Essential skills you can gain from a GWO sea survival course
The Global Wind Organisation’s (GWO) Sea Survival course is one element of the training provider’s internationally recognised course portfolio, which sets the standard for training in the global wind energy and renewables industry.
It is designed to give delegates the basic skills and knowledge needed to make the correct safety decisions in offshore operations to protect themselves and their co-workers from potential dangers at sea.
In this blog post, we will cover all you need to know about GWO Sea Survival training, such as what’s included in the course, what skills you will develop, and who it is appropriate for.
What is involved in the GWO survival course?
The GWO Sea Survival course equips delegates with the necessary abilities and expertise to safely navigate to and from offshore wind facilities.
It aims to ensure that participants understand survival measures when working in and on wind turbines at sea, focusing on travelling to and from offshore installations and safely transferring between vessels and installations.
It is a one-day training that combines theory and supervised practical sessions. The theory side of the course is taught in the classroom, while practical elements are carried out in a controlled environment.
The course topics include:
- An introduction to the risks encountered by offshore workers.
- An overview of National and International Legislation.
- An overview of the equipment used for sea survival.
- How to safely transport people and equipment to and from offshore structures.
- How to correctly and safely execute various ‘man overboard’ methods.
- How to avoid hyperthermia whilst swimming in cold water.
- How to handle emergency situations where waves, currents, and tides are strong.
Participants who complete the course should be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the event of an offshore accident, as well as the ability to take responsibility for their own and their coworkers’ safety in both work and emergency situations.
Skills you gain from the GWO Sea Survival course
The GWO Sea Survival course provides the necessary training to prepare delegates for offshore work. Upon completion of the course, delegates will be able to:
- Demonstrate their understanding of risks related to transfers.
- Demonstrate the safe transfer and evacuation of a Wind Turbine Generator (WTG).
- Demonstrate individual and group survival techniques at sea.
- Demonstrate that they understand the risks and symptoms associated with hyperthermia and drowning.
- Understand the limitations of the different life-saving appliances (LSA), personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) utilised in the offshore wind industry.
- Have an understanding of search and rescue (SAR) and global maritime distress and safety systems (GMDSS).
- Give first aid treatment to a “man overboard”.
Following completion of the course, delegates will also receive a GWO-approved Sea Survival certificate demonstrating their ability to perform all of the skills mentioned above. This certificate is valid for two years, and delegates must retake the programme before expiry to remain certified.
Who is this course relevant to?
Those who work offshore are required to hold a valid GWO Sea Survival certificate. This applies to everyone in the offshore wind and renewables industry, whether that be engineers, technicians, or project managers.
However, GWO Sea Survival training is beneficial to more people than just offshore renewable professionals. The skills and knowledge provided in the course are applicable to everyone who spends time working at sea, such as sailors, fishermen and oil rig workers.
Everyone who works or intends to work in an environment where they may fall overboard or be exposed to cold water should consider taking a GWO Sea Survival course to ensure they are fully prepared to act in the event of such an emergency.
Whether you’re new to working at sea or need a refresher to meet industry criteria, we can supply you with GWO Sea Survival training to ensure you’re completely certified for a position in the sector.
Our GWO Sea Survival Course, delivered by a team of skilled and experienced GWO trainers, goes beyond the basic level of compliance to provide learners with an experience that prepares them for real-life emergencies at sea.
To find out more about GWO Sea Survival training that we offer at Scott’s Access Services, get in touch with a member of our team today.
