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19 May 2026
What is the OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course?
Working on a helideck comes with serious responsibilities. When a helicopter emergency occurs offshore, there is little time and no margin for error. The OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course prepares offshore personnel to respond effectively and safely when it matters most. Whether you are new to helideck duties or looking to understand what this training involves, here is everything you need to know.
What is the OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course?
The OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course is a certified offshore training programme that prepares personnel to act as part of a helideck emergency response team. It covers fire suppression techniques, rescue procedures, and the use of specialist firefighting equipment in a helideck environment. The course is developed and regulated by OPITO, the global skills body for the energy sector.
Helidecks are among the most hazardous areas on any offshore installation. A helicopter incident can escalate rapidly, and an untrained response can make the situation significantly worse. This course ensures that designated team members understand their roles, know how to operate firefighting equipment correctly, and can coordinate an effective response under pressure. It is practical, hands-on training that reflects real offshore conditions.
Who needs to take the helideck firefighting course?
The OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course is required for offshore personnel who are designated members of a helideck emergency response team. This typically includes helideck assistants, helideck landing officers, and other crew members assigned to helideck safety duties on offshore oil and gas installations.
If your role involves being present on or near the helideck during helicopter operations, your employer may require you to hold this certification. Operators and installation managers are responsible for ensuring that a competent firefighting team is available whenever helicopter movements take place. Holding this certificate demonstrates that you meet the OPITO standard and are operationally ready for helideck emergencies.
What does the OPITO helideck firefighting training cover?
The OPITO helideck firefighting training covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond to a helicopter emergency on an offshore installation. Training content is aligned with OPITO standards and reflects real-world helideck emergency scenarios.
Key topics included in the course are:
- Helideck hazards and risk awareness
- Roles and responsibilities within the helideck firefighting team
- Fire behaviour and firefighting theory
- Use of foam and dry powder firefighting agents
- Operation of helideck firefighting equipment
- Helicopter rescue and casualty handling procedures
- Team coordination and communication during an emergency
- Post-incident procedures
The training is largely practical, meaning participants work through realistic exercises rather than sitting through purely theoretical sessions. Instructors with genuine offshore experience guide participants through scenarios that reflect the time pressure and complexity of a real helideck incident.
How long is the OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course?
The OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course typically runs over one day. The exact duration can vary slightly depending on the training provider and the number of participants, but most programmes are structured to be completed within a single training day.
The course combines classroom instruction with practical exercises, so participants should expect a full and active day of training. Arriving prepared and well-rested helps you get the most out of the hands-on elements, particularly the firefighting drills and rescue exercises that form the core of the programme.
How long is the helideck firefighting certificate valid?
The OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team certificate is valid for four years from the date of issue. After this period, certificate holders are required to complete a refresher or renewal course to maintain their certification and continue working in a helideck firefighting role.
Keeping your certificate current is not just a formality. Helideck emergency response procedures and equipment can evolve, and refresher training ensures your skills remain sharp and up to date. Many employers and offshore operators will not permit personnel with an expired certificate to carry out helideck duties, so it is worth tracking your renewal date well in advance.
Where can you take the OPITO helideck firefighting course?
The OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course is available at OPITO-approved training centres worldwide. Availability varies by region, so it is important to choose a provider that holds the appropriate OPITO accreditation and can issue a recognised certificate.
When selecting a training location, consider proximity to your home base or project departure point. Many professionals complete their offshore training at centres located near major airports or ports, which makes it straightforward to travel directly to a project after completing your certification.
How FMTC Safety supports your helideck firefighting certification
We at FMTC Safety are a globally certified safety training provider with extensive experience delivering OPITO-approved programmes for offshore professionals. Our instructors bring real industry knowledge into every session, making the training practical and directly relevant to what you will encounter on the job.
Here is what you can expect when you train with us:
- OPITO-accredited training that meets the recognised international standard for helideck emergency response
- Experienced instructors with genuine offshore backgrounds who bring real-world context to every exercise
- Flexible scheduling with guaranteed course dates, even with a small number of participants
- Convenient locations near airports, ports, and major industry hubs across multiple countries
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts, giving you full flexibility
Ready to get certified? Browse our OPITO helideck courses and book your OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team training today. Have questions? Contact FMTC Safety and our team will be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior firefighting experience before taking the OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course?
No prior firefighting experience is required to enrol in the OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course. The programme is designed to take participants from foundational knowledge through to practical competency, making it suitable for those new to helideck duties. However, you should already hold a relevant offshore survival qualification, such as BOSIET or FOET, as most operators require these as a baseline before assigning personnel to helideck roles.
What should I wear or bring on the day of the course?
You should wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity, as the course involves hands-on firefighting drills and rescue exercises. Most training centres will provide the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), such as firefighting gloves and helmets, but it is worth confirming this with your provider in advance. Bring a valid photo ID, your booking confirmation, and any prerequisite certificates your training centre has requested.
Can I take this course if I work on a vessel rather than a fixed offshore installation?
Yes, the OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course is relevant to personnel working on any offshore asset that has a helideck, including floating production units, drill ships, and semi-submersibles, not just fixed platforms. If your vessel conducts helicopter operations and you are designated to the emergency response team, this certification applies directly to your role. Always confirm with your employer or operator that this specific OPITO standard meets the requirements for your vessel type and flag state.
What happens if my certificate expires before I can complete a renewal course?
If your OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team certificate lapses, you will typically need to retake the full course rather than a shorter refresher, depending on how long the certificate has been expired and the policy of your training provider. Most operators will stand you down from helideck duties until a valid certificate is in place, so it is strongly advisable to book your renewal before the expiry date. Set a reminder at least three to four months before your certificate expires to give yourself enough time to find a suitable course date.
Is the OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team certificate recognised globally, or only in certain regions?
The OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team certificate is internationally recognised and accepted by operators across major offshore regions, including the North Sea, the Middle East, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. Because OPITO is a globally respected skills body for the energy industry, its certifications carry weight with operators and installation managers worldwide. That said, some regions or specific operators may have additional local requirements, so it is always worth checking with your employer or contracting company before travelling to a new project.
How many people are typically on a helideck firefighting team, and what are the different roles?
A helideck firefighting team typically consists of a minimum of two to three personnel, though the exact number depends on the size of the installation and the operator's emergency response plan. Roles within the team are clearly defined and usually include a team leader who coordinates the response, foam/hose operators who handle fire suppression, and a rescue operator focused on casualty extraction from the aircraft. The OPITO course trains participants across all these roles so that team members understand the full scope of the response, not just their individual position.
Can the OPITO Helideck Firefighting Team course be delivered on-site at an offshore installation or company facility?
In some cases, OPITO-approved training providers can arrange bespoke or on-site delivery for organisations with a sufficient number of participants, subject to the availability of appropriate training facilities and equipment. This can be a cost-effective option for operators who need to certify a large team at once. Contact your chosen training provider directly to discuss whether on-site or group delivery is feasible for your organisation's specific needs.
