Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET)

About the Course

The safety of personnel is a top priority in the offshore industry, where operations often involve inherent risks. The complexities associated with helicopter operations require comprehensive training to equip individuals with the necessary skills to handle potential emergencies effectively. Through this 5-day interactive Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), the delegates will gain valuable insights into established helicopter safety protocols that ensure a secure working environment. They will learn the proper use of emergency equipment, which is crucial for survival in critical situations. It instills essential survival techniques that empower individuals to respond confidently and decisively during emergencies, enhancing overall safety in offshore operations.

As offshore operations continue to grow, understanding the specific challenges and risks associated with helicopter travel is paramount. This training program is designed to equip delegates with the essential skills and knowledge required to safely escape from a helicopter in the event of an emergency landing in water, focusing on imparting the critical competencies needed for effective underwater escape and survival, ensuring that individuals can respond confidently and efficiently in high-pressure situations. It aims to foster a culture of safety and preparedness among delegates. By enhancing their understanding of helicopter safety and emergency response procedures, individuals will be better equipped to protect themselves and their colleagues during offshore operations, adhering to industry standards and emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication in emergencies.

Core Objectives

By the end of the training course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of helicopter safety and operations in offshore environments
• Apply proper techniques for using Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems (CA-EBS) and related emergency equipment
• Demonstrate effective underwater escape techniques for safely exiting a submerged helicopter
• Analyse various emergency scenarios to identify appropriate survival strategies and responses
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies in emergency situations
• Develop a personal survival plan that incorporates essential survival skills and emergency procedures
• Integrate knowledge of safety protocols and emergency response procedures to enhance overall situational awareness during offshore helicopter operations

Training Approach

This training program combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on exercises to prepare delegates for emergencies. Interactive simulations and drills will allow them to practice key skills, such as underwater egress and emergency breathing systems, in a controlled environment.

The Attendees

This training course is suitable for professionals, including individuals entering or transitioning within the offshore sector, contractors, and employees from various roles in the oil & gas industry.

But, it will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following:

• Offshore Oil & Gas Workers
• Marine Crew Members
• Helicopter Pilots and Co-pilots
• Safety Officers and Managers
• Emergency Response Personnel
• Logistics and Transport Coordinators
• Support Staff for Offshore Operations

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: UNDERSTANDING HELICOPTER SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

• Introduction to Helicopter Operations
• Safety Regulations and Standards in Offshore Travel
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Helicopter Travel
• Pre-Flight Safety Briefing Protocols
• Emergency Procedures Overview
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies
• Familiarisation with Helicopter Types and Safety Features
• Roles and Responsibilities of Crew and Passengers
• Importance of Safety Culture in Aviation Operations

DAY TWO: COMPRESSED AIR EMERGENCY BREATHING SYSTEMS (CA-EBS)

• Overview of Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems
• Understanding Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (HEED)
• Proper Use and Maintenance of CA-EBS
• Training on CA-EBS Deployment Procedures
• Safety Checks and Pre-Deployment Procedures
• Breathing Techniques for Emergency Situations
• Simulation of CA-EBS Usage in Underwater Scenarios
• Troubleshooting Common CA-EBS Issues
• Familiarisation with Alternative Breathing Systems

DAY THREE: UNDERWATER ESCAPE TECHNIQUES

• Principles of Underwater Egress
• Techniques for Escaping a Submerged Helicopter
• Practice of “Swim and Escape” Techniques
• Use of CA-EBS During Egress
• Overcoming Panic and Managing Stress Underwater
• Navigation Skills in Water for Escape
• Controlled Water Environments
• Situational Awareness and Decision-Making Underwater
• Team Coordination During Escape Procedures

DAY FOUR: SURVIVAL SKILLS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• Essential Survival Techniques in Water
• Assessment of Water Conditions and Potential Hazards
• Basic First Aid and Emergency Response Skills
• Understanding Hypothermia and Other Water-Related Risks
• Communication Strategies in Emergencies
• Use of Safety Equipment for Survival and Signaling
• Role of Helicopter Rescue Operations in Emergencies
• Developing a Personal Survival Plan
• Post-Incident Recovery and Support

DAY FIVE: EMERGENCY RESPONSE STRATEGIES AND CERTIFICATION PREPARATION

• Understanding Emergency Response Protocols
• In-depth Review of Escape Techniques and Procedures
• Best Practices for Managing Panic Situations
• Importance of Situational Awareness in Emergencies
• Strategies for Maintaining Calm During Egress
• Understanding Equipment Functionality and Maintenance
• Discussion on Health and Safety Regulations
• Preparing for Certification: Key Focus Areas