GWO WAH + MH + FAW + FA + SS + BT

The GWO – Basic Safety Training Offshore (BST) is designed for anyone working or preparing to work in the offshore wind industry. The training combines theoretical instruction with practical exercises and requires participants to be physically fit and in possession of a valid Winda ID. During the course, participants learn to work safely in and around wind turbines and to provide assistance in case of emergencies. The modules include First Aid, Working at Heights, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness, and Sea Survival. Participants also practice evacuation, rescue, and basic first aid in emergency situations.

Course duration: 4,5 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: From € 1.659,00 (excl. BTW)

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

Select a Start Date

No course
Full
Available
Selected

Select location

Select course

About this course

GWO WAH + MH + FAW + FA + SS + BT

Introduction
The GWO – Basic Safety Training Offshore (BST) is the international standard for safety training in the wind energy sector. The course provides a complete foundation for working safely at height, in confined spaces, and during offshore transport. Through realistic practical simulations, participants experience how to respond in emergencies and correctly use personal protective equipment.

Objective
The purpose of this training is to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work safely in the offshore wind industry and to respond effectively in emergency situations.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • work safely in an offshore wind turbine environment

  • correctly use personal protective equipment

  • respond appropriately to emergencies

  • provide basic first aid

  • protect themselves and others in the event of fires or survival situations at sea

Target Group
This training is intended for personnel working or planning to work in the offshore wind industry, including technicians, mechanics, maintenance staff, and other professionals who require access to wind turbines or offshore installations.

162
Practical info

Entry Requirements

  • Participants must be physically fit to complete all practical elements of the course.
  • The maximum body weight allowed is 120 kilograms due to the use of personal protective equipment.
  • Any use of medication must be reported in advance; if medication use limits participation, the booking will be cancelled free of charge.
  • Participants must hold a valid Winda ID (required for GWO registration).

Course Content
The GWO – Basic Safety Training consists of five modules:

First Aid (1 day)
Covers essential first aid principles. Participants learn to respond to accidents, unconsciousness, breathing problems, and bleeding in a wind turbine environment.

Working at Heights (2 days, including Manual Handling)
Teaches participants to work safely at height, use harnesses and fall protection, and perform basic rescues. The module also focuses on ergonomics and reducing physical strain.

Fire Awareness (0.5 day)
Participants learn to identify fire hazards, prevent fires, and extinguish small fires safely using appropriate fire extinguishing equipment.

Sea Survival (1 day)
Covers safe transfer between vessel and wind turbine, man-overboard procedures, and essential sea survival techniques.

Manual Handling (0.5 day)
Focuses on safe lifting, carrying, and moving of loads with proper posture, technique, and ergonomics.

Certification
After successful completion of all modules, participants receive an internationally recognized GWO certificate. All certificates are registered in the Winda system.

Validity
The certificate is valid for two years.
After two years, participants must complete a refresher course.

Course Duration
4.5 consecutive days when attending all modules

Class Hours
08:30 – 17:00

Number of Participants
Minimum 4, maximum 12

Winda Registration
All participants must register in Winda, the international registration system of the Global Wind Organisation, prior to the training. After registration, participants receive a Winda ID, which must be provided upon booking. Upon certification, DRTC links the achieved certificates to the participant’s personal Winda account.

Registration: https://winda.globalwindsafety.org/

162

Day 1 - Refresher: working at height and rescue techniques

The first day focuses on safe working and rescue at height. Participants review the correct use of harnesses, fall arrest systems and rescue devices. Practical sessions include controlled climbs, descents and rescues under realistic conditions. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, communication and accountability while working at height.

Day 2 - Positionering en redding in de turbine

The second day is dedicated to rescue procedures and work positioning. Participants practice rescue techniques, ladder evacuations, and the use of rescue and evacuation devices. Several scenarios are trained, from controlled descent to rescuing a colleague. The emphasis is on safe actions, clear communication, and applying suspension trauma prevention.

Day 3 - Physical strain and fire safety

Day three covers manual handling and fire safety. Participants learn correct lifting techniques, working postures, the fire triangle, and how to use extinguishers. Practical exercises demonstrate how to prevent and extinguish fires safely. This day enhances awareness of ergonomics, safety, and preventive behavior.

Day 4 - First aid in emergency situations

The fourth day focuses on first aid in wind industry incidents. Topics include CPR, airway management, shock, and wound care. Participants practice realistic scenarios that demand quick and accurate actions. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, decision-making, and providing safe assistance in turbine environments.

Day 5 - Survival at sea and emergency procedures

The final day focuses on sea survival. Participants learn emergency procedures, use of life rafts, immersion suits, and evacuation techniques from a turbine to the sea. In the pool, they practice controlled water entries, self-rescue, and teamwork during emergencies. The day concludes with reflection on safety, cooperation, and confidence in offshore environments.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Refresher: working at height and rescue techniques
  • Day 2 - Positionering en redding in de turbine
  • Day 3 - Physical strain and fire safety
  • Day 4 - First aid in emergency situations
  • Day 5 - Survival at sea and emergency procedures
Error Showing Content - please login as admin for details.

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
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Emile van Dooren
Instructor
Marcel Bertijn
Firefighting Instructor

Frequently asked questions

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

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.

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.

BHV (company emergency response) is not legally mandatory on Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten as it is in the Netherlands. However, employers are required to ensure a safe working environment, including first aid, fire safety and emergency procedures. On Bonaire (Caribbean Netherlands), the Arbowet BES applies, which includes similar safety obligations. In practice, BHV or equivalent safety training is strongly recommended and often required by employers, clients or insurers.

DRTC (De Ruyter Training & Consultancy) provides practical BHV and safety training in the Caribbean, focused on realistic scenarios such as fire response, accidents and evacuation. With DRTC training, organizations on Curaçao, Bonaire, Sint Maarten and Aruba ensure well-prepared personnel and meet applicable safety expectations.

Based on Artikel 5 Annuleringen

  1. DRTC applies cancellation terms when cancelling training courses. A distinction is made between “open courses” and “customized courses.” A quotation is always provided for customized courses.

  2. Customized courses can be cancelled free of charge up to 14 working days before the start of the course.

  3. For cancellations of customized courses made 14 working days or fewer before the start of the course, 100% of the course fee will be charged.

  4. Open courses can be cancelled free of charge up to 5 working days before the start of the course.

  5. For cancellations of open courses made 5 working days or fewer before the start of the course, 100% of the course fee will be charged.

  6. Open courses can be rescheduled free of charge up to 2 working days before the start of the course.

  7. If a participant fails to attend at the start of the course, 100% of the course fee will be charged.

In mutual agreement, additional options may be considered beyond those stated in these terms.

Contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.