GWO Sea Survival

£ 370.00 + VAT

GWO Basic Safety Training

Location: East Coast College

Language: ENGLISH

Learning Mode: Classroom with Practical

Accreditation Body: Global Wind Organisation

GWO Sea Survival

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Course Assessments

Competency is assessed through a combination of knowledge and practical application:

  • Theory Review: Instructor-led discussions and knowledge checks to reinforce key offshore safety principles and highlight current industry best practices.
  • Practical Assessment: Direct observation of practical skills and emergency response techniques, including boat transfer procedures, emergency evacuations, cold water survival exercises, life raft boarding and management (including inversion/flip drills), and man overboard response procedures (where applicable).

For Who

This is the mandatory starting point for anyone seeking a career in the wind industry, including:

  • Wind Turbine Technicians and Engineers
  • Subcontractors and Site Inspectors
  • Project Managers and Safety Officers requiring turbine access.

PPE Requirements

For the practical training sessions, participants must provide:

  • Swimwear (to be worn under immersion/coveralls suits).
  • Towel and Toiletries.

Note: Specialist PPE, including overalls, life jackets, harnesses and emergency survival equipment, is provided by Hexis.

Purpose

The GWO Sea Survival module is a core element of the Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training. It is designed for individuals working in or seeking access to offshore wind turbine environments, providing the essential knowledge and practical skills required to respond safely and effectively to emergency situations at sea. The course focuses on understanding offshore risks, using life-saving equipment correctly, and applying survival techniques in cold water and maritime environments to protect yourself and others during offshore operations.

Course Content

This module combines maritime safety theory with practical pool-based training to prepare participants for offshore wind emergency situations:

  • Offshore Safety Culture: Understanding the risks, roles, and legislation associated with offshore wind farm operations.
  • Cold Water Immersion: Recognising and managing the stages of cold shock and hypothermia in survival situations.
  • Life-Saving Appliances (LSA): Correct use and limitations of personal flotation devices, immersion suits, and survival equipment.
  • SAR & GMDSS: Introduction to Search and Rescue procedures and Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems.
  • Safe Transfer Techniques: Practical training for safe movement between Vessels and turbine structures.
  • Man Overboard (MOB): Procedures for responding to and assisting in recovery during man overboard incidents.
  • Life Raft Management: Techniques for boarding, righting a capsized raft, and maintaining group survival in emergency conditions.
  • Emergency Evacuation: Safe descent and entry into the water using approved rescue and evacuation devices.

Course Certification

Upon successful completion, participants are awarded the GWO Sea Survival Certificate.  All results are uploaded to GWO WINDA and are valid for 24 months.

Prerequisites

  • A high level of physical fitness and a “Fit for Work" health declaration that is completed on arrival.
  • A valid form of photographic identification on the day of training.
  • A minimum age of 18 years.
  • A valid GWO WINDA ID.
  • The ability to communicate effectively in English.

Note: participants must be comfortable in the water (though high-level swimming ability is not usually required).

Available Dates:

Wednesday 8
July 2026 08:30

GWO Sea Survival
08 Jul 2026 - 08 Jul 2026

Spencer Whiley East Coast College East Coast College , Energy Skills Centre , East Coast College , Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft , Suffolk , NR32 2PJ

GWO Sea Survival
Wednesday 12
August 2026 08:30

GWO Sea Survival
12 Aug 2026 - 12 Aug 2026

Spencer Whiley East Coast College East Coast College , Energy Skills Centre , East Coast College , Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft , Suffolk , NR32 2PJ

GWO Sea Survival
Wednesday 9
September 2026 08:30

GWO Sea Survival
09 Sep 2026 - 09 Sep 2026

Spencer Whiley East Coast College East Coast College , Energy Skills Centre , East Coast College , Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft , Suffolk , NR32 2PJ

GWO Sea Survival
Wednesday 7
October 2026 08:30

GWO Sea Survival
07 Oct 2026 - 07 Oct 2026

Spencer Whiley East Coast College East Coast College , Energy Skills Centre , East Coast College , Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft , Suffolk , NR32 2PJ

GWO Sea Survival
Wednesday 4
November 2026 08:30

GWO Sea Survival
04 Nov 2026 - 04 Nov 2026

Spencer Whiley East Coast College East Coast College , Energy Skills Centre , East Coast College , Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft , Suffolk , NR32 2PJ

GWO Sea Survival
Wednesday 2
December 2026 08:30

GWO Sea Survival
02 Dec 2026 - 02 Dec 2026

Spencer Whiley East Coast College East Coast College , Energy Skills Centre , East Coast College , Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft , Suffolk , NR32 2PJ

GWO Sea Survival