If you’re interested in working offshore or in any maritime field, then you should consider adding BOSIET training to your nautical studies. In this article, we will outline what BOSIET training is, why you should do it and what it entails.
What is BOSIET?
It may seem complicated but BOSIET is an abbreviation for Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training. It is a long name for the certificate, so in the industry it is known merely as BOSIET. It is a basic requirement for working offshore.
A BOSIET training course typically lasts for 3 days and a certification lasts for four years. Therefore, it is targeted at those who are new to an offshore workplace OR people who already work at offshore facilities.
Why BOSIET?
The course includes helicopter survival, emergency first aid, fire fighting, escaping different types of places, self rescue, sea survival and Totally Enclosed Motor Propelled Survival Craft or TEMPSC (lifeboat) training. BOSIET training was created to help personnel acquire initial offshore safety training, emergency reponse training and assessment requirements.
These requirements are important for anyone who wishes to have a career in the maritime or offshore industries. For example, oil and gas companies typically mandate personnel to attend this training course.
Offshore facilities are not exactly the safest, most placid environments. Therefore, it stands to reason that aspiring personnel must learn how to handle themselves and deal with emergencies. Offshore sites are also kilometres away from help. In the event of an emergency in this high-risk scenario, help does not arrive immediately. Therefore, workers must have some measure of preparation.
BOSIET training helps to protect both workers and companies.
What does BOSIET cover?
Under BOSIET training, you will learn how to react to common danger scenarios.
The first module is about Safety Inductions. This module will train personnel on all the necessary steps they must follow when working offshore. You will learn to identify the main offshore hazards, risks, consequences and how these risks are controlled. The main offshore installation safety regulations and the concept behind these regulations will also be detailed. Then, you will learn first aid and evacuation procedures in order to properly deal with emergencies. This module also covers issues with drugs and alcohol abuse while working on offshore sites.
In the second module, you will be trained on helicopter safety and escape. This is commonly known as the hardest part of BOSIET training. Here you will learn how to board a helicopter safely in the event of an emergency, how to properly don aviation transit outfits and use emergency breathing systems as well as general safety around a helicopter. In this module, you will also learn to escape from different types of confined locations on the offshore facility, assisting others in critical situations if possible.
The third module of BOSIET training imparts sea survival skills and first aid. This is in the event you find yourself in a situation where you must abandon your offshore facility. Then, you will require training and hands-on experience with survival equipment to survive the high seas until you can be rescued. Here in this module you will also learn first aid actions like Airway Breathing and CPR.
The fourth and final module covers firefighting and self-rescue. Fire is a very real risk on offshore facilities like oil drills. Here you will learn to operate hoses and other portable fire-extinguishers. You will learn about the reasons fires may begin. Then you will also learn self-rescue techniques with a smoke hood to help you to safety in case of reduced visibility due to smoke.
What is T-BOSIET?
T-BOSIET training is for tropical countries or warm waters while BOSIET training covers both warm and cold waters. If you already have a T-BOSIET, you can still take a BOSIET certificate and vice versa.
Is BOSIET training a must?
Generally speaking, BOSIET training is just the most basic of offshore survival training courses. It is typically mandatory if you are working on an offshore facility. Different countries and different companies may also have different requirements so it’s a good idea to check with your prospective employers on which course would serve your position best. Take it seriously, as it is not just a matter of legality. If you find yourself in a high-risk situation, BOSIET training may help you and your co-workers make it out safely.
What is the validity of my BOSIET certification?
Also remember, the validity of this course is 4 years. Once this period is over, you may take a refresher course called the Further Offshore Emergency Training that takes one day only. If you fail to take the refresher course, you may have to repeat the entire BOSIET test again to continue working so it’s a good idea to stay up to date on your BOSIET certification validity.
Working offshore may be exhilarating, but it is not easy. That’s why BOSIET training is of paramount importance. Find the best BOSIET training course for you to get started!
