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10 Jul 2026
What is OPITO code 5700?
If you work in the offshore oil and gas industry, you have likely come across OPITO course codes when looking into your mandatory safety certifications. OPITO code 5700 is one of the most commonly referenced codes for offshore workers, yet many people are unsure exactly what it covers, who needs it, and how it fits into the broader landscape of OPITO certification courses. This article answers the most common questions about OPITO 5700 so you can move forward with confidence.
What is OPITO code 5700?
OPITO code 5700 refers to the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) with Emergency Breathing System (EBS). It is a foundational oil and gas safety training course designed for professionals who are new to working offshore and need to demonstrate that they can respond safely in an emergency situation at sea.
The EBS component distinguishes this version of the BOSIET from the standard variant. An Emergency Breathing System is a compressed air device used during helicopter underwater escape training, allowing participants to breathe underwater during the exercise. This makes the training more realistic and prepares workers for real-world emergency scenarios.
Who needs to complete OPITO code 5700 training?
OPITO code 5700 is required for anyone who is travelling offshore for the first time and does not yet hold a valid BOSIET certificate. This includes new offshore workers, contractors, technicians, engineers, and any other personnel who will be working on offshore oil and gas installations.
Specifically, you will need to complete this course if:
- You have never worked offshore before and hold no prior OPITO basic safety certification
- Your employer or operator requires an EBS-compliant BOSIET certificate
- You are travelling to offshore locations where helicopter travel is involved
- Your existing BOSIET certificate has expired and you are not yet eligible for a refresher course
Many operators and project sites specify exactly which OPITO course code they require, so it is always worth confirming the required code with your employer or crewing agency before booking.
What does the OPITO 5700 course cover?
The OPITO 5700 BOSIET with EBS covers the essential emergency response skills every offshore worker needs before stepping onto an installation. The course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical exercises to ensure participants are genuinely prepared, not just certified on paper.
The course typically includes the following modules:
- Sea survival: How to survive in open water, use life jackets correctly, and board life rafts
- Helicopter underwater escape training (HUET): Practising escape from a submerged and inverted helicopter simulator using an EBS device
- Firefighting and self-rescue: Basic fire response techniques and how to evacuate safely in smoke-filled environments
- First aid: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic casualty care
- Offshore safety awareness: Understanding the hazards and safety culture specific to offshore environments
How long is the OPITO 5700 certificate valid for?
The OPITO 5700 BOSIET certificate is valid for four years. After this period, certificate holders are required to complete a refresher course known as the Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET) to maintain their certification and continue working offshore.
It is important not to let your certificate expire before booking a refresher, as an expired BOSIET means you will need to retake the full initial course rather than the shorter FOET. Many professionals set a reminder well in advance of their expiry date to avoid disruption to their work schedule or project commitments.
What’s the difference between OPITO 5700 and other OPITO courses?
The key distinction between OPITO 5700 and other OPITO course codes lies in the specific variant of training and the equipment used. OPITO 5700 is the BOSIET delivered with an EBS device, while other codes refer to different training levels or equipment configurations.
Here is how OPITO 5700 compares to the most closely related courses:
- OPITO 5750 (BOSIET with CA-EBS): A variant of the BOSIET that uses a Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System instead of a standard EBS. The OPITO BOSIET with CA-EBS is required by certain operators and regions.
- OPITO FOET (5850/5858): The refresher course completed after four years, covering updated emergency response skills without repeating the full initial programme. Learn more about the OPITO FOET with CA-EBS.
- OPITO T-BOSIET (5508): The Tropical BOSIET, designed for workers travelling to offshore locations in tropical climates where sea survival conditions differ significantly. View the OPITO T-BOSIET for more details.
- OPITO MIST/IMIST: Minimum Industry Safety Training courses, which are typically required for onshore or near-shore industrial roles rather than deep offshore work
Always check with your operator or employer which specific OPITO code is required for your role and destination, as using the wrong course code can result in your certificate not being accepted.
Where can you take an OPITO code 5700 course?
OPITO code 5700 courses must be delivered at an OPITO approved training centre. OPITO maintains a global register of accredited providers, and only courses completed at these centres result in a valid, recognised certificate. You can find our offshore training options across multiple countries, including the Netherlands, the United States, France, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia.
When choosing a training centre, consider the following practical factors:
- Proximity to an airport, port, or your project departure point
- Availability of course dates that fit your schedule
- Whether the centre offers guaranteed course continuity even with small group sizes
- Flexibility to reschedule if your project timeline changes
How FMTC Safety helps you get OPITO certified
At FMTC Safety, we offer the full range of OPITO approved safety training courses, including the BOSIET with EBS (code 5700), at our accredited training centres across the Netherlands, the USA, France, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia. Our courses are designed to be practical, clearly delivered, and genuinely useful for the work you do offshore.
Here is what you can expect when you book with us:
- Courses guaranteed to run even with a single participant
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the start
- Experienced instructors with real offshore backgrounds
- Training centres located near major airports and industry hubs
- OPITO certificates issued directly and recognised globally
Whether you are booking for yourself or coordinating training for a team, we make the process straightforward. If you have any questions, feel free to contact FMTC Safety and we will be happy to help you find the right course for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the OPITO 5700 course if I have a medical condition or physical limitation?
Most OPITO approved training centres require participants to complete a medical fitness declaration before attending the BOSIET course, as the training involves physically demanding exercises such as helicopter underwater escape and sea survival. Certain medical conditions — including heart conditions, epilepsy, or severe claustrophobia — may affect your ability to safely participate. It is recommended to consult your GP and contact your chosen training centre in advance to discuss any health concerns, as reasonable adjustments may be available in some cases.
What should I bring and how should I prepare before attending the OPITO 5700 course?
Most training centres will provide all necessary equipment, including EBS devices, life jackets, and fire suits, so you do not need to bring specialist gear. You should arrive wearing comfortable clothing suitable for getting wet, as the sea survival and HUET exercises involve full water immersion. It is also advisable to review basic CPR principles beforehand and ensure you have completed any pre-course documentation, such as your medical declaration and personal details form, which your training centre will typically send ahead of your course date.
What happens if I fail part of the OPITO 5700 course — do I have to redo the entire training?
If you do not successfully complete a specific module during the course, your training centre will typically offer the opportunity to reassess or repeat that individual element rather than requiring you to retake the full programme from scratch. However, policies can vary between OPITO approved centres, so it is worth asking your provider about their reassessment process before you begin. In most cases, instructors are experienced at supporting participants through any anxiety or difficulty, particularly during the HUET exercise, which is the module most commonly flagged as challenging.
Is the OPITO 5700 certificate recognised globally, or only in specific regions?
The OPITO BOSIET certificate (code 5700) is internationally recognised and accepted by operators and employers across major offshore regions, including the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Middle East, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. Because OPITO is the global standard-setting body for the oil and gas industry's workforce competency, certificates issued by any OPITO approved training centre carry the same level of recognition regardless of where the course was completed. That said, some regions or specific operators may additionally require a local or supplementary certification, so always confirm requirements with your employer or crewing agency for your specific destination.
My BOSIET certificate has expired — do I definitely need to retake the full OPITO 5700 course rather than the FOET refresher?
Yes — if your BOSIET certificate has fully expired, you are no longer eligible to complete the shorter FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) refresher and will need to retake the full initial BOSIET course (OPITO 5700) to regain a valid certification. This is one of the most common and costly mistakes offshore workers make, as the FOET is significantly shorter and less expensive than the full course. To avoid this situation, aim to book your FOET at least a few months before your four-year expiry date, giving yourself a buffer for scheduling delays or project disruptions.
Can my employer book and pay for the OPITO 5700 course on my behalf, or do I need to arrange it myself?
Both options are possible and entirely common within the offshore industry. Many employers, operators, and crewing agencies book and fund BOSIET training directly for their personnel, especially when coordinating training for multiple team members ahead of a project mobilisation. If you are an independent contractor or self-employed, you may need to arrange and fund the course yourself, though the cost is often tax-deductible as a professional certification expense. Either way, the certificate is issued in your name and remains valid regardless of who booked or paid for the training.
How far in advance should I book the OPITO 5700 course before my offshore departure date?
As a general rule, aim to book your OPITO 5700 course at least four to six weeks before your planned offshore start date to allow sufficient time for scheduling, pre-course medical declarations, and any unexpected rescheduling. During peak periods — such as the start of major project seasons — popular course dates at well-located training centres can fill up quickly, so booking earlier is always advisable. Factor in that your certificate needs to be issued and verified before you can travel offshore, which typically happens within a few days of course completion but should not be left to the last minute.
