GWO WAH + MH

The GWO Combi Training is an interactive 2.5-day course combining two essential modules: Working at Heights and Manual Handling. This comprehensive program provides participants with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills needed to work safely in and around wind turbines, both onshore and offshore.

Course duration: 2,5 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 804,50 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

GWO WAH + MH

Introduction
The training combines theoretical knowledge with realistic practical exercises. Participants learn to identify risks, work safely at height, lift and handle loads correctly, and act safely in situations involving increased risk. The course emphasizes risk awareness, ergonomics, and safe work behavior within the wind industry.

Objective
The objective of this course is to train participants in working safely at height and handling loads responsibly, focusing on preventing accidents and physical strain.

Target group
This combination course is intended for anyone working or preparing to work in the wind energy industry or related sectors who requires valid GWO certificates for Working at Heights and Manual Handling.

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Practical info

Entry requirements

  • Participants must be physically fit to complete all practical exercises.
  • Due to the use of personal protective equipment, the maximum body weight allowed is 120 kilograms.
  • Participants must not suffer from vertigo.
  • Any medication use must be reported at the time of booking; if restrictive, the booking will be cancelled free of charge.

Course content

GWO Working at Heights (WAH)
This module focuses on safe work at height in the wind energy industry. Participants learn how to use personal fall protection, rescue, and evacuation equipment correctly.
You will practice:

  • climbing and descending in turbine environments;
  • inspecting and using harnesses and fall arrest systems;
  • applying work positioning and backup systems;
  • performing basic rescues using approved equipment;
  • identifying hazards and following emergency procedures.

GWO Manual Handling (MH)
This module teaches participants how to lift, carry, and move loads safely and efficiently in the wind industry.
You will learn to:

  • apply correct ergonomic lifting techniques;
  • prevent physical strain and injuries;
  • identify and assess handling risks;
  • work effectively with others to move heavy components;
  • promote safe behavior in confined workspaces.

Certification
Upon successful completion and assessment, participants receive separate internationally recognized GWO certificates for:

  • Working at Heights (WAH)
  • Manual Handling (MH)

All certificates are registered in the WINDA database.

Validity
Certificates are valid for 2 years.
After this period, a half-day refresher course must be completed for each module to maintain validity.

Practical information
Duration: 2.5 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 prior to attending 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 obtained certificates to the participant’s personal WINDA account.

https://winda.globalwindsafety.org

Day 1 - Working safely at height

The first day focuses on safe work and rescue at height. Participants learn to recognise fall hazards, inspect PPE and correctly use fall arrest systems. Through realistic exercises, they practise accessing ladders and platforms, connecting safely and performing rescues. Teamwork, clear communication and personal responsibility are emphasised throughout the day.

Day 3 - Practical application and rescue operations

The final day integrates all skills in realistic rescue and emergency scenarios. Participants perform rescues, administer first aid and work together in complex situations that test leadership and coordination. The course concludes with evaluation and individual feedback to reinforce professional safety behaviour.

Day 3 - Safe Lifting and Physical Work Techniques

This course focuses on preventing muscle and joint injuries through safe and ergonomic working methods. Participants learn correct lifting techniques, body positioning, and dynamic risk assessment. Practical exercises include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and the safe use of hand tools.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Working safely at height
  • Day 3 - Practical application and rescue operations
  • Day 3 - Safe Lifting and Physical Work Techniques

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor
Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Bas Gloudemans
Managing Director
Emile van Dooren
Instructor
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior 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

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, 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.