GWO FAW + SS

The GWO Combi Training is a practical one-and-a-half-day course combining the modules Fire Awareness (FAW) and Sea Survival (SS). This course is designed for anyone working or preparing to work in the wind energy industry and aims to prepare participants for emergency situations at sea and around wind turbines.

Course duration: 1,5 days
Locations: Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 601,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

GWO – Combi Training: Fire Awareness (FAW) • Sea Survival (SS)

Introduction
The training combines theory with realistic practical exercises under the guidance of experienced instructors. Participants learn how to work safely with fire risks, respond effectively to fire incidents, and act correctly during emergencies at sea. Upon completion, participants receive international GWO certificates for both modules.

Objective
The purpose of this course is to prepare participants to respond effectively to fire incidents and offshore emergencies, focusing on safety, teamwork, and proper use of emergency procedures.

Target group
This combined course is intended for anyone working or planning to work in the wind energy industry or related sectors who requires valid GWO certification for Fire Awareness and Sea Survival.

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Practical info
Entry requirements
  • Participants must be physically capable of completing 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 prior to booking; if restrictive, the booking will be cancelled free of charge.
Course contentGWO Fire Awareness (FAW)
The Fire Awareness module teaches participants to work safely with fire risks in and around wind turbines.
Topics include:
  • identifying fire hazards and applying preventive measures;
  • safe use of portable extinguishers;
  • carrying out evacuation procedures;
  • assisting colleagues during emergencies;
  • applying personal protective equipment and emergency procedures.
    Upon completion, participants will know how to assess and, if safe, extinguish small fires or safely evacuate in the event of an uncontrolled fire.
GWO Sea Survival (SS)
The Sea Survival module prepares participants for safe offshore transfers and emergency situations at sea.
Topics include:
  • safe transfer between vessel and platform (boat transfer);
  • use of survival suits, life jackets, and rescue equipment;
  • responding to man-overboard scenarios;
  • surviving in the water during emergencies;
  • applying communication and evacuation procedures.
    Practical exercises are conducted in an indoor pool using approved training equipment, ensuring a safe yet realistic learning experience.
Certification
Upon successful completion and assessment of required competencies, participants receive individual internationally recognized GWO certificates for:
  • Fire Awareness (FAW)
  • Sea Survival (SS)
All certificates are registered in the WINDA system.
 
Validity
Certificates are valid for 2 years.
After this period, a half-day refresher course per module must be completed to renew validity.

Practical information
Duration: one and a half 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 course. 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 links the obtained certificates to the participant’s personal WINDA account.
 
 
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Day 1 - Fire awareness and emergency response

The first day combines theory and practice on fire prevention, extinguishing and emergency coordination. Participants learn to identify fire spread, use extinguishers effectively and respond safely in drills simulating real emergencies.

Day 2 - Sea survival and rescue operations

The second day focuses on offshore survival and teamwork at sea. Participants train with lifejackets, practise controlled entries and perform group survival techniques. Exercises emphasise trust, mental resilience and communication under pressure.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Fire awareness and emergency response
  • Day 2 - Sea survival and rescue operations

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

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 faces behind the training

Our experienced instructors challenge you to push your limits and get the best out of yourself.
Our programme coordinators are available to answer all your questions and provide practical information about 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.