What qualifications does a helideck landing officer need?

A helideck landing officer needs to hold a valid OPITO HLO certification, which is the internationally recognised standard for this role in the offshore industry. This qualification confirms that the individual has the knowledge, practical skills and situational awareness to safely manage helicopter operations on an offshore installation. The sections below cover the full picture of HLO qualifications, experience requirements, renewal timelines and the supporting certificates that go alongside the role.

What training does a helideck landing officer need to complete?

A helideck landing officer must complete the OPITO Helideck Landing Officer course, which covers all aspects of managing safe helicopter arrivals and departures on offshore installations. The course includes helideck operations, emergency procedures, communication with flight crews, firefighting on the helideck and the coordination of personnel during helicopter movements. Successful completion leads to an OPITO HLO certificate, which is accepted across the offshore oil and gas industry globally.

The OPITO HLO course is both theoretical and practical. Participants work through the regulatory framework that governs helideck operations, learn how to conduct pre-flight and post-flight checks, and practise emergency response scenarios in realistic conditions. The training is designed to reflect actual offshore conditions, so the content is directly applicable from day one on the job.

You can find the full range of OPITO helideck courses to understand which qualification applies to your specific role or experience level.

What experience is required before becoming an HLO?

Before enrolling on the OPITO HLO course, candidates are typically required to have a minimum amount of offshore experience. Most training providers and operators expect candidates to have completed a recognised basic offshore safety induction, such as BOSIET or FOET, and to have spent time working offshore in a relevant role. The exact experience threshold can vary depending on the operator or the training standard being applied.

The reasoning behind this requirement is practical. An HLO carries significant responsibility for the safety of personnel during helicopter operations, which are among the highest-risk activities on an offshore installation. Candidates who already understand offshore working environments, emergency procedures and the pace of operations are better prepared to absorb and apply the specialist HLO training effectively.

Some operators also require candidates to have served as a helideck assistant before progressing to the HLO role, building familiarity with helideck procedures from a supporting position first.

How often does an HLO need to renew their certification?

OPITO HLO certification is valid for four years. Before the certificate expires, the HLO must complete a refresher or recertification course to maintain their qualification. Letting the certificate lapse can prevent an individual from performing HLO duties and may cause project delays for operators who rely on a certified HLO being present on the installation at all times.

Keeping track of certification expiry dates is an important part of workforce management for any offshore operator or crewing team. Many organisations build renewal reminders into their training coordination processes to ensure that HLOs are recertified well in advance of any deployment.

What other safety certificates does an HLO need alongside HLO training?

An HLO is expected to hold a full suite of offshore safety certifications in addition to their HLO qualification. These supporting certificates ensure the individual can respond to a range of emergencies and meet the mandatory safety requirements for working offshore.

The most commonly required certificates alongside HLO training include:

• BOSIET or FOET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training or Further Offshore Emergency Training) covering helicopter underwater escape, sea survival and firefighting
• OPITO firefighting training, given the HLO’s direct responsibility for helideck fire response
• First aid certification, typically a recognised offshore or industrial first aid qualification
• Medical fitness certificate, confirming the individual meets the health standards required for offshore work
• OPITO major emergency management training may also be required depending on the seniority of the role or operator requirements

Operators and installation managers often specify exactly which combination of certificates is required before an HLO can be deployed. Checking the project or operator requirements in advance avoids last-minute gaps in certification.

Who is responsible for appointing a helideck landing officer on an installation?

The installation operator or duty holder is responsible for appointing a qualified helideck landing officer on an offshore installation. This responsibility is set out in the regulatory framework governing offshore helicopter operations, and operators must ensure that a certified HLO is present whenever helicopter movements are taking place on the installation.

In practice, the appointment process is typically managed by the operations or offshore management team, often in coordination with the QHSE or HSE department. The appointed HLO must hold a current and valid OPITO HLO certificate, and operators are expected to verify this before allowing the individual to perform HLO duties.

On larger installations, there may be more than one qualified HLO to ensure coverage across different shifts or to provide backup in the event that the primary HLO is unavailable. Maintaining a pool of certified personnel is considered good practice for any operation with regular helicopter traffic.

How FMTC Safety helps with HLO qualifications

We offer the full range of OPITO-certified training that helideck landing officers and offshore professionals need to meet their qualification requirements. Whether you are working toward your first HLO certification or need to renew an existing certificate, we make the process straightforward and flexible.

Here is what we offer to support your HLO journey:

1. OPITO HLO courses delivered by qualified, experienced instructors with real offshore backgrounds
2. Supporting certifications including BOSIET, FOET and OPITO firefighting training available at the same locations
3. Flexible scheduling with guaranteed course continuity, even with smaller groups
4. Strategically located training centers near ports, airports and major industry hubs across Europe and beyond
5. Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts, giving you and your team full flexibility

If you are ready to book your HLO training or want to find out which courses apply to your situation, get in touch with our team and we will help you get certified without delay.