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11 Jun 2026
What is OPITO HERTOL training?
If you work in the offshore oil and gas industry, staying up to date with your safety certifications is not optional. One of the key refresher qualifications you may need is OPITO HERTOL training. Whether you are renewing your helicopter escape skills or preparing for a new offshore role, understanding what this training involves helps you plan ahead and stay compliant.
What is OPITO HERTOL training?
OPITO HERTOL stands for Helicopter Escape and Rescue Training On-Location. It is an OPITO-certified refresher course designed for offshore professionals who need to renew their helicopter underwater escape training (HUET) competency. The course builds on previously completed HUET or BOSIET training and keeps workers prepared for emergency helicopter situations in an offshore environment.
HERTOL is specifically structured as a practical, hands-on refresher. Rather than repeating the full initial training, it focuses on reinforcing the critical skills needed to survive a helicopter ditching or emergency water landing. This makes it a time-efficient way for experienced offshore workers to maintain their certification without going through a complete beginner-level programme.
The course is developed and quality-assured by OPITO, the global standards body for workforce competence in the oil and gas industry. This means an OPITO HERTOL certificate is recognised by operators and employers worldwide.
Who needs to complete OPITO HERTOL training?
OPITO HERTOL training is required for offshore workers whose initial helicopter escape training certification is approaching expiry and who need to renew it. This typically applies to anyone who has previously completed a BOSIET or HUET course and continues to work in roles that involve helicopter travel to and from offshore installations.
Common roles that require HERTOL renewal include:
- Offshore oil and gas workers
- Drilling personnel and rig crews
- Offshore engineers and technicians
- Offshore supervisors and safety officers
- Contractors and freelancers travelling to offshore platforms
If your employer or operator requires OPITO certification as a condition of working offshore, HERTOL is the recognised pathway to renew your helicopter escape competency without repeating the full initial course. Always check with your employer or the relevant operator to confirm exactly which certification standard they require before booking.
What does OPITO HERTOL training cover?
OPITO HERTOL training covers the core practical skills needed to respond safely in a helicopter emergency. The course is focused on hands-on performance rather than theory, ensuring participants can demonstrate their competency under realistic conditions.
The training typically includes the following elements:
- Helicopter safety briefing and pre-flight procedures — understanding emergency protocols before boarding
- Emergency exits and brace positions — correctly identifying and using exits during an emergency
- Helicopter underwater escape — practising escape from an inverted, submerged helicopter simulator
- Use of emergency breathing systems (EBS) — operating compressed air escape systems correctly
- Sea survival skills — basic actions to take once in the water, including signalling and flotation
The practical pool-based exercises are a central part of the course. Participants work in a helicopter simulator that replicates the experience of a ditching scenario, including inversion underwater. This is the element that makes OPITO HUET and HERTOL training so effective at building genuine confidence and muscle memory for real emergencies.
How long is an OPITO HERTOL certificate valid?
An OPITO HERTOL certificate is valid for four years from the date of issue. After this period, offshore professionals are required to renew their helicopter escape certification again, either through another HERTOL refresher or through an alternative OPITO-approved pathway such as FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training).
It is worth noting that the renewal pathway you choose may depend on your specific role, your employer’s requirements, and the operator standards that apply to the installation you are working on. Some operators may require FOET rather than HERTOL, so confirming this in advance avoids unnecessary delays to your offshore deployment.
Where can you complete OPITO HERTOL training?
OPITO HERTOL training must be completed at an OPITO-approved training centre. These centres are required to meet strict standards for facilities, equipment, and instructor qualifications to maintain their accreditation. The course is available at approved locations across the globe, with centres typically situated near major offshore industry hubs, airports, and ports for easy access.
When choosing a training location, consider proximity to your home base or your departure point for an offshore project. Many professionals book their refresher training in the days immediately before travelling to a project, making location convenience an important practical factor. You can get in touch with FMTC Safety to find the most convenient option for your schedule.
How FMTC Safety helps with OPITO HERTOL training
We at FMTC Safety are an OPITO-certified training provider with a strong track record in offshore safety training. We understand that renewing your helicopter escape certification needs to be straightforward, reliable, and fit around your working schedule. Here is what we offer:
- Guaranteed course dates — courses run even with a small number of participants, so your booking is secure
- Flexible cancellation — free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
- Strategically located training centres — our facilities are positioned near airports, ports, and industry hubs for easy access
- Experienced instructors — all our trainers are qualified, certified, and experienced in the offshore industry
- 5-star Trustpilot rating — based on nearly 3,000 reviews from professionals just like you
Whether you are an individual contractor renewing your certification or an organisation managing training for a team, we make the process simple and stress-free. Ready to book your OPITO HERTOL training? View our OPITO helicopter escape courses and secure your place today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OPITO HERTOL and FOET training?
Both HERTOL and FOET are OPITO-approved refresher courses for helicopter escape training, but they differ in scope. HERTOL (Helicopter Escape and Rescue Training On-Location) focuses specifically on renewing helicopter underwater escape competency, while FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) is a broader refresher that also covers additional offshore emergency skills such as sea survival and firefighting. The right choice depends on your employer's requirements and the operator standards of the installation you work on, so always confirm which pathway is accepted before booking.
Can I complete OPITO HERTOL training if my certificate has already expired?
If your HERTOL or HUET certificate has already expired, you may no longer be eligible for the HERTOL refresher pathway and could be required to repeat a full initial course such as BOSIET instead. The rules around expired certifications can vary between operators and employers, so it is important to check with your employer or the relevant operator as soon as you realise your certificate has lapsed. Acting before expiry is always the best approach to avoid having to complete the longer, more intensive initial training programme.
How long does the OPITO HERTOL course take to complete?
OPITO HERTOL is designed as a time-efficient refresher, typically completed within one day. This makes it a practical option for busy offshore professionals who need to renew their certification without taking extended time away from work. The exact duration can vary slightly depending on the training centre and the size of the group, so it is worth confirming the schedule when you book your place.
Are there any medical or fitness requirements before attending OPITO HERTOL training?
Yes, because HERTOL involves pool-based exercises including underwater helicopter simulator drills, participants are generally required to meet a basic level of physical fitness and be comfortable in water. Most OPITO-approved training centres will ask you to confirm your fitness to participate, and some may require a valid offshore medical certificate. If you have any health conditions, injuries, or concerns about the physical elements of the course, contact your training provider in advance to discuss your circumstances.
What should I bring or prepare before attending my HERTOL course?
For the practical pool-based sessions, you will typically need to bring a swimsuit or appropriate swimwear, a towel, and any required personal identification or documentation such as your previous OPITO certificate. Your training provider will usually send a full pre-course information pack confirming exactly what to bring and what to expect on the day. Arriving well-rested and having reviewed your previous training materials, if available, can also help you get the most out of the refresher exercises.
Can my employer book OPITO HERTOL training for a group of workers?
Yes, most OPITO-approved training providers, including FMTC Safety, can accommodate group bookings for organisations managing offshore workforce compliance. Group bookings can help simplify scheduling and ensure that multiple team members renew their certifications at the same time, reducing administrative burden. It is worth contacting your chosen training centre directly to discuss group rates, available dates, and any bespoke arrangements that may be possible for larger teams.
Is my OPITO HERTOL certificate recognised internationally?
Yes, because OPITO is a globally recognised standards body for the oil and gas industry, an OPITO HERTOL certificate is accepted by operators and employers across international offshore markets, including the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Middle East, and beyond. However, specific operator requirements can vary by region or installation, so it is always advisable to confirm with your employer or the relevant operator that your HERTOL certification meets their specific compliance standards before travelling to a new location.
