Tropical Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (T-HUET) Product Spec

Product title: Tropical Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (T-HUET)
Product code: 5195
Product type: OPITO Standard

Product category: Oil and Gas / Basic Emergency Response
Date of last update: 19/05/2023 - Date of last update field added to product spec
Who is the Product for?

This Product is to meet the offshore safety and emergency response training requirements for personnel new
(or returning) to the offshore oil and gas industry in a tropical environment.
What does this Product cover?

This Product introduces learners that intend to travel to and from offshore oil and gas installations and vessels
by helicopter in a tropical environment by providing specific training in pre-flight and in-flight requirements and
to equip learners with the basic emergency response knowledge and skills required in the event of a helicopter
emergency – with a specific focus on escaping from a helicopter following ditching and sea survival
techniques.
The objectives of the T-HUET Training are that learners will be able to:
(a) Demonstrate, in a simulated environment, that they can use the safety equipment, and follow
procedures in preparing for, and during helicopter emergencies – with particular focus on escaping from a
helicopter following ditching
(b) Demonstrate sea survival techniques
How can you successfully achieve this Product?

To achieve the Tropical Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (T-HUET) Training the learners will need to
complete the 2 mandatory units.
What could this Product lead to?
N/A
What are the entry requirements?
No training prerequisites are required.

Medical Entry Requirements
Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

Training activities contained within this Product may include physically demanding and potentially stressful
elements. All personnel who participate in such activities must be capable of participating fully.
OPITO-approved Centres are therefore required, as a minimum, to ensure that prior to participating in
practical exercises the learners must either:
(a) Possess a valid, current offshore medical certificate or
(b) Possess an employing company approved medical certificate equivalent to an offshore medical certificate,
or
(c) Undergoes medical screening by completing an appropriate medical screening form provided by the
OPITO-approved centre
The OPITO-approved Centre shall keep a record of the learner’s declaration of fitness in accordance with their
document control policy(s) or procedures.
This information, along with summary details of the type of physical activities the learner will be asked to
perform, will be given to learners by the OPITO-approved Centre and, if applicable, to their sponsoring
company as part of the joining instructions. The responsibility for declaring any known current or pre-existing
medical conditions that could have adverse effects to the individual’s state of health while undertaking the
training activities lies with the learner and/or company sponsoring the learner.
Where doubt exists regarding the fitness of any learner, the OPITO-approved Centre should direct the
individual to consult a medical officer familiar with the nature and extent of the training.
Note: Practical exercises must be designed and delivered solely to meet this Product, and must not place on
the learner any demands other than those required to meet the Product.
Country Specific if applicable?

N/A
How is this Product assessed?

Learners will be assessed against the outcomes specified in accordance with the assessment guidance
detailed in each unit.
Are there any ratios that must be adhered to for the delivery of this Product?
Trainer/Delegate Ratio
(1) The ratio shown for theory sessions indicates the maximum number of learners attending the course.
(2) Other ratios indicate the maximum number of learners to be supervised by an instructor at any one time
during each activity.
(3) Swimmers, weak swimmers and non-swimmers must be clearly identified during all pool exercises through
the use of different coloured helmets.
Safety Induction
Theory 1:16
Helicopter Escape
Theory 1:16
Theory & Demonstration 1:16
Dry Helicopter Escape Trainer 1:8
Helicopter Underwater Escape Trainer (HUET) (in pool) 1:4
The details outlined are an overview of an OPITO Product, which is part of the OPITO Product Portfolio and is owned by the organisation
These Products carry the OPITO logo.
Please note, Products are subject to change in line with OPITO’s policy of continual improvement.

As a minimum the HUET team must comprise of the following:
• 1 x Lead Instructor
• 1 x Crane/Hoist Operator/Dive Supervisor
• 2 x OPITO HUET divers
• Pool safety personnel
Note: A maximum of 2 designated non-swimmer learners are permitted for any HUET (in pool) exercise
Sea Survival
Theory 1:16
TEMPSC (per craft) 1:8
Theory & Demonstration
Lowering and Release 1:16
In-Water 1:4
As a minimum the Sea Survival team must comprise of the following:

• 1 Lead Instructor
• 2 (in water) pool safety personnel
What are the Guided Learning Hours?

8 hours 20 minutes
What staff resources are required to deliver this Product?

Training staff must be:
(a) Trained in instructional/lecture techniques and/or have proven instructing /teaching experience.
(b) OPITO Centres must have an auditable training programme in place to ensure instructors keep up-to-date
with relevant current offshore practices and changes. The programme must include at least two of the
following: visits to offshore fixed or mobile installations, visits to heliports, visits to dry-docked rigs and
meetings with relevant personnel in offshore oil and gas companies.
Assessors must:
Hold an industry-recognised assessor’s qualification.
HUET Divers must:
(c) be in possession of a valid and appropriate Open Water SCUBA qualification, awarded by an independent
recognised diving accreditation body.
(d) have successfully completed the OPITO HUET Diver training including the examination (refer to HUET
Diver Training Programme document for specific details)
(e) be engaged in an ongoing further development and competence assessment programme which ensures
that they are assessed as competent to carry out the activities required to carry out their job function on a
regular basis including:
i. participation in emergency drills and exercises conducted in accordance with company procedures (as a
minimum, annually).
ii. knowledge and understanding of current HUET equipment and current operating procedures in use by the
Training Provider.

Crane/Hoist Operators must:
(f) have successfully completed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training or industry recognised
training for the lifting operations of the HUET
(g) have successfully completed OPITO HUET Diver theory training including the theory examination (refer to
HUET Diver Training Programme document for specific details)
(h) have successfully participated in and demonstrated competence in all modes of HUET operation (minimum
of 10 individual HUET sessions as a trainee HUET Operator under supervision) and participated in relevant
HUET maintenance activities
(i) have participated in all emergency drills for HUET exercises as per risk assessments (as a trainee HUET
Operator under supervision)
(j) be formally appointed as a HUET Operator based on completion of requirements f-i above
(k) be engaged in an ongoing further development and competence assessment programme which ensures
that they are assessed as competent to carry out the activities required to carry out their job function on a
regular basis including:
i. participation in emergency drills and exercises conducted in accordance with company procedures (as a
minimum, annually).
ii. knowledge and understanding of current HUET equipment and current operating procedures in use by the
Training Provider.
Pool Safety Personnel must:
(l) Be trained in and possess sufficient and relevant experience in dealing with in-water emergencies
(m) Hold a recognised Pool Safety Lifeguard qualification
Medical Emergency Response (MER) Staff
Centres delivering T-BOSIET, T-HUET and T-FOET Products must be able to ensure that they can meet clear
and specific requirements relating to medical emergency response (MER) provision and that these
requirements are exercised, recorded, maintained and audited.
Full details of the required MER requirements are detailed in the OPITO Medical Emergency Response
Requirements. The medical emergency response requirements set out in this document is based on a tiered
time-based response. The document details expectations on maximum response times, minimum equipment
levels and access to specified medical personnel and facilities in an event of a medical emergency. It also
identifies roles, designations, responsibilities and competence of medical emergency response staff.
All staff must have the appropriate documented competences to conduct/assist with the element of training
being undertaken.
What facilities and equipment are required to deliver this Product?

Facilities
It is important to ensure that the full range of facilities are made available to ensure learners get the most out
of their training. The following facilities criteria must be adhered to:
Practical training areas so designed to enable each learner to individually, or as part of a team, to view, hear
and practise the following:
(1) Dry evacuation into an aviation liferaft on water from a helicopter trainer.
(2) Escape from a partially submerged helicopter trainer through an exit that is underwater.
(3) Escape from a capsized helicopter trainer and use of a lifejacket.
(4) Evacuate from a helicopter trainer following an emergency dry landing.
(5) Operation of emergency exits and push-out windows of a type currently found on helicopters operating

offshore.
(6) Donning of an aviation lifejacket.
(7) Operation of an aviation liferaft.
(8) The donning of a permanent buoyancy life jacket.
(9) The use of a helicopter lifting device and winching to a simulated rescue aircraft.
(10) The boarding of a marine life raft from the water.
(11) In-water procedures, including individual and group survival techniques, followed by rescue by one of the
recognised methods available offshore.
(12) Mustering, boarding and strapping in as a TEMPSC passenger (the craft then to be lowered into water to
float and be released).
(13) The use of portable fire extinguishers on a range of fires of surface area 0.1 m2 to 1.0 m2 against the
following:
(a) Class A fire
(b) Class B contained spill
(14) The donning and wearing of a smoke hood in an area that can be smoke logged using cosmetic smoke
(15) Dedicated concreted area with adequate drainage to allow the delivery of all fire fighting exercises for 16
learners, instructors and support staff
Medical Emergency Response (MER) Requirements

Centres delivering T-BOSIET, T-HUET and T-FOET Products must be able to ensure that they can meet clear
and specific requirements relating to medical emergency response (MER) provision and that these
requirements are exercised, recorded, maintained and audited.
Full details of the required MER requirements are specified in the OPITO Medical Emergency Response
Requirements. The medical emergency response requirements set out in this document is based on a tiered
time-based response. The document details expectations on maximum response times, minimum equipment
levels and access to specified medical personnel and facilities in an event of a medical emergency. It also
identifies roles, designations, responsibilities and competence of medical emergency response staff.
The Centre must also establish and document clear communication guidelines between poolside and in-water
personnel for all practical exercises and emergencies.
Facilities Notes:
A freshwater pool with appropriate water treatment facilities is required for conducting all HUET and in-water
exercises.
All facilities must be maintained and where appropriate, inspected and tested in accordance with
current standards/legislation and manufacturers' recommendations.
Risk assessments must be conducted and documented for all training facilities and equipment.
Equipment
The following equipment, of a type in use regionally on offshore oil and gas installations and helicopters
involved in offshore operations, is required to meet the needs of the training programme.
(1) Aviation and marine lifejackets
(2) Cosmetic smoke generator
(3) Fire blanket
(4) First Aid Equipment
(5) Fuels and props (Class A & B fires)
(6) Helicopter rescue device (of a type used regionally offshore)
(7) Helicopter Underwater Escape Trainer(s) c/w removable exits
(8) Hose reel
(9) Health & safety figures on accident statistics
(10) Installation emergency organisation chart (examples)

(11) Location aids suitable for training purposes (e.g. dummy radio beacons and pyrotechnics)
(12) Mannequins and cleaning equipment
(13) Marine liferaft and ancillary equipment
(14) Permit to Work (examples)
(15) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
(16) Portable Extinguishers – water/foam, CO2 and dry chemical
(17) Rescue equipment
(18) Aviation liferaft and ancillary equipment
(19) Smoke hoods (plus a different type of smoke hood for demonstration purposes)
(20) Products on task-based risk assessment, lifting and mechanical handling, PRfS, and Permit to Work
(21) STOP/START/TOFS information
(22) TEMPSC and ancillary equipment
(23) One actual Tertiary Escape System and video/slide presentation of others
(24) Torches
(25) Video – Pyrotechnics
(26) Video - Hypothermia
(27) Winch for use during simulated helicopter rescue
(28) Sufficient diving equipment for HUET safety divers.
TEMPSC Requirements
(a) Davit arrangement, complete with rubber buffers to enable learners to enter the TEMPSC without it
moving.
(b) Centrifugal brake arrangement to enable the TEMPSC to be lowered without power; activation of this
system is undertaken from within the TEMPSC by the coxswain/instructor.
(c) Electric winch for hoisting, complete with limit switches to prevent Davit/TEMPSC damage.
TEMPSC Lowering Range

Bund wall and pool training areas:
Minimum Keel-to-water height is two meters
Maximum Keel-to-water height is three meters
Tidal areas
The TEMPSC lowering height to be a maximum of three metres above the highest recorded tidal mark.
Note: In both cases the water into which the TEMPSC is lowered must be a sufficient depth to enable the
TEMPSC to float and to allow the hook(s) to open and allow release of the TEMPSC.
HUET Requirements
Helicopter Underwater Escape Trainers (HUETs) used for OPITO training must meet the following criteria.
The HUET Trainer:
(a) Must have at least four seats for learners and sufficient space for a minimum of one instructor
(b) Must have a push-out window exit available for each learner.
(c) Must have push-out window exits of a similar size to those found on the common offshore helicopters.
(d) Must be able to be lowered onto the surface of the water and then subsequently lowered below the water
in an upright position.
(e) Structure (with the seats) must be able to rotate a minimum of 180° in a controlled fashion.
(f) Must have a means of stopping the rotation in an emergency i.e. a brake.
(g) Must have the capability of being rapidly retrieved to the surface in an emergency and if necessary to the
side of the pool with the learners inside.
(h) Must have realistic seating arrangement as found in offshore helicopters, and include seatbelt/harness
fastenings and a system for releasing learners in an emergency should the buckle fail to open.
(i) Must have a nominated exit (hinged, sliding or jettisonable) with the operating mechanism of a type similar
to that found on offshore helicopters.

Note: One HUET can be used for both wet and dry exercises. Alternatively, two helicopter trainers can be
used.
All equipment must be maintained, and where appropriate, inspected and tested in accordance with
current standards/legislation, guidance and manufacturers' recommendations.
What is the validity of this Product?

4 years
Please note: If the expiry date on the learners previous certificate is within 3 months prior of the course
enrolment date then the date of the new certificate should correspond with the expiry date of the
existing/previous certificate unless stated otherwise by the Duty Holder or Asset Owner or Operator.
Product Summary
Product Structure:
To achieve the Tropical Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (T-HUET) Training the learners will need to
complete the 2 mandatory units.
Unit Code Unit Title

OIS-81 Helicopter Safety and Escape - Tropical
OIS-83 Sea Survival - THUET
Unit Summary
Unit Code OIS-81

Title Helicopter Safety and Escape - Tropical
Guided Learning Hours 4 hours 20 mins
Assessment Guidance Assessment Guidance for Outcomes 1 and 2
Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Unit Outcome prior to any practical assessment
taking place.
Centres must also be able to demonstrate that learners have
achieved an understanding of the information and concepts detailed
in each of the Unit Outcomes. This may be achieved through a variety
of methods, including but not limited to: group or individual
discussion, verbal or written questioning, scenarios, virtual simulation,
and eLearning.
Assessment Guidance for Outcome 3
Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Outcome prior to any practical assessment taking
place.

Following theoretical learning and demonstration of practical
exercises by the centre, learners will be observed undertaking
practical exercises covering all the criteria specified.
Learners must successfully complete all practical exercises in order
to achieve this Unit.
Note 1: Although push-out windows are to be fitted for the final
capsize exercise, the ability of the delegate to push out the
windows will be assessed during the partial submersion
exercise.
Note 2: In addition to explanations provided by centre staff,
demonstrations for HUET Exercises 3.4 to 3.9 must be provided
using video footage.
Assessment/Evidence Records of assessment referencing all outcomes, must be securely
Requirements maintained.
OUTCOMES CRITERIA
1.1 Pre-flight briefings
The procedures and requirements for

1.2 pre-boarding, safe boarding, in-flight
and safe disembarkation including:
1.2.1 Arrival time

1 Outcome: Helicopter Travel
1.2.2 Correct dress
The learner will understand: 1.2.3 Documentation
1.2.4 Prohibited articles

1.2.5 Check-in procedures
1.2.6 Safe boarding
1.2.7 Pre-flight video
Informing the crew of suspected or

2.1 observed helicopter emergencies, to
include:
2 Outcome: Helicopter Emergencies 2.1.1 Discovering a fire

2.1.2 Smoke
The learner will understand:
2.1.3 Fuel leaks
2.1.4 Abnormal conditions which the
crew may not be aware of.
2.2 In-flight procedures to include:

2.2.1 Check seat belt is tight, and
lifejacket is secure
2.2.2 Following crew instructions
2.3 Aircraft basic flotation characteristics
Aircraft escape routes for ditching and

2.4
emergency landing
2.5 Independent action
Survival techniques following ditching

2.6 and emergency landing either on land
or in water
2.7 Donning of an aviation lifejacket.
Actions in preparation for a helicopter

ditching and emergency landing,
2.8
including brace positions for the range
of seating locations and harness types
2.9 Helicopter evacuation, to include:
2.9.1 Locate
2.9.2 Release (on-command)
2.9.3 Evacuating through nominated
exits and push-out windows:on-water,
underwater and capsize
2.9.4 Impact attenuating seats, to

include purpose and operation of seat
and evacuation technique
(demonstration not required, this will
be achieved by the use of video or
slides)
Emergency equipment onboard the

2.10 helicopter, including stowage location
of aviation liferaft, operation and entry
Initial actions on boarding the aviation

liferaft i.e. how to use mooring lines,
2.11
deploying the sea anchor, raising the
canopy and raft maintenance
Use of aviation liferaft equipment and

secondary actions on boarding the
aviation liferaft, to include e.g. posting
2.12 lookouts, activating the radio beacons
and first aid (Note: Instructors do not
need to demonstrate secondary
actions)

3.1 Donning of an aviation life jacket
Actions to take in preparing for a

3.2
helicopter ditching/emergency landing
Following instruction from the crew,

evacuation from a helicopter using a
3.3
nominated exit, following a controlled
emergency descent to a dry landing
Dry evacuation, using a nominated exit,

to an aviation life raft from a helicopter
ditched on water (including on
instructions from aircrew, operation of a
push out window), assisting others
3.4
where possible and carrying out initial
actions on boarding the aviation life raft,
to include: mooring lines, deploying the
sea anchor, raising the canopy and raft
maintenance
Outcome: Practical Helicopter
3
Escape Techniques Escaping through a window opening
which is under water, from a partially
3.5
The learner wil perform: submerged helicopter (without
operation of a push out window)
Escaping through a window opening

which is under water, from a partially
3.6
submerged helicopter (including
operation of a push-out window)

which is under water, from a capsized
3.7
helicopter (without operating a push-out
window)

which is under water, from a capsized
3.8
helicopter (including operation of a
push-out window)
Inflation of an aviation lifejacket,

3.9 deployment of spray visor and boarding
of an aviation life raft from the water
Unit Code OIS-83

Title Sea Survival - THUET
Guided Learning Hours 4 hours
Assessment Guidance Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Outcome prior to any practical assessment taking
place. Following theoretical learning and demonstration of practical

exercises by the centre, learners will be observed undertaking
practical exercises covering all the criteria specified in Outcomes 2
and 3. Learners must successfully complete all practical exercises to
achieve this Unit.
Assessment/Evidence Records of assessment referencing all outcomes, must be securely
Requirements maintained.
OUTCOMES CRITERIA
Typical types of offshore installation

emergencies to include floating
1.1
installations such as FPSOs and
drilling rigs
1.2 Station bills
1.3 Various means of escape
Actions to be taken prior to, during and

1.4 after selective evacuation or escape
from an offshore installation
Installation emergency knowledge

required of all personnel onboard, to
include:
1.5.1 Typical layout of installations
(escape routes, temporary refuge,
Outcome: Evacuation Methods and
1 muster locations, abandonment
Procedures
locations, access routes including
helideck, bridge landing points and
The learner will understand:
tertiary escape points)
1.5.2 Installation alarms and
communications (locations, use and
1.5
appropriate response)
1.5.3 The possibility of devolved
command within the installation’s
organizational structure and
appropriate procedures and actions
should this occur
1.5.4 The need for and use of
personal protective equipment (PPE)
e.g. gloves, torch, smoke hoods,
survival/abandonment suits and
donning a life jacket etc.
The SAR organisation, means of

1.6 rescue from the sea and survival craft
and actions to take during rescue

Rescue by helicopter – winchman
1.7 duties, the hi-line, double lift and single
lift
As a minimum: the single lift to be

demonstrated practically
The importance of appropriate

1.8
personal clothing
Methods of rescue i.e. standby vessel,

1.9
FRC, MRRD, net, basket and ladder
This may be achieved by the use of

video or slides
The various types of survival craft

1.10
(TEMPSC) – freefall/single/twin
The function and capabilities of

1.11 TEMPSC (e.g. air supply, fire
protection, buoyancy)
The procedure for mustering, boarding

and strapping in, including the safety
1.12 precautions during lowering and
release, emergency equipment and
supplies
The various methods of tertiary

escape (this may be achieved by the
use of video or slides) to include:
1.13.1 Knotted rope
1.13 1.13.2 Scramble net

1.13.3 Davit-launched life raft
1.13.4 Ladders
1.13.5 Person descending escape
devices
Note: Minimum of one of the above

methods is to be demonstrated
practically.
Mustering, donning a life jacket,

Outcome: Muster and Actions Upon
boarding and strapping in as a
Boarding a Survival Craft (TEMPSC) 2.1
2 TEMPSC passenger (the craft then to
and Actions Upon Boarding a Marine
be lowered into water and released)
Liferaft
Boarding a marine life raft from the
The learner will perform:
2.2 water and carrying out initial actions, to
include mooring lines, deploying the sea
anchor, raft maintenance and

secondary actions, to include posting
lookouts, activating the radio beacons
and first aid equipment
Note: To be demonstrated by
instructional staff only
Water entry (stepping off poolside,

3.1 maximum 1m height) and the
precautions when entering the water
The fitting of a helicopter rescue device,

subsequent lifting and (simulated) entry
into a rescue helicopter including:
3.2.1 Single strop, double strop or

3.2 basket (minimum of one method to be
demonstrated practically)
3.2.2 Body posture
3.2.3 Aircraft entry
3.3 In-water survival techniques, to include:

Outcome: Sea Survival and
3
emergency In-water actions
3.3.1 individual techniques:
The learner will perform: a) swimming
b) HELP
c) wave slap protection
3.3.2 group survival techniques*:

a) towing
b) chain
c) huddle
d) circle
*One of these must be followed by
rescue by one of the recognised
methods available offshore
ABOUT OPITO
OPITO is the global, not-for-profit, skills body for the energy industry. For over three decades the company
has ensured safety is at the forefront of operations, with more than 375,000 people trained every year.
Links

https://opito.com/

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Product title: Tropical Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (T-HUET)

Product code: 5195

Product type: OPITO Standard

Who is the Product for?

What does this Product cover?

How can you successfully achieve this Product?

What could this Product lead to?

What are the entry requirements?

No training prerequisites are required.

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

Country Specific if applicable?

How is this Product assessed?

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

As a minimum the Sea Survival team must comprise of the following:

What are the Guided Learning Hours?

What staff resources are required to deliver this Product?

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

What facilities and equipment are required to deliver this Product?

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

Medical Emergency Response (MER) Requirements

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

TEMPSC Lowering Range

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

What is the validity of this Product?

Unit Code Unit Title

Unit Code OIS-81

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

1.1 Pre-flight briefings

The procedures and requirements for

1.2.1 Arrival time

1.2.4 Prohibited articles

Informing the crew of suspected or

2 Outcome: Helicopter Emergencies 2.1.1 Discovering a fire

2.2 In-flight procedures to include:

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

2.3 Aircraft basic flotation characteristics

Aircraft escape routes for ditching and

2.5 Independent action

Survival techniques following ditching

2.7 Donning of an aviation lifejacket.

Actions in preparation for a helicopter

2.9 Helicopter evacuation, to include:

2.9.4 Impact attenuating seats, to

Emergency equipment onboard the

Initial actions on boarding the aviation

Use of aviation liferaft equipment and

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

Actions to take in preparing for a

Following instruction from the crew,

Dry evacuation, using a nominated exit,

Escaping through a window opening

Escaping through a window opening

Escaping through a window opening

Inflation of an aviation lifejacket,

Unit Code OIS-83

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

Typical types of offshore installation

1.2 Station bills

1.3 Various means of escape

Actions to be taken prior to, during and

Installation emergency knowledge

The SAR organisation, means of

Working together to develop a safe and skilled energy workforce

As a minimum: the single lift to be