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29 Jun 2026
Where can I do BOSIET training?
If you work offshore or are heading into the oil and gas industry, BOSIET training is one of the first things you will need to arrange. It is a mandatory safety certification that opens the door to offshore work, and knowing where to do it, what it covers, and how long it lasts will save you time and help you stay compliant. Here is everything you need to know.
What is BOSIET training and who needs it?
BOSIET stands for Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training. It is an OPITO-accredited certification that provides offshore workers with the essential safety skills needed to survive and respond to emergencies at sea. Anyone working on offshore installations in the oil and gas sector is required to hold a valid BOSIET certificate before setting foot on a platform.
The course is designed for people who are new to offshore work or who have not previously held an OPITO offshore safety certificate. This includes engineers, technicians, contractors, catering staff, and anyone else whose role takes them to an offshore facility. Employers and project operators will typically require proof of a valid certificate before granting offshore access.
Where can you do BOSIET training?
BOSIET training can be completed at OPITO-accredited training centers located around the world. These centers must meet strict quality and safety standards set by OPITO to deliver the course and issue recognized certificates. Locations are commonly found near major offshore hubs, ports, and airports to make access as practical as possible for working professionals.
When choosing where to do your BOSIET course, it helps to look for a provider with multiple locations so you can fit training around your travel schedule. Common countries with accredited centers include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, the United States, France, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia. Always confirm the center is OPITO-accredited before booking.
You can explore available offshore training options to find a center that fits your schedule and travel plans.
What does a BOSIET course include?
A BOSIET course covers the core safety competencies required for offshore survival and emergency response. The training combines classroom learning with hands-on practical exercises in realistic environments, including water-based simulations.
Key elements of the BOSIET course typically include:
- Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), including underwater escape from a submerged and inverted helicopter
- Use of an Emergency Breathing System (EBS) during underwater escape
- Sea survival techniques, including the use of life rafts and personal survival equipment
- Firefighting and fire prevention on offshore installations
- First aid and emergency response procedures
- Offshore safety awareness and risk management
The practical nature of the training is what makes it effective. Participants do not just learn theory; they practice real emergency scenarios so they are prepared to act confidently if something goes wrong offshore.
How long is a BOSIET certificate valid?
A BOSIET certificate is valid for four years from the date of issue. After that period, the certificate expires, and offshore access will typically be denied until the holder completes a refresher course.
Rather than repeating the full BOSIET course, certificate holders can complete a FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) to renew their certification. The FOET is shorter and designed specifically for those refreshing an existing qualification. It is important to plan ahead and not let your certificate lapse, as this can cause delays to project start dates and create complications for both workers and their employers.
What’s the difference between BOSIET and FOET?
The key difference is that BOSIET is the initial qualification for people entering offshore work for the first time, while FOET is the renewal course for those who already hold, or have previously held, an OPITO offshore safety certificate.
Here is a quick comparison to make the distinction clear:
- BOSIET is the full baseline course. It covers all core offshore safety competencies and is required before a person can work offshore for the first time.
- FOET is the refresher course. It revisits and updates the key skills from BOSIET but is shorter in duration and assumes prior knowledge and experience.
- Validity is the same for both: four years from the date of completion.
- Eligibility differs: FOET is only available to those who have previously completed BOSIET or an equivalent OPITO qualification.
If you are unsure which course applies to your situation, check your existing certificate or speak with your employer or training provider. You can also review the OPITO FOET course details to see whether it matches your renewal needs.
How do you book a BOSIET course?
Booking a BOSIET course is straightforward. Start by identifying an OPITO-accredited training center in a location that works for you, then check available dates and confirm any prerequisites with the provider before completing your booking.
Practical steps to book your BOSIET training:
- Confirm you need BOSIET (not FOET) based on your certification history
- Choose a location near your home, port of departure, or project site
- Check available course dates and select one that fits your schedule
- Review what to bring, including any required identification or medical documentation
- Complete the booking online or contact the training center directly
Many providers allow individuals and companies to book directly online. If you are booking for a team or coordinating training for multiple employees, it is worth contacting the provider directly to discuss group scheduling options and any flexibility around dates.
How FMTC Safety helps you get BOSIET certified
We offer OPITO-accredited BOSIET training at multiple international locations, including the Netherlands, the United States, France, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia. Our centers are positioned near major airports, ports, and industry hubs so you can complete your training before heading to your project without unnecessary detours.
Here is what makes booking with us practical and reliable:
- Guaranteed course continuity, even with a single participant enrolled
- Flexible cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts, free of charge
- OPITO-certified instructors with real offshore experience
- Certificates issued directly by OPITO, recognized globally
- Online booking available for both individuals and organizations
Whether you are booking for yourself or coordinating training for a team, we make the process straightforward. View the full OPITO BOSIET course details and secure your place today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do BOSIET training if I have a medical condition or physical limitation?
BOSIET training includes physically demanding elements such as helicopter underwater escape and sea survival exercises, so most providers require participants to meet a basic level of medical fitness. You will typically need to complete an offshore medical examination (such as an OGUK or equivalent standard) before attending the course. If you have a specific condition or limitation, contact your chosen training center in advance — they can advise whether any adjustments are possible or whether a medical clearance is required before you book.
What should I bring to my BOSIET course, and how should I prepare?
Most training centers will send you a pre-course information pack after booking, which outlines exactly what to bring — typically valid photo ID, proof of any required medical certification, and comfortable clothing suitable for water-based exercises. No prior offshore experience is needed, as BOSIET is designed for first-timers, but arriving well-rested and having read any pre-course materials will help you get the most out of the practical sessions. Avoid heavy meals before water exercises, and if you have concerns about swimming ability, let your provider know in advance.
How long does a BOSIET course take to complete?
A standard BOSIET course typically runs over three to four days, depending on the training center and the specific modules included. This duration allows time for both the theoretical components and the hands-on practical exercises, including pool-based helicopter escape simulations and firefighting drills. It is worth factoring this into your project planning to ensure you complete the course well before your offshore mobilization date.
Is my BOSIET certificate valid worldwide, or only in certain regions?
Because BOSIET is an OPITO-accredited qualification, it is recognized internationally across the oil and gas industry, covering offshore operations in regions such as the North Sea, the Middle East, West Africa, and beyond. However, some regions or specific operators may have additional local requirements on top of BOSIET, so it is always worth checking with your employer or project operator before traveling. The certificate itself is issued directly by OPITO, which ensures its global credibility and standardization.
What happens if my BOSIET certificate expires before I can complete a FOET?
If your BOSIET certificate has lapsed, you will generally not be permitted offshore access until your certification is renewed. In most cases, if the certificate has been expired for a significant period, the training provider or your employer will advise whether a full BOSIET course is required again rather than a FOET. To avoid this situation entirely, aim to book your FOET renewal well before the four-year expiry date — ideally a few months in advance to account for scheduling availability.
Can my employer book and pay for BOSIET training on my behalf?
Yes, and this is very common in the oil and gas industry. Many employers, contractors, and project operators book and fund BOSIET training directly for their workforce, particularly when onboarding new hires or mobilizing teams for offshore projects. If you are an individual contractor, it is worth clarifying with your client or employer who is responsible for covering the cost before booking. Training providers like FMTC Safety offer direct booking options for both individuals and organizations, making it straightforward to manage group or company-funded enrollments.
Are there any other certifications I should have alongside BOSIET before going offshore?
BOSIET is the core mandatory safety certification, but offshore workers are often required to hold additional qualifications depending on their role and the specific installation. Common complementary certifications include an offshore medical certificate (such as OGUK), a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) safety course, and role-specific technical training relevant to your job function. Your employer or the project operator will usually provide a full list of required certifications before your mobilization, so it is worth requesting this checklist early to avoid last-minute delays.
