GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) Offshore

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: 5 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 1.595,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

De GWO – Basic Safety Training Offshore (BST)

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.

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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/

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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 - 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 - Working safely at height
  • Day 3 - Practical application and rescue operations
  • Day 3 - Physical strain and fire safety
  • Day 4 - First aid in emergency situations
  • Day 5 - Survival at sea and emergency procedures

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.

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.

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.

Heli Hoist Raft Station

Realistic training with helicopter hoist operations

Heli Hoist Raft Station

Realistic and safe training in helicopter hoist operations from the water and life raft.

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

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.

Realistic training with helicopter hoist operations

Heli Hoist Raft Station

The Heli Hoist Raft Station is our dedicated facility for training rescue operations using a helicopter hoist. Participants experience what it’s like to be lifted from the water or a life raft with the help of a heli sling and winch.

What makes this facility unique is the combination of realistic training and maximum safety. Under the supervision of experienced instructors, trainees become familiar with the procedures, equipment, and physical experience of a helicopter hoist operation over water.

Who is it for?

The Heli Hoist Raft Station is used by maritime and offshore personnel, wind industry teams, and emergency responders who may encounter helicopter evacuations or rescues in their line of work.

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What You’ll Practice

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

  • Prepare for a helicopter hoist operation

  • Safely enter a heli sling from the water or a life raft

  • Maintain proper body position and communication during the hoist

  • Work effectively with rescue teams and helicopter crews

  • Manage tension and stress during hoisting procedures

  • Maintain orientation and ensure safety during water and air operations

All exercises are carried out under strict safety protocols with continuous supervision. This provides a lifelike experience while maintaining maximum safety at all times.

For Your Organization

Would you like your team to train in helicopter hoist techniques over water?
Contact us — we offer customized programs tailored to the practical needs of offshore, wind, and maritime operations.

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
Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Waldo Verduijn
Instructor
Wendy Jansen-Nelen
Instructor
Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor
Marcel Bertijn
Firefighting Instructor

Let them convince you

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.

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

Yes, at DRTC we provide online training and e-learning modules. For example, we offer the online Maritime Dutch Law Assessment.
If you are interested in a specific topic or module for online completion, feel free to contact us so we can explore what options are available.

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.

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

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.