Tag: gwo sea survival training

GWO Sea Survival Training in Partnership with Guardian Training 

The wind energy sector faces an increasing demand for GWO Sea Survival-certified technicians, driven by the global shift toward a cleaner, greener future. It is estimated that a staggering 574,000 wind technicians will be required worldwide by 2027.  

However, this course isn’t just aimed at those in the offshore industry.  

GWO Sea Survival training also benefits those who spend significant time working at sea, such as seafarers, fishermen, oil rig workers, etc., as this course will prepare you to work safely offshore and what to do in the event of an emergency.  

Like those in the offshore sector, maritime professionals face constant challenges from the unpredictable sea conditions. This is why GWO Sea Survival Training provides essential emergency response skills, equipping seafarers to deal with man-overboard situations, capsizing, and vessel evacuations. It is an indispensable part of a safety-first approach.  

The full GWO certification (called GWO Basic Safety Training) includes five elements: 

  1. Sea Survival Training 
  1. Fire Awareness Training 
  1. Manual Handling Training 
  1. First Aid Training 
  1. Working at Height Training 
Wind Turbines in a field alongside other wind turbines which are in the sea | GWO Sea Survival Training course

What does GWO Sea Survival Training Include? 

By completing the Sea Survival module, participants will gain hands-on experience in safe transfers between vessels and offshore structures, rescue procedures, and the effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and life-saving appliances (LSAs), allowing them to apply their knowledge in realistic scenarios. 

Course topics include:

  • Understanding offshore risks
  • Familiarity with sea survival equipment
  • Overview of safety regulations
  • Man overboard techniques
  • Cold water survival skills

Benefits of GWO Sea Survival Training 

Enhanced Safety Awareness 

The training emphasises proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents, instilling a safety-first mindset among delegates. This is critical in environments where a single error can have catastrophic consequences. 

Practical Skill Development 

Delegates will develop essential life-saving skills through interactive theoretical learning and practical hands-on exercises.  

Global Recognition 

GWO certification is recognised by employers globally. Therefore, it is an invaluable asset for professionals seeking to enhance their employability in the wind energy and maritime sectors. 

GWO Sea Survival Training Course | Maritime Skills Academy Dover

Supporting Renewable Energy Goals 

As offshore wind farms play an increasing role in renewable energy production, GWO training supports the industry’s growth by ensuring a qualified and safety-conscious workforce. 

How often do I have to update my GWO Training? 

GWO Survival qualifications must be refreshed and updated every two years, unlike STCW certifications, which are reviewed every five years.  

Once completed, your certification will be added to a GWO database, ‘WINDA’, which allows employers to verify your certification. 

This course is mandatory for those working offshore in the wind and renewables industry, including engineers, technicians, project managers, etc.  

Why Employers Value GWO Training 

Employers in the offshore and maritime industries prioritise GWO-certified professionals for their competence in handling high-risk situations. By hiring Trained personnel, companies reduce downtime caused by accidents, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with international safety standards.  

GWO Sea Survival Training in Kent 

The Maritime Skills Academy offers GWO Sea Survival Training (in partnership with Guardian Training) as an intensive one-day course from our training centre in Dover, Kent. We simulate realistic environments for sea survival exercises with our state-of-the-art Marine Survival Pool and a wind-farm turbine ladder.  

In this controlled environment, you will learn the following:  

  • Cold water swimming and how to avoid hyperthermia 
  • Dealing with the behaviour of the sea (waves, currents, and tides)
  • Man overboard techniques
  • National and international legislation
  • Sea survival equipment (life jackets, lifeboats, flares etc.)
  • Transferring people and equipment to and from offshore structures safely
  • Risks faced by offshore workers

To find out more and to make an enquiry, please contact:  

Tel: +44 (0) 1795 580 333  

What Is GWO Sea Survival Training?

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Sea Survival Training is one element of a globally recognised certification that provides offshore workers in the wind and renewables’ industry with the skills and knowledge to survive in the event of an offshore accident.

The full GWO certification (called GWO Basic Safety Training) includes five elements:

  1. Sea Survival Training
  2. Fire Awareness Training
  3. Manual Handling Training
  4. First Aid Training
  5. Working at Height Training

In this article, we will be covering everything you need to know about Sea Survival Training—what it covers, whether you or your employees need it, and where to get it.

What Is the Global Wind Organisation (GWO)? 

The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides a set of standards for the safe operation of wind turbines around the world. 

These standards are internationally recognised and followed by leading wind energy companies, making GWO certification essential for anyone wanting to work in the offshore wind industry. 

GWO was founded in 2009 in response to a growing need for better safety standards in the wind industry. Its membership includes some of the biggest names in the business, such as Ørsted, Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, and EDF Renewables. 

What Does GWO Sea Survival Training Cover? 

GWO Sea Survival Training is a one-day course that covers both theoretical topics and practical elements.

Theoretical topics are covered through classroom-based teaching, while the practical elements are completed in a controlled environment (e.g., a pool or marked practice area at sea). 

Course topics include: 

  • An introduction to the risks faced by offshore workers 
  • An overview of the equipment used in sea survival (e.g., life jackets, lifeboats, flares, etc.) 
  • An overview of national and international legislation 
  • How to execute various man overboard techniques 
  • How to swim in cold water and avoid hypothermia 
  • How to deal with waves, currents, and tides 
  • How to safely transfer people and equipment to and from offshore structures 

Students who complete the course should be able to demonstrate that they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the event of an offshore accident, as well as the skills needed to carry them out effectively. 

How Are GWO Sea Survival Courses Offered? 

There isn’t a set structure when it comes to the GWO Sea Survival course — each is organised differently depending on the provider.

Typically, courses are 1-3 days long and use a mix of classroom-based theory teaching and practical training to meet their curriculum requirements. 

Our GWO Sea Survival Training course (in partnership with Guardian Training) is a 1-day intensive course that covers all the topics listed above.

The course is delivered by instructors with years of experience in both the maritime industry and emergency response, and includes a mix of classroom-based learning and practical training in a controlled environment. 

What Is GWO Sea Survival Training

What Are the Prerequisites for GWO Sea Survival Training? 

Anyone who wishes to participate in a GWO Sea Survival Training course must be over the age of 18. There are no other formal prerequisites for GWO Sea Survival Training, although it’s recommended that students have a basic level of fitness and swimming ability. 

Who Is GWO Sea Survival Training For? 

GWO Sea Survival Training is a mandatory requirement for anyone who works offshore in the wind and renewables industry — this includes technicians, engineers, project managers, etc.

When you complete the course, your certification is added to WINDA — a GWO database that allows employers to verify your certification. 

Unlike an STCW certification, which is reviewed five years, employers must ensure that an employees GWO Sea Survival qualification is renewed and updated every two years.

However, it’s not just offshore renewables workers who can benefit from a GWO Sea Survival course. The skills and knowledge covered in the course are relevant to anyone who spends time working at sea (e.g., fishermen, sailors, oil rig workers, etc.). 

In short, anyone who works or plans to work in an environment where they could be at risk of falling overboard or being exposed to cold water should consider taking a GWO Sea Survival Training course.

In addition, employers in these industries should consider sponsoring employees for the certification to help ensure their safety and the safety of others. 

Where Can I Get GWO Sea Survival Training?

If you’re looking for a GWO Sea Survival course provider, the Maritime Skills Academy offers a 1-day intensive course from our Dover headquarters.

This course is run in conjunction with Guardian Training. Guardian Training holds the GWO Accreditation & bookings are made via the following:

We’re committed to making offshore work safer for workers, and are more than happy to answer any question you have about the course — so don’t hesitate to reach out!