Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET)

The Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) with Emergency Breathing System (EBS) and Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS) is designed for personnel traveling by helicopter to and from offshore oil and gas installations. This practical course prepares participants to respond effectively in emergency situations, focusing on underwater escape procedures and the safe use of breathing systems.

Course duration: 0,5 day
Objects and facilities:
Cost per student: € 537,50 (excl. BTW)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

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About this course

Helicopter Underwater Escape Training

Introduction
During this intensive course, participants learn how to manage emergency scenarios that may occur during helicopter transport over water. The HUET program combines classroom instruction with realistic hands-on exercises conducted in a controlled environment, emphasizing safety, confidence, and self-rescue.

Objective
The objective of the HUET with EBS and CA-EBS is to familiarize participants with helicopter emergency procedures, underwater escape techniques, and the correct use of breathing systems. Participants gain the skills and confidence to act effectively in case of helicopter ditching or evacuation.

Target group
Personnel traveling by helicopter to and from offshore oil and gas installations, including technicians, maintenance workers, contractors, and crew members who must be prepared for ditching and evacuation scenarios.

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Practical info

Course content
The training combines theory and practice and covers:

  • Introduction to helicopter safety and emergency procedures
  • Use of Emergency Breathing System (EBS) and Compressed Air EBS (CA-EBS)
  • Practicing evacuation and emergency scenarios
  • Escaping from a submerged helicopter in a controlled training environment
  • Self-rescue and survival techniques during offshore emergencies

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive the internationally recognized HUET with EBS and CA-EBS certificate, in compliance with current offshore safety standards.

Validity
The certificate is valid for four (4) years.

Practical information
Duration: half a day
Course hours: 08:30 – 17:00
Location: DRTC Vlissingen – Safety Training Center Zeeland

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Day 1 - Helicopter Underwater Escape Training

The day focuses on Theoretical HUET & Survival in the morning and Practical HUET in the afternoon. During the theory session, participants learn safety procedures, emergency signals, and escape techniques relevant to helicopter operations over water. The afternoon features realistic pool exercises, where participants experience how to safely escape from a submerged helicopter and practice using survival and breathing systems in a controlled environment.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Helicopter Underwater Escape Training
HUET

Helicopter Underwater Escape Training

HUET

Prepared for the unexpected: train your survival skills in our HUET simulator.

High-quality facilities that make a difference

With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.

Pool

Safe training in realistic water conditions

Pool

A versatile and safe environment for realistic water training and evacuation exercises.

Classrooms

Theory and practice under one roof

Classrooms

The perfect environment for theory sessions, preparation, and evaluation of practical training.

Canteen

Enjoy a good meal and relax during your training days

Canteen

Provided by SEC Catering – your break moment with quality food and excellent service during training days.

Helicopter Underwater Escape Training

HUET

Realistic Training in Controlled Conditions

During the HUET training, participants experience what it’s like to respond to a helicopter emergency at sea. In our simulator, a cabin is submerged underwater, allowing you to learn how to cope with disorientation, water pressure, limited visibility, and time constraints. All exercises are conducted under the safe supervision of experienced instructors, enabling participants to build confidence step by step.

What makes this training unique is the combination of realistic simulation and maximum safety. Participants go through a variety of scenarios — from an emergency landing on water to a full capsize, practicing how to escape from a submerged cabin.

Who is it for?

This training is designed for offshore personnel, maritime professionals, and others who regularly travel by helicopter to ships, platforms, or wind farms. Participants learn not only how to bring themselves to safety but also how to work effectively with colleagues during an emergency.

HUET

What You’ll Practice

Our instructors provide intensive guidance as you learn to safely escape from a submerged helicopter cabin. You’ll practice:

  • Correct use of emergency breathing systems (EBS or equivalent)

  • Escaping from an overturned or submerged helicopter cabin

  • Maintaining orientation and composure under panic and limited visibility

  • Using emergency exits, seatbelts, and evacuation equipment

  • Working together and supporting each other during evacuations

Each exercise is carried out under strict safety protocols, with real-time monitoring and a thorough debriefing afterward. This ensures you not only master the techniques but also understand the reasoning behind every action.

For Your Organization

Would you like to organize HUET training for your team or create a customized program?
Contact us — we offer tailored and group training options designed to meet your organization’s specific needs.

Safe training in realistic water conditions

Pool

Our pool is specifically designed for maritime and offshore safety training. Here, participants can practice various rescue and evacuation procedures in the water under controlled conditions.

What makes this pool unique is its versatility: it can be used for training with life rafts, boarding exercises, HUET simulations, capsize and entry drills, and the use of safety equipment such as the CA-EBS. All activities are supervised by experienced instructors to ensure a safe learning environment.

Who is it for?

The pool is used by offshore personnel, maritime crews, industrial emergency responders, and trainees who want to gain hands-on experience in water-related emergency situations.

Zwembad

What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can train in the pool in areas such as:

  • Swimming and survival while wearing work clothes or a life jacket

  • Boarding and evacuating via a boarding platform

  • Using and boarding life rafts

  • Training with CA-EBS and other breathing aids

  • Escaping from the HUET installation (helicopter underwater escape)

  • Performing capsize and orientation exercises

  • Working together and communicating effectively during water emergencies

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and followed by a debriefing, ensuring participants not only master the procedures but also understand the principles behind them.

For Your Organization

Would you like to use the pool for customized training or team exercises?
Contact us — we offer group sessions and tailor the program to meet your organization’s specific needs.

Theory and practice under one roof

Classrooms

Our classrooms form the foundation of all our training programs. Here, participants prepare with theoretical knowledge, interactive presentations, and clear instructions before moving on to the practical sessions. The rooms are modern, well-equipped, and provide a calm, professional learning environment.

What makes the classrooms unique is their direct connection to our training facilities. This allows theory to be applied immediately in practice, ensuring an optimal learning experience for every participant.

Who is it for

The classrooms are used by all participants in maritime, offshore, and industrial training programs. Whether for short briefings or multi-day courses, they serve as both the starting point and the place for reflection and debriefing.

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What you’ll experience

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll take part in:

  • Theoretical instruction and presentations

  • Preparation for practical exercises

  • Safety briefings and procedural training

  • Interactive discussions and group assignments

  • Evaluation and debriefing of practical training sessions

  • Testing and certification

The classrooms are equipped with modern audiovisual tools and can be configured flexibly for both small groups and larger sessions.

For your organization

Would you like to combine customized or in-company training with both theory and practice?
Contact us — together we’ll design a program that aligns perfectly with your learning objectives.

Enjoy a good meal and relax during your training days

Canteen

The Canteen is your place to unwind — enjoy good food, a pleasant atmosphere, and the opportunity to share experiences. Catering is provided by SEC Catering, a regional company from Zeeland known for its fresh, flavorful dishes and flexible service.

Who is it for

Everyone participating in our training programs — from trainees and instructors to guests — is welcome in the Canteen to take a break, hold a meeting, or simply enjoy a meal.

Kantine

What you’ll experience

  • Fresh, locally sourced dishes provided by SEC Catering

  • Options for lunch, snacks, and drinks

  • Comfortable seating areas to relax between training sessions

  • An informal meeting space to share experiences and connect with others

For your organization

Would you like your training day to be fully catered, including food and drinks?
Let us know your preferences — together with SEC Catering, we’ll arrange everything from the menu to the timing.

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Bas Gloudemans
Managing Director
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Martijn Schutz
Deputy Managing Director

Frequently asked questions

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.”

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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