GWO MH+ FA+ FAW + SS

The GWO Combi Training is a three-day practical course combining the modules Manual Handling (MH), First Aid (FA), Fire Awareness (FAW), and Sea Survival (SS). This comprehensive training provides participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to work safely in and around wind turbines — both onshore and offshore.

Course duration: 3 days
Locations: Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 1.061,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

GWO – Combi Training: Manual Handling (MH) • First Aid (FA) • Fire Awareness (FAW) • Sea Survival (SS)

Introduction
The course combines theory and hands-on training through realistic scenarios. Participants learn to work safely, provide first aid, manage fire incidents, and respond effectively to offshore emergencies. Upon completion, participants receive internationally recognized GWO certificates for all four modules.

Objective
The goal of this combined course is to prepare participants to act safely and responsibly within the wind industry, focusing on physical safety, first aid, fire prevention, and survival at sea.

Target group
This course is intended for anyone working or preparing to work in the wind energy industry or related sectors who requires valid GWO certificates for Manual Handling, First Aid, Fire Awareness, and Sea Survival.

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Practical info
Entry requirements
  • Participants must be physically fit to complete all practical components.
  • Maximum body weight: 120 kilograms due to the use of personal protective equipment.
  • Participants must not suffer from vertigo.
  • Any medication use must be reported when booking; if restrictive, the booking will be cancelled free of charge.
Course contentGWO Manual Handling (MH)
Focuses on safe and ergonomic lifting, carrying, and moving of loads in the wind industry.
You will learn to:
  • apply correct lifting techniques and working postures;
  • minimize risks of overexertion and injury;
  • work safely with colleagues during physical tasks;
  • apply ergonomic principles and awareness.
    This module enhances physical safety and helps prevent work-related injuries.
GWO First Aid (FA)
Teaches safe and effective first aid within the wind industry.
You will learn to:
  • recognize and assess emergency situations;
  • perform life-saving actions;
  • treat injuries, burns, hypothermia, and shock;
  • stabilize casualties and communicate with emergency services;
  • follow international GWO procedures.
    Combines theory with practical, scenario-based exercises.
GWO Fire Awareness (FAW)
Focuses on fire prevention and response in and around wind turbines.
You will learn to:
  • identify and prevent fire hazards;
  • use portable extinguishers safely;
  • carry out evacuation procedures;
  • collaborate effectively during incidents;
  • use protective equipment properly.
    Emphasis is placed on early-stage fire response and safe evacuation.
GWO Sea Survival (SS)
Prepares participants for offshore operations and emergencies at sea.
You will practice:
  • vessel-to-platform transfers (boat transfer);
  • use of survival suits and rescue equipment;
  • responding to man-overboard situations;
  • surviving in water under emergency conditions;
  • performing evacuation procedures.
    Conducted in a controlled pool environment using approved training equipment.
Certification
Upon successful completion and assessment, participants receive individual internationally recognized GWO certificates for:
  • Manual Handling (MH)
  • First Aid (FA)
  • Fire Awareness (FAW)
  • Sea Survival (SS)
All certificates are registered in the WINDA database.
 
Validity
Certificates are valid for 2 years.
After this period, a refresher course for each module must be completed to maintain certification.
 
Practical information
Duration: 3 consecutive days
Class hours: 08:30 – 17:00
Participants: Minimum 4, maximum 12
Accreditation: Approved by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) – www.globalwindsafety.org
 
WINDA registration
All participants must register in WINDA before starting the GWO Combi Training. Registration is mandatory for anyone working in the wind energy sector.
After registration, a WINDA ID will be issued and must be provided upon booking.
Upon certification, DRTC will link the achieved certificates to the participant’s personal WINDA account.
 

 

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Day 1 - First Aid and Life-Saving Procedures

Participants learn life-saving first aid following the ABC structure, including treating bleeding, performing CPR, and using an AED. The course also covers burns, eye injuries, fractures, and hypothermia.

Day 2 - Sea Survival and Safe Transfers

This course focuses on working safely and surviving in offshore environments. Participants learn about safety procedures, emergencies, hypothermia, drowning, seasickness, and the use of personal and collective survival equipment such as lifejackets, immersion suits, and liferafts. Practical training includes water entry, survival techniques, evacuation, and safe vessel transfers.

Day 3 - Physical Safety and Fire Prevention

This combined course focuses on safe work practices, injury prevention, and fire safety within the wind industry. In the morning, participants learn ergonomic working techniques, risk assessment, and correct lifting and handling methods, including carrying, pushing, pulling, and safe tool use.

The afternoon focuses on fire safety. Participants learn to identify fire risks, understand fire classes, and select the correct extinguishing methods. Practical exercises include extinguishing small fires, applying emergency procedures, and conducting evacuations in smoke conditions. 

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - First Aid and Life-Saving Procedures
  • Day 2 - Sea Survival and Safe Transfers
  • Day 3 - Physical Safety and Fire Prevention

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.

Lingepoort

Unique floating training vessel at the quay

Lingepoort

A converted inland vessel moored alongside our quay. It serves as a floating training facility offering a wide variety of realistic exercises, all within one integrated location.

Pool

Safe training in realistic water conditions

Pool

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

Raft Basin

Realistic training with life rafts and water survival

Raft Basin

The ultimate training location for realistic water survival and life raft exercises.

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Practical training with portable fire extinguishers

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Realistic training with portable fire extinguishers for small fire scenarios.

Dragerbaan

Training under breathing apparatus in realistic conditions

Dragerbaan

Realistic training with breathing apparatus, orientation, and teamwork in challenging conditions.

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.

Working at Height Tower

Safe working at height training in accordance with GWO standards

Working at Height Tower

Training in safe working, rescue, and evacuation at height in accordance with GWO standards.

Boatlanding

Safe training for offshore transfers

Boatlanding

Realistic training in boat transfers in accordance with GWO standards.

Unique floating training vessel at the quay

Lingepoort

What makes the Lingepoort unique is its versatility and realism. The vessel features several classrooms, a pool with a life raft, a boarding area, a HUET installation, and an inflatable boat. Our lifeboat, Fast Rescue Boat (FRB), and other rescue craft are also stationed here, allowing multiple training sessions to be conducted from one central location. In addition, participants can practice capsize drills, train with the CA-EBS, and learn to identify and enter hazardous or confined spaces.

Who is it for?

The Lingepoort is used by maritime and offshore personnel, inland shipping crews, emergency responders, and trainees who want hands-on experience in a realistic shipboard environment. The facility is suitable for both individual training and full-scale team exercises.

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What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can train on board the Lingepoort in activities such as:

  • Boarding exercises and water entry

  • Escaping and evacuating using the HUET installation

  • Using life rafts and inflatable boats

  • Operating the lifeboat, FRB, and other rescue craft

  • Performing capsize drills

  • Applying CA-EBS procedures in emergency situations

  • Identifying and safely entering confined or hazardous spaces

  • Hands-on training in a realistic shipboard environment

All exercises are carried out under strict safety protocols and concluded with a debriefing, ensuring that participants not only master the procedures but also understand the underlying principles.

For Your Organization

Would you like to use the Lingepoort for team training or custom programs?
Get in touch with us — we’ll be happy to discuss the options and create a tailored program that fully meets your 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.

Realistic training with life rafts and water survival

Raft Basin

At the Raft Basin, participants train in the use of life rafts and sea survival techniques. In this controlled water environment, trainees experience what it’s like to survive, cooperate, and remain calm during real emergency situations.

What makes the Raft Basin unique is the ability to practice realistic scenarios — from boarding an inflated life raft and trying different entry techniques to forming groups in the water and coping with limited visibility and stress.

Who is it for?

The Raft Basin is used by offshore and maritime personnel, wind industry teams, and emergency responders who may face sea evacuations in their line of work. It’s also an essential training environment for emergency response and safety courses where water survival is a key focus.

Bassin

What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants train in areas such as:

  • Boarding a life raft from the water

  • Practicing different entry techniques (individually and as a team)

  • Group formation and teamwork in the water

  • Safe use of life jackets and survival equipment

  • Coping with stress, cold, and limited visibility

  • Basic water survival skills in emergency situations

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols, with a detailed briefing beforehand and a debriefing afterward. This ensures that participants not only master the actions but also understand their context and importance.

For Your Organization

Would you like to use the Raft Basin for team training or customized programs?
Contact us — we’ll be happy to help design a program that fits your organization’s specific needs.

Practical training with portable fire extinguishers

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Participants learn how to safely and effectively extinguish fires using handheld and portable fire extinguishers. Training takes place in realistic outdoor fire scenarios, allowing trainees to experience firsthand how different extinguishers work and what their limitations are.

What makes this facility unique is the hands-on approach to a variety of fire situations — from small liquid and gas fires to solid materials. Participants not only practice firefighting techniques but also learn to assess safety, distance, and the appropriate extinguishing strategy.

Who is it for

The Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and emergency response officers (BHV) who need to know how to control small fires quickly and effectively.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Identify different types of fires and select the appropriate extinguishing agent

  • Use portable extinguishers (powder, foam, CO₂) effectively

  • Extinguish small liquid and gas fires

  • Approach safely and aim extinguishers accurately

  • Understand the limitations and capabilities of portable fire extinguishers

  • Ensure personal safety and assess risks during firefighting

All exercises are

Training under breathing apparatus in realistic conditions

Dragerbaan

The Dräger Training Maze is specifically designed to help participants practice using breathing apparatus in challenging conditions. In a network of corridors, obstacles, and limited visibility, trainees learn how to move safely and effectively under pressure.

What makes the Dräger Training Maze unique is the combination of physical exertion, orientation, and breathing apparatus use. Participants experience the importance of staying calm, managing air consumption, and working effectively as a team in demanding environments.

Who is it for

The Dräger Training Maze is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, firefighters, and emergency response officers (BHV) who need to become proficient in the use of breathing apparatus and in working within confined or hazardous spaces.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Use and check breathing apparatus correctly

  • Control air consumption under physical strain

  • Navigate and orient themselves in a maze with limited visibility

  • Overcome obstacles and narrow passages

  • Work together and communicate effectively while using breathing apparatus

  • Stay calm and manage stress responses

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and monitored by instructors, ensuring a safe yet highly realistic learning experience.

For your organization

Would you like your team to train with breathing apparatus in realistic scenarios?
Contact us — we’ll design a customized program that reflects the practical challenges of your organization.

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.

Safe working at height training in accordance with GWO standards

Working at Height Tower

The Working at Height Tower has been specifically designed for training participants in safe working, rescue, and evacuation techniques at height. The tower is widely used for GWO (Global Wind Organisation) courses, such as Working at Heights, and also provides training opportunities for offshore, maritime, and industrial scenarios.

What makes this tower unique is its versatility: participants can practice fall protection, climbing and descent techniques, as well as rescue and evacuation procedures. With multiple platforms and training stations, the tower is suitable for both basic and advanced levels.

Who is it for?

The Working at Height Tower is used by wind industry teams, offshore and maritime personnel, industrial technicians, and emergency responders who need to work safely at height or on elevated installations.

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What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Use personal fall protection equipment correctly (harness, lines, and anchor points)

  • Apply climbing techniques and work safely at height

  • Perform rescue and evacuation of colleagues in emergency situations

  • Operate lifting and descent systems

  • Follow emergency procedures in case of a fall incident

  • Work together and communicate effectively during height-related operations

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and fully aligned with the international standards of the Global Wind Organisation (GWO).

For Your Organization

Would you like your team to train according to GWO standards or follow customized height safety scenarios?
Contact us — we’ll develop a program tailored to your sector and safety objectives.

Safe training for offshore transfers

Boatlanding

The Boat Landing has been specifically designed to let participants realistically practice transferring from a work or transfer boat to a platform or installation. This is a crucial skill in the offshore and wind industries, where safe access and evacuation often depend on boat transfers.

What makes the Boat Landing unique is that participants can safely train their balance, timing, and climbing techniques while transferring. The motion of waves and moving vessels is simulated, allowing realistic practice under the close supervision of experienced instructors who ensure safety throughout.

Who is it for?

The Boat Landing is used by wind industry teams, offshore workers, and maritime personnel who regularly travel to their workplace by transfer boat and need to perform safe transfers. The facility is ideally suited for training in accordance with GWO (Global Wind Organisation) standards.

What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Safely transfer from a boat to a ladder or platform

  • Use personal protective equipment and harness systems correctly

  • Maintain balance and timing when affected by wave motion

  • Climb up and down ladders under realistic conditions

  • Perform rescue and evacuation procedures during transfer incidents

  • Communicate and work together effectively during boat transfers

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and concluded with a debriefing to reinforce key learning points.

For Your Organization

Would you like your team to train in safe boat transfers according to GWO guidelines?
Contact us — we’ll design a program that matches the operational realities of the offshore and wind industries.

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.

Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Marcel Bertijn
Firefighting Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Bas Gloudemans
Managing Director
Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.”

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

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

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.

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.

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