GWO WAH + MH + SS

The GWO Working at Heights (WAH) + Manual Handling (MH) + Sea Survival (SS) is a practical 3.5-day training course that combines three essential GWO modules into one programme. The course prepares participants to work safely at height, handle loads ergonomically, and respond effectively to offshore emergency situations.

Course duration: 3,5 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: From € 1.208,00 (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 + SS

Introduction
The GWO WAH + MH + SS course combines classroom theory with realistic practical exercises under the guidance of experienced instructors. Participants learn to identify workplace hazards, use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly, work safely in accordance with GWO standards, and cooperate effectively during rescue and emergency procedures.

Upon successful completion, participants receive internationally recognised GWO certification and the confidence to work safely and professionally within the wind industry, both onshore and offshore.

Course Objective
The objective of this combined training course is to provide participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and safety awareness required to work safely at height, minimise physical strain through safe and ergonomic manual handling techniques, and respond effectively to emergency situations at sea.

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 certifications for Working at Heights, Manual Handling, Sea Survival. 

Practical info

Entry Requirements
To participate in this course, participants must:

  • Be physically fit and able to take part in all practical exercises;
  • Have a maximum body weight of 120 kg, due to the limitations of the personal fall protection equipment;
  • Hold a valid offshore medical certificate that complies with current industry requirements;
  • Inform DRTC before booking if they use medication. If the medication prevents safe participation, the booking will be cancelled free of charge;
  • Be registered in WINDA and possess a valid WINDA ID before the course starts.

Course Content

GWO Working at Heights (WAH)
During the Working at Heights module, participants learn how to work safely at height within the wind industry. Topics include:

  • GWO standards, legislation, and regulations for working at height;
  • Identifying and controlling hazards associated with working at height;
  • Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection systems;
  • Safe climbing and working techniques in and around wind turbines;
  • Rescue and evacuation procedures at height;
  • Practical exercises based on realistic working scenarios.

GWO Manual Handling (MH)
The Manual Handling module teaches participants how to move loads safely and ergonomically while reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Topics include:

  • Principles of safe and ergonomic manual handling;
  • Identifying manual handling hazards;
  • Safe lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling techniques;
  • Reducing physical strain during everyday work activities;
  • Practical exercises focusing on safe and efficient working posture.

GWO Sea Survival (SS)
The Sea Survival module prepares participants to work safely offshore and respond effectively during emergencies at sea. Topics include:

  • Safety awareness during offshore transport and operations;
  • Offshore hazards and emergency procedures;
  • Use of life-saving equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE);
  • Sea survival and evacuation techniques;
  • Pool-based practical exercises using realistic offshore scenarios;
  • Teamwork and communication during emergency situations.

Certification
After successfully completing the course and demonstrating the required competencies, participants will receive internationally recognised GWO certificates for:

  • Working at Heights
  • Manual Handling
  • Sea Survival

The certificates are registered in the participant's personal WINDA.

Validity
The certificates are valid for 2 years.
To maintain certification, participants must successfully complete the appropriate GWO Refresher course for each module before the certificate expires.

Course Details
Course duration: 3,5 consecutive days
Training hours: 08:30 – 17:00
Accreditation: Approved by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) – www.globalwindsafety.org

WINDA Registration
All participants must register in WINDA before attending the GWO Combined Training.
WINDA registration is mandatory for anyone working in the wind energy industry. After registration, participants receive a unique WINDA ID, which must be provided when booking the course.
Upon successful certification, DRTC uploads and links the obtained GWO certificates to the participant's personal WINDA account.

https://winda.globalwindsafety.org

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.

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.

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.

''

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.

/

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.