Where can you take HUET training?

You can take HUET training at certified OPITO-approved training centers located around the world, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, the United States, and the Middle East. Most centers are positioned near major offshore hubs, ports, or airports to make it as convenient as possible to complete your training before heading out to a project.

HUET, which stands for Helicopter Underwater Escape Training, is a mandatory requirement for most professionals who travel to and from offshore installations by helicopter. The sections below cover everything you need to know, from who needs it and what to expect, to how to book and where to find a course near you.

Who is required to take HUET training?

HUET training is required for anyone who travels to or from an offshore installation by helicopter. This includes offshore oil and gas workers, wind technicians working on offshore wind farms, maritime professionals, and contractors or visitors who need helicopter access to a platform or vessel. Most operators and installation managers will not allow anyone on board without a valid HUET certificate.

The requirement applies regardless of your specific role. Whether you are a drilling engineer, a catering worker, or an HSE inspector visiting a platform, if you are traveling offshore by helicopter, you need this certification. It is a non-negotiable safety standard set by OPITO, the global competency body for the energy industry.

What happens during a HUET training course?

During a HUET course, participants learn how to safely escape from a helicopter that has ditched in water and capsized. The training combines theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on exercises in a controlled pool environment. You will practice evacuating a helicopter simulator that rolls and submerges, so you are prepared to act quickly and calmly in a real emergency.

A standard HUET course typically covers the following:

• Helicopter safety briefings and pre-flight procedures
• Water survival techniques and personal flotation device use
• Underwater escape from a submerged helicopter simulator (the Dunker)
• Use of Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS) where applicable
• Sea survival and post-ditching procedures

The practical exercises are conducted under close instructor supervision, and the training is designed to build genuine confidence rather than just theoretical awareness. Instructors are experienced professionals with real-world offshore backgrounds, which makes the sessions both credible and relevant.

Where can you take HUET training worldwide?

HUET training is available at OPITO-approved centers across the globe, with major locations in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, the United States, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, and the Middle East. These centers are typically situated near offshore industry hubs, making it practical to complete training close to where you live or work, or on your way to a project.

When choosing a location, consider proximity to your departure point, available course dates, and whether the center offers the specific HUET variant you need (standard HUET, HUET with EBS, or as part of a BOSIET or FOET course). You can view our training locations to find a center that works for your schedule and travel plans.

How long is a HUET certificate valid?

A HUET certificate is valid for four years from the date of issue. Before it expires, you will need to complete a Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET) course to renew your certification and maintain your eligibility to travel offshore by helicopter. Most operators and project managers require proof of a valid certificate before allowing access to a helicopter or offshore installation.

It is good practice to track your certificate expiry date well in advance. Many offshore professionals and the HR or QHSE teams that manage their training schedules build in a reminder at the three-year mark to avoid last-minute booking pressure or project delays caused by an expired certificate.

What’s the difference between HUET and BOSIET?

HUET is a standalone module focused specifically on helicopter underwater escape, while BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) is a broader certification that includes HUET as one of its components. If you are new to offshore work, you will typically need to complete BOSIET first, which covers sea survival, firefighting, first aid, and helicopter escape. HUET on its own is generally taken as a refresher or add-on for those who already hold a current BOSIET.

In practice, if you are just renewing your helicopter escape certification and your other BOSIET elements are still valid, a standalone HUET course may be all you need. If you are entering offshore work for the first time or your full BOSIET has expired, you will need the complete course. You can explore the full range of OPITO HUET, FOET and BOSIET courses to find the right option for your situation.

How do you book a HUET training course?

Booking a HUET training course is straightforward. You can book directly through a certified OPITO-approved training provider by selecting your preferred location, course date, and course variant. Most providers offer online booking, and many, including us, allow you to cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before the course starts.

To book, follow these steps:

1. Confirm which HUET course you need (standard HUET, HUET with EBS, or as part of a BOSIET or FOET)
2. Check your current certificate status and expiry date
3. Select a training location that is convenient for your travel or project schedule
4. Choose an available course date and complete the booking online or by contacting the provider
5. Receive your booking confirmation and any pre-course instructions

If you are booking on behalf of a team or multiple employees, most providers can accommodate group bookings and help coordinate schedules to minimize disruption to your operations.

How FMTC Safety helps with HUET training

We make it easy to find and complete your HUET training, whether you are an individual professional or a company coordinating training for a team. As a globally certified OPITO-approved training provider with locations near major offshore hubs, we offer flexible scheduling, guaranteed course continuity, and practical training delivered by experienced instructors.

Here is what you can expect when you book with us:

• OPITO-certified HUET courses with and without Emergency Breathing Systems
• Training centers in the Netherlands, the United States, France, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, and more
• Courses guaranteed to run, even with a small number of participants
• Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course
• A 5-star Trustpilot rating from nearly 3,000 verified reviews
• Support for both individual bookings and corporate group training

Ready to get certified? Book your HUET course today and make sure your certification is in place before your next offshore project.