awareness
• First aid and emergency response procedures
• Self-rescue and casualty handling

All exercises are conducted in a practical, hands-on environment to ensure that participants can apply these skills confidently in a real emergency situation.

How long is a FOET certificate valid for?

A FOET certificate is valid for four years from the date of issue. After this period, you will need to complete another FOET course to renew your certification and maintain your eligibility to work offshore. Planning ahead is important here. Many professionals find themselves unable to join a project because their certificate has lapsed, so it is worth scheduling your refresher training well before the expiry date.

What’s the difference between BOSIET and FOET?

The key difference between BOSIET and FOET is that BOSIET is the initial certification for first-time offshore workers, while FOET is the renewal course for those who already hold a valid or recently expired BOSIET certificate.

Here is a quick comparison:

1. BOSIET is a longer course, typically two days, and is designed for people entering the offshore environment for the first time. It covers all emergency response competencies from the ground up.
2. FOET is a shorter refresher course, usually completed in one day, for certified offshore workers who need to renew their qualification. It assumes prior knowledge and focuses on maintaining practical skills.

If your BOSIET has been expired for a significant length of time, your employer or the training provider may require you to retake the full BOSIET rather than the FOET refresher. It is always worth checking with your operator or training coordinator if you are unsure which course applies to your situation.

How long does a FOET course take?

A standard FOET course takes approximately one day to complete. The exact duration can vary slightly depending on the training centre and whether you are taking the standard version or a tropical variant (T-FOET), but most participants can expect a full day of practical exercises and assessments. This makes it a manageable commitment for busy offshore professionals who need to renew their certification before a project starts.

Where can you take an accredited FOET course?

FOET training must be delivered by an OPITO-accredited training provider. OPITO sets the global standard for offshore safety training, and only approved centres are authorised to issue recognised FOET certificates. When choosing a provider, make sure the facility holds current OPITO accreditation and that the course is listed under the correct standard code.

Training centres are often located near major ports, airports, and offshore industry hubs to make it as straightforward as possible for professionals to complete their training before heading to a project. You can explore available OPITO FOET courses and choose a location and date that fits your schedule.

How we help with FOET training

We at FMTC Safety are an OPITO-accredited provider offering FOET training at multiple locations across Europe and beyond. Whether you need to renew your certificate before an upcoming project or coordinate refresher training for a team, we make the process straightforward.

• OPITO-accredited FOET courses with guaranteed course continuity, even with a small group
• Flexible scheduling with free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course
• Training centres near major airports, ports, and industry hubs for easy access
• Both standard FOET and tropical T-FOET variants available
• Support for individuals and organisations booking training for multiple employees

Ready to book your FOET refresher? View our full range of OPITO HUET, FOET and BOSIET courses and find a date that works for you.