Hotel and
Medical checks available at checkout
1 Jun 2026
What is the OPITO Helideck Crew course?
Helidecks on offshore installations are among the most demanding and safety-critical environments in the industry. Every helicopter landing and departure depends on a trained crew that knows exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to respond when things go wrong. The OPITO Helideck Crew course is the internationally recognised standard that qualifies professionals to work safely in this role, and it is a mandatory requirement across much of the offshore sector.
What is the OPITO Helideck Crew course?
The OPITO Helideck Crew course is a certified training programme that qualifies offshore personnel to assist with helicopter landing, departure, and emergency operations on offshore installations. Developed and accredited by OPITO, the global standard-setting body for the oil and gas workforce, this course ensures that helideck crew members have the practical skills and knowledge to operate safely in a high-risk aviation environment.
The course is formally known as the OPITO Helideck Crew Initial course for those completing it for the first time, and a Helideck Crew Refresher course is available for those renewing an existing certification. Both versions are designed to meet the requirements set out by aviation authorities and offshore operators who rely on standardised, competency-based training to manage helideck safety across their installations worldwide.
Who needs to take the OPITO Helideck Crew course?
The OPITO Helideck Crew course is required for any offshore worker who is assigned to assist with helicopter operations on an installation’s helideck. This includes personnel who act as helideck assistants under the supervision of a Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO), supporting aircraft movements, marshalling, firefighting readiness, and emergency response during helicopter operations.
In practice, this often includes offshore workers from a range of departments who are designated as part of the helideck team in addition to their primary role. Operators, contractors, and installation managers typically require personnel to hold a valid OPITO helideck certification before they can be assigned helideck duties. If you work offshore and your role involves any direct support of helicopter arrivals or departures, this training is not optional.
It is worth noting that the Helideck Crew course is distinct from HLO training. The HLO course qualifies the person responsible for overall helideck operations, while the Helideck Crew course qualifies those working under that person’s direction. If you are unsure which qualification applies to your role, contact us and we can help you identify the right course.
What does the OPITO Helideck Crew course cover?
The OPITO Helideck Crew course covers the core competencies required to safely support helicopter operations on an offshore installation. Topics include helideck familiarisation, aircraft types and characteristics, marshalling signals and procedures, fire and rescue equipment, emergency response actions, and the roles and responsibilities of helideck crew members during both normal and emergency operations.
Training is a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. Participants learn how to handle firefighting equipment specific to helideck environments, how to respond in the event of a helicopter incident, and how to communicate effectively with the HLO and other crew members under pressure. The practical element is central to the course because helideck emergencies leave very little margin for hesitation or error.
- Helideck environment awareness and hazard recognition
- Aircraft familiarisation and passenger handling
- Marshalling procedures and visual signals
- Firefighting equipment and techniques for aviation fuel fires
- Casualty handling and emergency evacuation support
- Crew coordination and communication protocols
The course is structured to align with OPITO’s competency framework, so assessments are based on demonstrated ability rather than written exams alone. You may also find it useful to explore our broader range of OPITO helideck courses to ensure your full certification profile meets operator requirements.
How long is the OPITO Helideck Crew certification valid?
The OPITO Helideck Crew certification is valid for four years from the date of completion. Before the certificate expires, holders must complete the OPITO Helideck Crew Refresher course to maintain their qualification and continue working in a helideck crew role offshore.
Allowing the certification to lapse means you can no longer legally or contractually fulfil helideck crew duties until the refresher is completed. Many offshore operators and contractors track certification expiry dates closely, so it is good practice to schedule your refresher well in advance of the expiry date rather than leaving it to the last moment. If your wider offshore safety certifications are also due for renewal, it is worth reviewing courses such as the OPITO FOET with CA-EBS or the OPITO BOSIET with EBS at the same time to keep your full certification portfolio current.
Where can you take the OPITO Helideck Crew course?
The OPITO Helideck Crew course must be completed at an OPITO-accredited training centre. These centres are authorised to deliver the standardised curriculum and conduct the competency assessments required for certification. Locations are available across key offshore industry hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
We offer the OPITO Helideck Crew course at our accredited training centres, with locations selected to be accessible for offshore professionals travelling to or from project sites. Our instructors bring real offshore experience to the training, making the course practical and relevant rather than purely theoretical. Flexible scheduling options mean you can find a course date that fits around your deployment schedule without unnecessary delays to your certification. To find out more or to book your place, get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.
