BOSIET explained: cost, validity, where to get it

What BOSIET is and why every offshore worker needs it

BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) is the core safety certificate required to work offshore in the UK, Norway, and most international oil and gas projects. It was developed by OPITO — the upstream oil and gas industry skills body — and is recognised across virtually all offshore-producing regions.

The certificate proves you've been trained to respond to the four most critical offshore emergencies: helicopter ditching, sea survival, fire, and first aid. Without it, no operator will grant you a helideck pass or platform access. It is not optional — it is the minimum entry requirement.

What the course covers

BOSIET runs over approximately 2 days and combines classroom theory with practical pool and firefighting sessions. The modules are:

• HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) — the pool session where you practice escaping from a submerged, inverted helicopter simulator. This is the most physically demanding and mentally challenging part of the course.
• CA-EBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System) — a small breathing device worn during helicopter flights. You learn to deploy and breathe from it underwater. Some providers include this in the BOSIET fee; others charge separately.
• Sea survival — liferaft deployment, personal survival techniques, signalling for helicopter rescue, cold water shock management.
• Firefighting — practical use of extinguishers and hoses in a controlled burn environment.
• First aid — offshore-specific first aid and CPR, often to the level required by OPITO's standard.

Cost

Prices vary by provider and location. As of 2025–2026, expect to pay:

• BOSIET including CA-EBS: €600–€850 in the UK and North Sea region
• CA-EBS as a separate add-on (if not included): €90–€170
• Combined BOSIET + MIST packages: sometimes available at a small discount — worth asking providers about
• Norway and international providers typically cost more due to local standards and facility requirements

Validity and renewal

• Initial BOSIET certificate: valid for 4 years from the date of issue
• Renewal course: FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) — a shorter refresher that restores your certificate for another 4 years
• FOET cost: typically €400–€580, less than the initial BOSIET
• CA-EBS validity is tied to the BOSIET or FOET it was issued alongside
• The HUET pool element must be physically retaken at renewal — there is no online-only renewal option

Where to book — OPITO-accredited centres only

Only book training at an OPITO-accredited centre. Certificates from non-accredited providers are not accepted by offshore operators. OPITO maintains a full list of approved centres on their website.

Well-established UK and European providers include:

• Survivex — Aberdeen. One of the largest OPITO training facilities in the North Sea region.
• 2Excel Training — Aberdeen and Montrose.
• RGIT Montrose — Montrose, Scotland.
• Petans — Great Yarmouth. Convenient for the Southern North Sea and East Anglia wind sector.
• Falck Safety Services — multiple locations including Stavanger for the Norwegian sector.
• OPITO HUET centres in the Netherlands serve the Dutch and German North Sea sectors.

BOSIET vs FOET — which one do you need?

• Never had BOSIET before → you must complete the full BOSIET course
• BOSIET is still valid → no action needed until it approaches expiry
• BOSIET expired less than 6 months ago → you can typically book FOET
• BOSIET expired more than 6 months ago → confirm with the operator whether FOET is accepted or full BOSIET is required
• Moving to a different region (e.g. UK to Norway or Gulf of Mexico) → check if regional top-up modules are needed

Before you book — what to prepare

• Confirm your OGUK offshore medical is valid — no point completing BOSIET without medical clearance
• You must be able to swim — HUET takes place in a pool and basic swimming ability is required
• Inform the provider of any medical conditions that affect water activities
• Bring photo ID on the day — training centres require this before issuing your certificate
• Arrive well rested — the pool session is physically demanding

Common mistakes that cost money or time

• Booking a non-OPITO provider and having the certificate rejected by an operator
• Booking FOET when you've never held a BOSIET — FOET is a renewal, not an initial qualification
• Not including CA-EBS in the original booking and having to pay a separate session fee
• Letting BOSIET expire by more than 6 months and needing to redo the full course instead of the cheaper FOET
• Booking BOSIET before obtaining your offshore medical clearance