What is the OPITO Offshore Survival course for infrequent offshore visitors?

The OPITO Offshore Survival course for infrequent offshore visitors is a shortened, entry-level survival training course designed for people who visit offshore installations only occasionally and do not require the full BOSIET qualification. It covers the core safety competencies needed to work safely offshore without the extended duration of a standard basic course. The sections below answer the most common questions about who this course is for, what it includes, and how it compares to other OPITO certifications.

Who qualifies as an infrequent offshore visitor?

An infrequent offshore visitor is someone who travels to offshore oil and gas installations only rarely, typically no more than a few times per year, and whose primary job function is not based offshore. This category exists because not every person who sets foot on an offshore platform needs the same depth of survival training as a full-time offshore worker.

Common examples of infrequent offshore visitors include:

• Auditors, inspectors, and surveyors
• Engineers and technical specialists attending short site visits
• Journalists or documentary crews
• Regulatory officials or government representatives
• Contractors completing a single short-term assignment
• Visitors accompanying clients for project reviews

The key factor is frequency and role. If a person visits offshore locations regularly as part of their normal work, or if their role involves safety-critical tasks, they will typically need a full BOSIET rather than the infrequent visitor route. Operators and installation managers ultimately decide which certification is acceptable for access to their facilities, so it is always worth confirming requirements before booking.

What does the OPITO infrequent visitor survival course cover?

The OPITO infrequent visitor survival course covers the essential offshore safety competencies needed to respond to emergencies and survive in a hostile marine environment. It is a condensed version of the standard basic offshore safety training, focused on the most critical skills without the full practical depth of a BOSIET.

The course typically includes the following core elements:

1. Helicopter underwater escape training (HUET): Participants learn how to exit a submerged helicopter using a training simulator, including breath-hold techniques and emergency procedures.
2. Sea survival: Covers how to survive in open water, including the use of lifejackets, survival suits, and life rafts.
3. Firefighting awareness: Basic fire safety principles relevant to offshore environments.
4. Emergency procedures: Understanding muster stations, evacuation signals, and how to follow instructions during an offshore emergency.
5. First aid awareness: Basic awareness of emergency first aid in an offshore context.

The training is practical and hands-on, which means participants spend time in a pool environment and work through realistic emergency scenarios. The goal is not just to tick a compliance box, but to give visitors genuine confidence in how to respond if something goes wrong offshore.

How long is the OPITO infrequent visitor certificate valid?

The OPITO infrequent visitor certificate is typically valid for four years from the date of issue. This is the same validity period as the standard BOSIET certification. After four years, certificate holders need to complete a refresher course, known as Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET), to maintain their certification.

It is worth noting that some offshore operators apply stricter requirements and may require renewal before the four-year mark, particularly for higher-risk installations or specific geographic regions. Always check with the operator or installation manager before your visit to confirm that your certificate is current and accepted. Letting a certificate expire can delay project access and cause costly scheduling problems, so keeping track of renewal dates is important for both individuals and the teams that coordinate their travel.

What’s the difference between BOSIET and the infrequent visitor course?

The key difference between the BOSIET and the infrequent visitor survival course is depth, duration, and intended audience. The OPITO BOSIET is a comprehensive multi-day course designed for professionals who work offshore regularly, while the infrequent visitor course is a shorter qualification for people who only visit offshore facilities occasionally.

Here is how the two compare across the main dimensions:

• Duration: The BOSIET typically runs over two to three days. The infrequent visitor course is shorter, usually completed within one to two days.
• Depth of training: BOSIET covers more advanced survival skills, including compressed air emergency breathing system (CA-EBS) use, and more extensive practical exercises. The infrequent visitor course focuses on awareness and essential response skills.
• Target audience: BOSIET is for regular offshore workers, technicians, and contractors. The infrequent visitor course is for people whose offshore presence is limited and non-operational.
• Operator acceptance: Most offshore installations accept both, but some require BOSIET regardless of visit frequency. Always verify with the specific operator before booking.
• Validity and refresher: Both certifications are valid for four years and refreshed through an OPITO FOET course.

If you are unsure which course applies to your situation, the safest approach is to check with your employer, the offshore operator, or your training coordinator before making a booking.

Where can you take the OPITO infrequent visitor course?

The OPITO infrequent visitor course is available at OPITO-accredited training centers around the world. Availability varies by region, so choosing a provider that operates near your departure point or work location makes practical sense, especially when you need to complete training before traveling to a project site.

When selecting a training location, look for centers that are conveniently positioned near airports, ports, or major industry hubs. This reduces travel time and makes it easier to fit training into a busy project schedule. Accreditation is non-negotiable: only OPITO-approved providers can issue recognized certifications, so always verify that the center holds current OPITO accreditation before booking. You can explore our training locations to find a center that works for your schedule and travel plans.

How FMTC Safety helps with OPITO offshore survival training

We offer a full range of OPITO-accredited offshore survival courses, including options for both infrequent visitors and regular offshore workers. Whether you need to book a single course for yourself or coordinate training for a team, we make the process straightforward and reliable.

Here is what you can expect when booking with us:

• Guaranteed course dates: Our courses run even with a small number of participants, so you never have to worry about a last-minute cancellation disrupting your project timeline.
• Flexible cancellation: You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before the course starts.
• Strategically located training centers: Our facilities are positioned near airports, ports, and industry hubs to keep your travel simple.
• Experienced, certified instructors: Our trainers bring real-world offshore experience into the classroom, making the training practical and directly relevant.
• Full OPITO course range: From entry-level infrequent visitor training to BOSIET, FOET, and tropical variants, we cover the full spectrum of OPITO offshore courses.

Ready to get certified? Browse our available course dates and locations and book your OPITO offshore survival training today.