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GWO Sea Survival 

Course Overview

Build the confidence and competence to act safely in offshore operations with our GWO Sea Survival Training course, designed to prepare you for real-life emergencies in the offshore wind energy environment. 

The GWO sea survival training course is designed to equip personnel working in the offshore wind energy industry with the essential skills needed to prevent incidents and respond effectively when emergencies occur. Aligned with Global Wind Organisation standards, this training combines theoretical and practical training to ensure participants can manage risks during normal operation and emergency situations.

This course is a core part of basic safety training and is aimed at technicians and personnel working on offshore wind farms, including those involved in turbine installation, maintenance, and support roles.

1 Day

£417 ex VAT

In Person

Salford

GWO Sea Survival.webp

Course Information

You will learn survival techniques and methods of safe transfer between vessels and installations.  Theoretical and practical training will give the basic knowledge and skills to act safely and take correct preventative actions in all aspects of offshore operations both during normal operation and in an emergency in an offshore wind energy environment.

GWO Sea Survival Course Modules

The GWO sea survival course is delivered through a combination of classroom-based theory and practical exercises. The theoretical module introduces key safety systems, maritime distress and safety procedures, and emergency and safety procedures relevant to offshore work.

Practical training takes place in a controlled environment and includes pool-based survival skills, vessel transfer techniques, and evacuation procedures. Participants also learn how to conduct safe transfer between installations vessels and wind turbine structures.

Practical Sea Survival Exercises and Drills

A key focus of GWO sea survival training is hands-on learning. Participants complete practical exercises such as controlled water entry, lifejacket donning and inflation, and man overboard recovery simulations.

Training also includes life raft deployment and boarding exercises, ensuring delegates can use survival equipment in a safe manner. These drills are designed to replicate real offshore scenarios and provide a high learning transfer into the workplace.

Sea Survival Techniques

During this sea survival training, participants learn how to respond in a correct and safe manner to offshore emergencies. This includes understanding the effects of cold water immersion and cold shock on the human body, recognising and treating hypothermia, and taking the correct preventive actions.

The course also covers man overboard procedures, search and rescue principles, and how to use life saving appliances and personal protective equipment effectively. Delegates gain the knowledge required to ensure safe conduct during offshore operations from shore to installation vessel.

GWO Sea Survival Course
  • This GWO sea survival course is suitable for technicians, engineers, and offshore support staff working in the offshore wind environment. It is ideal for both new entrants completing initial training and experienced personnel requiring a refresher course to maintain certification.

    Participants must be registered with WINDA and typically should have completed working at height training to ensure they can safely perform rescue tasks as part of offshore operations.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of dangers and symptoms related to hypothermia and drowning
    Understand the limitations of different life-saving appliances (LSA), personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal fall protection Equipment (PFPE) used in the offshore wind industry
    Demonstrate knowledge of risks related to transfers
    Demonstrate safe transfer and evacuation of a WTG
    Have knowledge of search and rescue (SAR) and global maritime distress and safety systems (GMDSS)
    Give first aid treatment to a “man overboard”
    Demonstrate individual and group survival techniques at sea

    • A valid WINDA ID is required.

    • Safety footwear is required for all practical sessions.

    • A general standard of fitness is required.

    • Photographic ID Card, such as a drivers licence or passport.

  • Upon completion of the course, delegates will be awarded with GWO approved certification for the sea survival module.
    Certification does not expire.

  • Registration and Welcome: The day typically begins with registration, where participants confirm their attendance and receive any necessary training materials or equipment.
    Safety Briefing: A safety briefing is conducted to highlight the importance of adhering to safety protocols throughout the training session and in our centre.
    Catering: Lunch will be provided to all delegates.

  • Participants or individuals booking the course are responsible for ensuring that they meet all the necessary prerequisites and provide the required evidence, such as valid certificates for revalidation courses, on the first day of the course.

    Failure to fulfill any of these prerequisites may lead to the participant being requested to leave the course. Please note that no refunds will be issued in such cases.

Assessment, Certification, and Refresher Course Options

Assessment is carried out through continuous observation and oral formative evaluation, ensuring participants demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical competence. Upon successful completion, delegates are awarded a GWO sea survival certificate, which is uploaded to WINDA. Certification is valid for two years, and a refresher course is required to maintain compliance. Renewal can be completed within the recommended timeframe to ensure continued certification in line with GWO standards.

Prerequisites and Physical Requirements

Participants must be over 18, medically fit, and capable of completing all practical training elements. A reasonable level of swimming ability is required due to the nature of sea survival training, along with appropriate clothing for water-based exercises. Completion of working at height training is recommended, as the course includes elements of rescue and emergency response linked to offshore wind turbine environments.

Course Duration, Schedule, and Booking

The GWO sea survival training course is typically delivered over one day, with a mix of classroom theory and intensive practical sessions. Blended learning options may be available, combining online theory with on-site practical training.

Booking is straightforward, with flexible course dates available at specialist training centres. Participants should confirm pricing, availability, and any included equipment in advance, as well as ensure their WINDA ID and documentation are ready before attending.

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