If you are considering a career in offshore oil and gas, aviation over water, or the marine industries, you have likely heard the term HUET Training. But what exactly is HUET? Why is it so essential? HUET stands for Helicopter Underwater Escape Training, a mandatory safety course designed to prepare individuals for emergencies involving a helicopter ditching into water.
According to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), offshore helicopter transport accounts for a significant portion of workforce movement, and ensuring passenger survival in water emergencies is critical (IOGP, 2023). HUET training provides that life-saving edge.
In this guide, we will break down everything you should know about HUET Training: what it covers, who needs it, certification requirements, course structure, benefits, global standards, and more.
What is HUET Training?
HUET Training is a practical, instructor-led course that teaches individuals how to escape from a submerged helicopter cabin following a crash into water. It forms part of the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and OPITO-approved training modules.
The course mimics real-world crash scenarios, using a simulated helicopter cabin dunked in a pool. Participants learn to:
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Remain calm during a crash
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Escape from seat belts
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Find emergency exits underwater
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Surface safely
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Use breathing apparatus (if part of the training module)
The course helps reduce panic and improves survival rates in real emergencies.
Why HUET Training is So Important
Overwater helicopter operations are inherently risky. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and OPITO both require offshore workers and personnel flying over large bodies of water to complete HUET as part of their mandatory safety certifications.
According to the CAA Safety Review (2022), over 80 percent of helicopter-related fatalities in offshore operations involved water immersion. Many deaths occurred not from the crash itself, but from drowning due to panic or inability to escape the submerged cabin.
Here’s why HUET is critical:
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Improves confidence in emergency scenarios
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Reduces the risk of drowning
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Increases chances of survival and rescue
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Meets employer and industry legal requirements
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Boosts employability in offshore and marine industries
Who Needs HUET Training?
HUET is a requirement for the following groups:
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Offshore oil and gas workers
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Helicopter pilots and crew members operating over water
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Engineers and technicians working on offshore platforms
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Emergency response teams are flying to offshore sites
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Seismic crew members involved in marine exploration
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Maritime security and search and rescue professionals
If your job involves flying over water in a helicopter, HUET is a must.
Course Content: What to Expect in HUET Training
Most HUET training courses are 1 to 2 days long, depending on the inclusion of Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS) or Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems (CA-EBS). The content typically includes:
1. Safety Briefing and Theoretical Learning
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Introduction to HUET and helicopter safety
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Understanding the layout of helicopters
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Use of safety belts and emergency equipment
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Exit locations and procedures
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Crash dynamics and survivability
2. Practical Exercises in a Simulation Pool
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Evacuation from a helicopter simulator over water
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Underwater escape with and without blackout masks
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Exiting inverted (upside-down) helicopters
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Survival swimming techniques
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Use of life jackets and liferafts
3. Use of Emergency Breathing Systems (Optional)
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Familiarization with EBS or CA-EBS
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Breathing techniques underwater
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Emergency deployment in low visibility
4. Post-Escape Procedures
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Boarding life rafts
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Use of signaling devices
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Hypothermia awareness
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Rescue and recovery readiness
Certification and Validity
Upon successful completion, participants receive a HUET certificate. If completed under OPITO standards, the certificate is recognized internationally, especially in offshore regions like the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Asia-Pacific.
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Validity: HUET certification is typically valid for four years.
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Renewal: Workers must retrain before the expiration date to maintain offshore eligibility.
Some companies or regions may require annual refreshers or additional modules, such as EBS recertification.
OPITO HUET vs. Non-OPITO HUET
It’s important to distinguish between:
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OPITO HUET: Recognized by global oil and gas operators. Includes CA-EBS and adheres to a strict international framework.
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Non-OPITO HUET: May meet local standards, but is not always accepted globally.
If you intend to work internationally, go for an OPITO-accredited HUET course. You can check certified training centers on the OPITO website.
Where to Take HUET Training
HUET is offered by various accredited safety training providers worldwide. Some of the most reputable centers include:
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Survivex – UK
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Falck Safety Services – Global
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RSTC International – UAE
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Petrosafe – Nigeria
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Maersk Training – Denmark, Norway, UK
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MSTS Asia – Malaysia
Ensure the provider is certified by OPITO or recognized by your employer or regulatory body.
Addressing Common Questions
How long does HUET training take?
Most HUET courses last 1–2 days, depending on regional and company-specific requirements.
Is HUET training hard?
While physically and mentally challenging, it is designed to build confidence through realistic practice. Basic swimming skills and composure are essential.
Can I fail HUET training?
Yes. Participants who panic underwater or fail to complete escape tasks may not be certified. Instructors typically offer support and remediation if needed.
Do I need to know how to swim to take HUET?
Basic swimming ability is recommended. However, life jackets and support staff are present during all pool exercises.
What to Wear and Bring to HUET Training
Participants should bring:
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Swimwear
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Towel
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Identification document
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Medical clearance (if required by the provider)
You’ll be provided with:
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Survival suit
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Helmet
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Life jacket or CA-EBS device
Avoid heavy meals before underwater training to reduce discomfort.
Benefits of HUET Training Beyond Compliance
While HUET training is often viewed as just a requirement, its benefits extend beyond ticking a compliance box.
1. Saves Lives: Simulated drills engrain a muscle memory that can make all the difference in a panic-filled crash scenario.
2. Enhances Team Coordination: Group training encourages cohesive response strategies, helping team members work together effectively during emergencies.
3. Boosts Employability: Professionals with valid HUET and BOSIET certifications are often preferred in competitive offshore roles.
4. Reduces Insurance Risks: Employers are more confident in insuring workers who have up-to-date safety training, potentially lowering operational costs.
Recent Updates and Innovations in HUET Training
The industry is constantly evolving. Some of the recent innovations include:
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Virtual Reality HUET Simulators: Offering risk-free immersion for theoretical training.
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Hybrid CA-EBS modules: More realistic devices are now incorporated into practical sessions.
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Enhanced Psychological Preparation: New modules help reduce anxiety and improve performance underwater.
OPITO and safety regulators regularly update course requirements to align with modern helicopter designs and safety gear.
How to Prepare for HUET Training
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Stay Calm: Mental preparation is key. Panic can reduce your chance of survival.
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Practice Breath Control: Try holding your breath for short durations underwater in a pool before the course.
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Understand Helicopter Layouts: Familiarize yourself with different helicopter exit points.
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Listen to Instructors: They are trained professionals, and following instructions ensures your safety.
Conclusion: Is HUET Training Worth It?
Absolutely. HUET training is not just mandatory; it’s a critical life-saving skill. In an industry where the unexpected can happen mid-flight, being trained to respond confidently can mean the difference between life and death.
Whether you’re just starting in offshore oil and gas or advancing your career in overwater aviation, investing in HUET training is one of the smartest moves you can make.
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