ABOUT HUET TRAINING

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?

This training is crucial for those working in the offshore oil and gas industry, as it equips participants with essential skills to safely escape from a helicopter in the event of an emergency water landing. HUET training is one of the fundamental courses working in the offshore industry and is required for anyone traveling to offshore facilities. The training ensures that personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergency scenarios safely.

COURSE STRUCTURE & DURATION

The HUET course focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects. Participants learn about helicopter safety procedures, pre-flight and in-flight requirements, and emergency response techniques. The practical component includes simulated exercises in a controlled environment, such as a swimming pool, executing underwater escape maneuvers, and deploying life-saving equipment like lifejackets and life rafts.  

HUET training standards are defined by OPITO, a global, not-for-profit organization that sets safety benchmarks for the offshore industry. As a highly practical course, HUET cannot be completed online. While theoretical components can be studied online to prepare for the course, the hands-on, immersive experience of being submerged in water and performing escape tasks is essential to earn the certification. 


The course is typically one day long and covers the following key areas:

  1. Pre-flight briefings and safety protocols
  2. Emergency procedures during helicopter transit
  3. Techniques for escaping from a submerged or capsized helicopter
  4. Survival skills for post-ditching scenarios

The duration of HUET courses varies, but the most basic course generally lasts for one day. The certificate obtained from completing HUET training is valid for four years, after which a refresher course is needed to maintain the certification.

A helicopter model being submerged in a pool for real life training

PREREQUISITES FOR TAKING THE COURSE

DOCUMENTATION & MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

The cost of HUET training varies depending on the supplier and the region. To prepare for the course, individuals must undergo a medical examination and provide the necessary documentation. While swimming skills are not mandatory, it can be beneficial to have a basic understanding of maneuvering in water and to practice breathing exercises.  

Note that HUET training does not require participants to be swimmers. The course is designed to teach escape techniques and best practices for both swimmers and non-swimmers alike. The primary focus of HUET training is to ensure that all participants can safely exit a submerged helicopter by applying the learned strategies and safety assessments. 

BEYOND THE GENERAL HUET COURSE

SPECIALIZED VERISONS TAILORED TO DIFFERENT ENVIROMENTS

Specialized versions of HUET training exist for different environments and equipment. For instance, HUET with CA-EBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System) includes training on how to use emergency breathing equipment during an escape. There is also T-HUET (Tropical HUET), which is tailored for those working in tropical offshore environments, addressing the unique challenges and risks associated with these settings. 

Overall, the main goal of HUET training is to maximize the chance of survival in emergency situations involving helicopter travel. By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge, HUET ensures that individuals are prepared to handle high-risk scenarios effectively, thereby enhancing safety in the offshore industry.

A helicopter model being submerged in a pool for real life training

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is HUET training?

HUET stands for Helicopter Underwater Escape Training. The HUET abbreviation is the offshore industry standard for the type of training needed for personnel going to and from offshore facilities. 

When is HUET training required?

Offshore sites such as oil rigs will often only be accessible by helicopters. The commute includes taking off from and landing at facilities where a certain level of safety knowledge is required. All people who will travel to an offshore facility must have a BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) or FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) certificate. People going just once to an offshore site may only require HUET training. 

What to wear to HUET training?

HUET training is a combination of theory and practical exercises. When it is time to go in the pool, you will need swimwear to wear underneath your survival suit. All necessary personal protective equipment for the training is provided onsite. 

What is the HUET training duration?

The most basic HUET course will typically last for one day. However, there are many different HUET course variations. Therefore, it is hard to say precisely how long the course duration is. 

How long is HUET training good for?

The HUET certificate will last four years. The four-year HUET training validity is a way to ensure that personnel continuously update their skills. If the HUET training is valid, you can travel by helicopter to and from offshore sites. 

How much does HUET training cost?

The price will vary between different suppliers and regions of the world. 

How to prepare for HUET training?

Before attending a HUET course, you need a medical examination and documentation. Besides the medical check, students could benefit from breathing exercises and a basic understanding of maneuvering in water. To exit a helicopter submerged in water requires some flexibility, but swimming skills are not necessary nor mandatory. 

What is HUET training with CA-EBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System)?

Helicopter Underwater Escape Training with Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS). Or in short, HUET with CA-EBS. It is a course for people who will travel by helicopter and an emergency breathing system is issued. Part of the course will teach the student to operate the breathing system when exiting the vessel safely. 

What is a T-HUET (Tropical HUET)?

The Tropical Helicopter Underwater Escape Training is aimed at workers that travel to and from offshore oil and gas installations and vessels by helicopter, in a tropical environment. Personnel will relate training contents specifically to tropical settings, which ensures that the challenges working in tropical regions are incorporated in the training and risk scenarios. 

Is HUET training for non-swimmers?

During a HUET course swimming abilities are not required. In other words, you can take the course without being able to swim. The HUET course is both for people who can and cannot swim. Escaping from the vessel is a matter of knowing and applying best practice escape plans, not swimming experiences. 

What is OPITO HUET training?

OPITO is a global, not-for-profit organization for the offshore industry. OPITO plays a vital role in defining the standards for safety in the offshore sector. Thus, any HUET training must meet the standards described by OPITO. 

Can you get HUET training online?

HUET is a highly practical course. Studying the theory online might be an excellent way to keep the strategies top of mind of preparing for the course. However, there is no way to avoid getting wet. Being submerged into the pool and performing the different tasks is the only way to earn the certificate. 

What is HUET survival training?

The primary purpose of any HUET course is to maximize the chance of survival. That goal is achieved by knowing and applying the correct safety assessments and strategies. For the best chance of survival in an extreme situation such as exiting a helicopter in water, you need the skill set that you learn during a HUET course. 

Is it called HUET Underwater Escape Training?

The correct name for the course is Helicopter Underwater Escape Training. The acronym is HUET. HUET training is focused on emergencies when travelling by helicopter and how to assess and act in high-risk situations. 

DID YOU NOT FIND WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR?

RelyOn offers the HUET course at many different locations across the globe to make sure you find a training center closest to you. To access our full training portfolio, please visit our online course catalogue or contact your local provider for more information!

CONTACT US

Address

Kalvebod Brygge 45, 3rd floor 1560 København Denmark

Email

info@relyonnutec.com

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Receive our latest news and industry insights directly in your mailbox.