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22 Jul 2026
What should you wear to BOSIET training?
If you have a BOSIET course coming up, it is completely normal to wonder what to pack and what to wear. The training involves both classroom sessions and practical water-based exercises, so your clothing choices genuinely matter. Getting this right before you arrive will help you focus on the training itself rather than scrambling at the last minute.
What is BOSIET training and what does it involve?
BOSIET stands for Basic Offshore Emergency Training with Escape System. It is a mandatory OPITO certification course for anyone working offshore in the oil and gas industry. The training prepares you to respond to offshore emergencies, including helicopter underwater escape, fire response, sea survival, and first aid.
The course typically runs over several days and combines classroom theory with intensive hands-on exercises. You will spend time in a swimming pool or water tank practicing helicopter underwater escape procedures, working with life rafts, and learning how to survive in open water while wearing a survival suit. There are also fire-fighting drills and emergency response simulations. Because the training is so physically active, what you wear plays a practical role in your safety and comfort throughout the course.
What should you wear to BOSIET training?
For BOSIET training, you should wear comfortable, close-fitting clothing that can get wet. Long-sleeved tops and full-length trousers made from natural fibres such as cotton are strongly recommended for the practical exercises. Avoid loose or baggy clothing, as it can interfere with wearing a survival suit or become a hazard in the water.
Here is a practical checklist for what to wear:
- Long-sleeved cotton top or thermal underlayer
- Full-length trousers, ideally cotton or a similar natural fibre
- Underwear you are comfortable getting wet in
- Socks suitable for wearing inside a survival suit
- Lace-up shoes or trainers with closed toes for the practical sessions
Comfort and practicality are the priorities here. You will be putting on and taking off survival suits multiple times throughout the course, so clothing that layers easily and dries quickly makes the day much more manageable.
What clothing is not allowed during BOSIET training?
Certain types of clothing are not permitted during BOSIET training for safety reasons. Synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic are generally not allowed during fire-related exercises because they can melt or ignite when exposed to heat. Jewellery, rings, and watches should also be removed before practical sessions.
Avoid bringing the following:
- Synthetic or man-made fibre clothing for fire training sessions
- Rings, bracelets, necklaces, or dangling earrings
- Open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip-flops
- Loose scarves or hooded tops with drawstrings that could become a hazard
- Clothing with sharp metal embellishments that could damage a survival suit
Your training provider will give you specific guidance before the course starts. If you are unsure about a particular item, it is always better to ask in advance rather than find out on the day.
Do you need to bring swimwear to BOSIET training?
Yes, you should bring swimwear to BOSIET training. The water-based exercises, particularly the helicopter underwater escape training (HUET), require you to enter a pool or water tank. Swimwear worn underneath your cotton clothing is the standard approach, as you will be wearing a survival suit over everything during the actual exercises.
A standard swimsuit or swim shorts work well. You do not need specialist swimwear, but it should be practical and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. Bring a towel and a change of dry clothes for after the water exercises, as you will want to be comfortable for the remaining parts of the course.
What else should you bring to BOSIET training?
Beyond clothing, there are a few additional items worth packing to make your BOSIET course run smoothly. Most training centres provide the specialist equipment you need, such as survival suits and breathing apparatus, but personal comfort items are your responsibility.
- A towel and dry change of clothes for after the water exercises
- Any prescription medication you take regularly, along with a note from your doctor if relevant to fitness to train
- Photo identification such as a passport or national ID card
- Your booking confirmation and any pre-course e-learning certificates if applicable
- Glasses or contact lenses if needed, noting that contact lenses may not be suitable for all water exercises
- A water bottle and snacks, though most training centres provide refreshments
It is also worth arriving well-rested and having eaten a proper meal beforehand. The training is physically demanding, and you will perform better when your body is ready for it.
How FMTC Safety helps you prepare for BOSIET training
Knowing what to bring is just one part of the preparation. Choosing the right training provider makes the whole experience smoother, from booking through to certification.
At FMTC Safety, we make sure you are well-informed before your course begins. Here is what you can expect when you train with us:
- Clear pre-course information so you know exactly what to bring and what to expect
- Experienced, OPITO-certified instructors who make practical training clear and relevant
- Flexible scheduling with guaranteed course continuity, even with a small group
- Training centres located near airports and major industry hubs for easy access
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
Whether you are booking for yourself or coordinating training for a team, we are here to help. View our BOSIET course options and find a date that works for you, or get in touch with our team if you have any questions before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses or contact lenses during the HUET water exercises?
Glasses can generally be worn during BOSIET training, but you should secure them properly or bring a strap to keep them in place during water exercises. Contact lenses are more complicated — water immersion during HUET exercises can increase the risk of eye infection or lens loss, so many providers recommend switching to glasses for the duration of the course. Check with your training provider in advance so you can plan accordingly.
What if I'm not a confident swimmer — will that affect my ability to complete BOSIET training?
You do not need to be an advanced swimmer to complete BOSIET training, but a basic level of water confidence is required. Most OPITO-approved providers will ask about your swimming ability during the booking process, and some require you to complete a short swim test as part of the course. If you have concerns about your swimming ability, contact your training provider before the course so they can advise you on what to expect and whether any adjustments can be made.
How far in advance should I prepare my clothing and kit for BOSIET training?
Ideally, you should prepare your kit at least a few days before your course date rather than the night before. This gives you time to check that your clothing meets the requirements — particularly the natural fibre rule — and to replace anything that is not suitable. Last-minute preparation increases the risk of arriving with the wrong items, which can cause unnecessary stress at the start of an already physically demanding course.
What should I do if I have a medical condition or physical limitation before attending BOSIET training?
You must disclose any relevant medical conditions to your training provider before the course begins. BOSIET training is physically demanding and involves submersion in water, confined spaces, and fire response drills, all of which can be contraindicated for certain conditions. Your provider may ask you to complete a medical self-declaration form, and in some cases a doctor's fitness-to-train letter will be required. Being upfront about this protects both your safety and your ability to complete and pass the course.
Will my BOSIET certification be recognised internationally, or only in specific regions?
BOSIET is an OPITO-certified qualification, and OPITO is recognised as the global safety and competency standard for the oil and gas industry. This means your BOSIET certificate is widely accepted across international offshore operations, including in the North Sea, Middle East, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. However, some regions or operators may have additional local requirements, so it is always worth confirming with your employer or operator before deployment to a new location.
How long is a BOSIET certificate valid, and what happens when it expires?
A BOSIET certificate is typically valid for four years. Before it expires, you will need to complete a Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET) course to renew your certification — this is a shorter refresher course rather than a full repeat of BOSIET. Letting your certification lapse can prevent you from working offshore, so it is important to track your expiry date and book your FOET renewal well in advance.
Is there anything I should do to physically prepare for BOSIET training beforehand?
While BOSIET is not an extreme physical test, arriving in reasonable physical condition will make the training more manageable and more enjoyable. The water exercises, survival suit donning, and fire drills all require a degree of stamina and mobility. In the days leading up to the course, prioritise good sleep, stay hydrated, and eat well on the morning of training. If you have any physical concerns such as a recent injury, inform your provider ahead of time so they are aware.
