BOSIET Training UK — What to Expect and How to Prepare

BOSIET Training UK — What to Expect and How to Prepare

During my years working offshore I’ve completed BOSIET and its refreshers several times. Every training provider teaches the same core syllabus, but they all are a little bit different, and I’ll be honest, the trainers have all been brilliant and understanding of everybody’s level…

If you are heading offshore for the first time, BOSIET training is not optional — it is the gateway to working in the UK offshore industry. The helicopter escape simulator is what most people are nervous about beforehand, but it’s also the part nearly everyone talks about afterwards. Before you book, before you turn up, here is everything you actually need to know from someone who has been through it.

What Is BOSIET Training?

BOSIET stands for Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training. It is an OPITO approved course that covers the core safety knowledge and practical skills required to work offshore and travel by helicopter (the fun bit) to offshore installations. Without it, you are not going offshore — it is as simple as that.

Your BOSIET certificate is valid for four years from the date of issue, after which you will need to complete a FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) refresher course to keep it current.

Before You Book — You Need a Medical First

This catches people out. You cannot turn up to BOSIET training without the right medical clearance. You will need one of the following:

— An OEUK offshore medical and a fit to train CA-EBS certificate
— A valid, unexpired ENG1 seafarers medical certificate without restrictions
— A valid AMED diving medical

The medical must be valid and in date at the time of training — not just booked. Get this sorted before you book your course date, not after.

What Does the Course Cover?

The BOSIET is built around four core modules:

Basic Offshore Safety — an introduction to hazards specific to the offshore oil and gas industry, risk controls, and safety management. Straightforward but pay attention — there are daily mini quizzes and the occasional curveball question designed to catch people out. Bring a notepad and coloured pens. It sounds basic advice but genuinely helps you retain the information.

Firefighting and Self Rescue — practical firefighting techniques and self-rescue in low visibility and smoke-filled environments.

Sea Survival — everything from abandoning a vessel with an Immersion Suit to liferaft procedures and surviving in cold water while waiting for rescue.

HUET — Helicopter Underwater Escape Training — and this is where it gets interesting.

The HUET — The Part Everyone Is Nervous About

If you’re worried about the HUET section, don’t be. The instructors build you up gradually and nobody is thrown straight into a capsized helicopter simulator. The idea of being strapped in, dunked underwater, flipped upside down, and having to escape through a window is genuinely daunting if you have never done it.

Here is what I can tell you having done it myself as a scuba diver with water confidence: it is nothing like as bad as you imagine, and once you have done it once it becomes genuinely enjoyable. I would happily do it again.

The training uses a CA-EBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System) — a small mouthpiece breathing device that gives you air underwater — either with or without a full rebreather depending on the course variant. There are support divers in the water at all times. If anyone panics or has a problem, help is right there.

Yes, it is claustrophobic. Yes, being inverted underwater is disorientating the first time. But it is controlled, it is supervised, and you are never in any real danger. The support divers are professionals. Focus on the technique, trust the process, and you will be fine.

What to Bring

This is the practical list you actually need:
— One change of warm clothing
— Personal wash kit
— Safety shoes or rig boots
— Swimming wear and a towel — you will get wet
— If your shoe size is below a 4 or above a 12, bring a clean pair of old trainers
— Photographic ID — passport or driving licence. This is compulsory. No ID, no course.
— A notepad and coloured pens — more useful than you think

How Much Does BOSIET Training Cost in the UK?

Prices vary between training centres and course variants but expect to pay somewhere between £800 and £1,200 for a full BOSIET with CA-EBS. Some employers cover this cost — worth checking before you pay yourself.

Where Can You Do BOSIET Training in the UK?

BOSIET training is available at approved OPITO centres across the UK. The main locations are Aberdeen and Newcastle, This is where I completed my course and highly recommend – An extremely professional set up with excellent instructors.

Do You Need MIST as Well?

If you are working in the UK sector specifically, MIST (Minimum Industry Safety Training) is also mandatory and is often completed immediately after the BOSIET course at the same training centre. Many providers offer a combined package — worth asking about when you book.

Quick FAQ’s

1. Can you fail? Yes, but they will guide you through each module carefully
2. How long is HUET? approx. 1.5 days alot in the classroom beforehand
3. Can non-swimmers pass? Yes, (I didn’t even think about this to be honest but my friend did ask so wanted to reassure, although it does help)
4. Best providers? I have only ever completed my course at Survivex in Aberdeen, they were fantastic!

The Bottom Line

BOSIET training is a serious course that covers life-saving skills you genuinely hope never to need. Take it seriously, listen closely, and do not let nerves about the HUET put you off going offshore. It is one of those things that is far better in reality than in your imagination.

Always verify current medical requirements and course content directly with your chosen OPITO approved training provider before booking, as requirements are subject to change.