What is the difference between OPITO HERTOL and HERTM?

If you work in the offshore industry, chances are you have come across the terms HERTOL and HERTM when looking into your required safety certifications. Both fall under the OPITO helicopter emergency response training framework, but they serve different purposes and apply to different groups of professionals. Understanding which one you need, and why, can save you time and ensure you stay compliant before your next offshore deployment.

What are OPITO HERTOL and HERTM?

OPITO HERTOL and HERTM are two distinct helicopter emergency response training standards developed by OPITO, the global skills organization for the energy industry. Both courses prepare offshore professionals to respond effectively in the event of a helicopter emergency over water, but they are designed for different roles and operational contexts.

HERTOL stands for Helicopter Emergency Response Training for Offshore Locations. It is a recertification standard aimed at professionals who need to renew their helicopter underwater escape training after completing an initial course such as BOSIET or HUET.

HERTM stands for Helicopter Emergency Response Training for Managers. This standard is specifically designed for personnel in supervisory or managerial roles who travel offshore by helicopter but whose responsibilities require a different level of emergency awareness and response capability.

Both standards are part of the broader OPITO HUET, FOET, and BOSIET course framework and are recognized internationally across the oil, gas, and energy sectors.

What is the main difference between HERTOL and HERTM?

The key difference between HERTOL and HERTM lies in the target audience and the scope of training content. HERTOL is a renewal course for operational offshore workers, while HERTM is tailored to managers and supervisors who travel offshore but are not primarily operational crew members.

In practical terms, this means:

• HERTOL focuses on refreshing hands-on survival and escape skills, including underwater escape techniques and the use of emergency breathing systems
• HERTM places greater emphasis on situational awareness, leadership responsibilities during an emergency, and decision-making under pressure
• HERTOL is typically shorter in duration and more physically demanding in its practical components
• HERTM is structured to accommodate professionals who may travel offshore infrequently and whose primary role is not operational

Both courses meet OPITO standards and result in a recognized certification, but choosing the wrong one could mean your certificate is not accepted by your employer or the installation operator.

Who needs to take HERTOL and who needs HERTM?

HERTOL is required for offshore workers who regularly travel to offshore installations by helicopter and whose initial certification, such as BOSIET or HUET, has expired or is approaching its renewal date. This includes technicians, engineers, deck crew, and other operational professionals in the oil, gas, and wind energy sectors.

HERTM is intended for managers, executives, and supervisory personnel who travel offshore by helicopter but do not perform hands-on operational duties. Examples include:

1. Senior managers visiting offshore installations for inspections or audits
2. Project managers overseeing offshore operations
3. Health, safety, and environment (HSE) officers in supervisory roles
4. Executives or client representatives making site visits

If you are unsure which course applies to your role, it is always best to check with your employer, the installation operator, or the contracting company before booking. Requirements can vary depending on the operator and the specific region or project.

What does each course cover in practice?

Both HERTOL and HERTM cover core helicopter safety principles, but the practical content differs in focus and intensity. HERTOL includes a full refresher of helicopter underwater escape techniques, the use of compressed air emergency breathing systems (CA-EBS), and survival procedures in the water. Participants practice escaping from a submerged and inverted helicopter simulator.

HERTM also includes an introduction to helicopter safety and emergency procedures, but the physical water-based components are adapted to reflect the lower frequency of offshore travel for this group. The course places more weight on:

• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of passengers during an emergency
• Effective communication and coordination with crew members
• Awareness of helicopter safety briefings and pre-flight procedures
• Basic self-rescue skills appropriate to the managerial context

Both courses are delivered by qualified OPITO-approved instructors with real-world offshore experience, ensuring the training is practical and directly relevant to real emergency scenarios.

How long are HERTOL and HERTM certificates valid?

HERTOL certificates are valid for four years from the date of completion. After this period, professionals must complete another HERTOL renewal course to maintain their certification and continue working offshore. This four-year cycle is consistent with the renewal structure used across most OPITO offshore safety certifications.

HERTM certificates are also valid for four years. However, because HERTM is designed for personnel who travel offshore less frequently, some operators may have specific requirements regarding how recently the certificate must have been obtained before a visit. It is always advisable to verify the specific requirements of the installation or project you are working with.

Keeping track of your certificate expiry date is important. Arriving at a heliport with an expired certification can result in being denied travel and losing a deployment opportunity.

Where can you take HERTOL or HERTM training?

HERTOL and HERTM training must be completed at an OPITO-approved training center. These centers are authorized to deliver the courses according to OPITO’s strict standards and to issue recognized certificates upon successful completion.

Training centers offering offshore training are located across key energy hubs worldwide, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, and other regions with significant offshore activity. When choosing a training provider, consider factors such as:

• Location and proximity to your departure point or home base
• Course availability and scheduling flexibility
• Whether the center is OPITO-approved and accredited
• Cancellation and rescheduling policies

Many professionals prefer training centers located near airports or major ports so they can complete their certification conveniently before travelling to a project site.

How FMTC Safety helps you with HERTOL and HERTM training

We at FMTC Safety are an OPITO-approved training provider with extensive experience delivering helicopter emergency response training for offshore professionals across the globe. Whether you need HERTOL to renew your existing certification or HERTM as a manager preparing for an offshore visit, we offer flexible, practical, and fully accredited training options.

Here is what makes training with us straightforward:

• Courses are 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 airports and industry hubs for maximum convenience
• Qualified instructors with real offshore experience who make training practical and relevant
• A 5-star Trustpilot rating from nearly 3,000 reviews

Ready to book your HERTOL or HERTM training? Get in touch with our team or browse our OPITO helicopter emergency response courses and find a date and location that works for you.