Frequently asked questions

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

Yes, we offer refresher modules for many of our courses. The validity of certificates depends on the standard and course.

Yes, we offer refresher modules for many of our courses. The validity of certificates depends on the standard and course.

For some courses, you can choose VAT exemption. This means the training will be invoiced without 21% VAT. The exemption applies only to recognised vocational training programmes that fall under official supervision by organisations such as ILT, OPITO, GWO, or NOGEPA.

Choose VAT exemption if you are taking the course for professional purposes or as a private individual without VAT deduction rights.
Choose including VAT if you are booking on behalf of a company that can reclaim VAT from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.

Your invoice will then state:
“Exempt from VAT under Article 11, paragraph 1, section o of the Dutch VAT Act 1968.”

Not required, but possible. Call us for advice or available options at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

Yes, at DRTC we provide online training and e-learning modules. For example, we offer the online Maritime Dutch Law Assessment.
If you are interested in a specific topic or module for online completion, feel free to contact us so we can explore what options are available.

You can cancel your booking by contacting us via email or phone. For open enrolment courses you may cancel free of charge up to 5 working days before the start. For customised training you may cancel free of charge up to 14 working days before the start. If you cancel within those deadlines the full course fee will be invoiced.

Yes, we can. You can request this when booking or contact us by email or phone. We will arrange a suitable hotel and package for your stay.

Visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for more information, or contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

Yes. We provide tailored in-company training designed for your organisation, including practical scenarios that take into account shift work and operational schedules.

For (future) wind technicians, HSE staff, and support personnel working onshore or offshore in the wind energy industry.

We offer the full Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, and Sea Survival. Refresher courses and Enhanced First Aid are also available.

GWO certificates are valid for 24 months. Be sure to complete your refresher course before expiry.

Basic fitness is required. Depending on your employer’s policy, a maritime or offshore medical examination may be mandatory.

Depending on the module, you may need to retake the basic or an additional module. Contact us for the correct procedure. Call us at +31 118 463 382 or send an email to drtc@drtc.nl

You will receive your certificate immediately at the end of the training. We will upload your certification details to the WINDA database.

Courses are conducted in Dutch or English. We can provide support for participants with dyslexia or reading difficulties; please inform us in advance.

At our own training locations or, where permitted, in-company.

Bring valid identification, any required medical certificate, sports or swimwear, and a towel for pool sessions. All PPE and safety equipment are provided by DRTC.

For offshore personnel working in the oil and gas industry, including those attending BOSIET, T-BOSIET, FOET, HUET, and CA-EBS courses.

Generally, OPITO certificates are valid for 4 years (FOET before expiry). NOGEPA: basic safety training 4 years, specialised training 2 years. Please check the course page for exact validity.

Yes, a valid OGUK or NOGEPA medical certificate is usually required.

Bring valid identification, your medical certificate, swimwear, and a towel for pool sessions. PPE and rescue equipment are provided by DRTC.

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support is available upon request.

Yes, certain theoretical and practical components can be conducted on-site, provided that the facilities meet the required standards.

In some cases, a FOET/refresher is no longer allowed and you may need to repeat (part of) the initial training. Contact us for advice. Call us at +31 118 463 382 or send an email drtc@drtc.nl

For seafarers and maritime professionals who must comply with international STCW requirements.

Yes, our STCW courses are recognised by the Dutch flag state (the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate – ILT). Each certificate includes the relevant STCW reference, ensuring international recognition.

We offer Basic Training (BT), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), Medical Care (MC), Proficiency in (Fast) Rescue Boats (PSCRB/FRB), and Security Awareness/Designated Duties.

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every 5 years (depending on the module and sea time requirements). Check the course page for exact details.

Yes, a valid maritime medical certificate is mandatory for participation.

Bring valid identification, a medical certificate (mandatory), and swimwear/towel if the course includes a pool module. PPE and rescue equipment are provided by DRTC.

 

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support for reading difficulties can be arranged on request.

You will receive a digital and/or physical certificate in compliance with STCW standards. The format may vary by course.

For companies and individuals in all sectors (production, logistics, construction, and office environments) who wish to meet occupational safety requirements.

  • VCA: usually valid for 10 years
  • BHV: recommended or required annually by most organisations
  • First Aid: validity depends on the certification body, usually annual maintenance and reassessment within 2 years
    Exact validity details are listed per course.

Yes. We design tailored training scenarios based on your risk assessment (RI&E), shift schedules, and location, including on-site exercises.

Yes, we offer blended learning options combining online theory with a shorter practical session.

Bring valid identification and comfortable clothing. For forklift or aerial platform training, safety shoes are required. PPE will be provided where necessary.

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Extra time or reading aids can be provided upon request.

You will receive a digital certificate or card issued by the relevant certifying body. Where applicable, we also handle registration in the associated system.

You can book directly through the course page on our website or contact our team for group or in-company training.

Yes, you will receive an email confirmation immediately after booking. Didn’t receive one? Check your spam folder or call us.

Cancellations are free up to 10 working days before the start of the course. After that, partial costs may apply. A no-show will be charged in full.

Yes, lunch and beverages are included in all full-day arrangements unless otherwise specified. On request, we can also assist with hotel bookings.

Call +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl. Our Customer Support & Success Team will be happy to help.

Our courses are designed for professionals in the maritime sector, ports & logistics, industry, offshore, and wind energy. We also provide first aid and emergency response (BHV & EHBO) training for companies and individuals.

The start time is listed in your confirmation. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for registration and a coffee or tea.

Our courses are offered in Dutch or English, as indicated during booking. We also accommodate participants with dyslexia or reading difficulties whenever possible.

We plan our courses carefully, and in principle, our training sessions always go ahead.

You can book directly via the website or contact our Customer Support & Success Team at drtc@drtc.nl

You will receive an email confirmation immediately after booking. Didn’t receive an email? Check your spam folder or call us at +31 118 463 382.

Payments can be made via iDEAL, credit card, or invoice (for companies). Payment by debit or credit card is also possible on location.

You can book as soon as a date is available online. If your preferred date is not listed, please contact our Customer Support & Success Team at drtc@drtc.nl.

You will receive your certificate at the end of the course. A digital copy will also be sent automatically to you and/or your employer.

  • GWO: 2 years (Refresher required before expiry)
  • OPITO: 4 years (FOET required before expiry)
  • NOGEPA: 4 years for basic training, 2 years for specialised training
  • STCW: 5 years (Refresher allowed under certain conditions – see ILT refresher access instruction)

For STCW training, this is permitted under certain conditions. Please refer to the ILT refresher access instruction for details.

For all courses, you must be fit to participate safely. Please inform us in advance of any medical limitations. For STCW training, a valid medical certificate is required.

The cost depends on the type of examination (OGUK, NOGEPA, or STCW). Several certified occupational health services offer these examinations.

Please bring valid identification, your booking confirmation, and any required medical documents. For swimming or water-based modules, bring a towel and swimwear. Wear comfortable (work) clothing and bring your own safety shoes if possible.

Yes, for day courses we provide coffee, tea, and lunch unless otherwise specified.

No, DRTC provides all PPE and safety equipment. For water-based modules, please bring your own sports or swimwear and a towel.

Our training locations are in Vlissingen, Groningen, Heerenveen, and Delfzijl. We also provide on-site training at client locations.

Yes, free parking is available at all our sites. The locations are also easily accessible by public transport.

Yes, depending on the content of the course. Training on-site can be very effective. Contact us at drtc@drtc.nl to discuss the possibilities.

Yes, we currently offer online exams for the maritime legislation test and are developing additional online learning modules. Keep an eye on our website for updates.

For open enrolments, cancellation is free of charge up to 5 working days before the start date, and changes are free up to 2 working days before.
A no-show will be charged in full.
For customised (in-company) training, cancellation is free up to 14 days before the course. Please refer to our general terms and conditions for full details.

Contact us by phone or email with your booking number. We will gladly help you find an alternative date or solution.

No, swimming skills are not required. Basic water confidence helps, but you will always wear a flotation device and be closely supervised by our instructors.

Please inform us in advance when booking. We will make suitable arrangements, such as extra guidance, adapted materials, or additional time during assessments.