Compliance certifications, explained.
Plain-English reference guides for the certifications workers actually carry — what each one covers, who issues it, how long it lasts, what it costs, and how it lines up with international equivalents.
BOSIET
Offshore oil & gasBasic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training
The mandatory offshore safety entry qualification — covers helicopter escape (HUET), sea survival, firefighting, first aid and Emergency Breathing System (EBS). Required before mobilisation on any OPITO-recognised offshore installation worldwide.
HUET
Offshore, aviationHelicopter Underwater Escape Training
Survival training for personnel travelling by helicopter to offshore installations. Practical capsize and escape exercises in a pool with a mock helicopter cabin. Usually delivered inside BOSIET; standalone version available.
MIST
UK offshoreMinimum Industry Safety Training (OPITO 5301)
UK Continental Shelf safety-system awareness — major-accident hazards, control of work, behavioural safety. Paired with BOSIET as the standard UKCS mobilisation requirement. £400–500 initial; ~£60 online renewal.
OGUK / OEUK Medical
UK offshoreOffshore Worker Fitness Certificate
Medical fitness assessment for UKCS work — examined against OEUK guidelines by registered doctors only. £120–250 typical cost. Renamed from OGUK Medical to OEUK Medical in 2022.
IWCF / IADC Well Control
DrillingWell Control Certification
Two parallel global standards for well-control competence — five levels each (Awareness → Engineer). IWCF dominant in Europe/Asia/Middle East; IADC WellSharp dominant in the Americas. Both 2-year cycle.
OPITO
Offshore oil & gasOffshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation
The global standards body behind BOSIET, FOET, HUET, MIST, T-BOSIET and ~100 other offshore safety qualifications. How accreditation works and how to verify a certificate.
STCW Basic Safety Training
MaritimeStandards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
The international baseline for every seafarer on a vessel trading internationally. Four mandatory modules (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR). Revalidation depends on whether you have ≥360 days qualifying sea service in the past 5 years.
White Card
Construction (AU)General Construction Induction (CPCCWHS1001)
The Australian construction industry’s mandatory site-induction card. Issued under unit code CPCCWHS1001. International equivalents include CSCS (UK), OSHA 10 (US) and COR (Canada).
CASA AVCREG / ARN
Aviation (AU)Australian Aviation Licences (via CASA)
How the Civil Aviation Safety Authority tracks Australian aviation credentials via the Aviation Reference Number — pilot licences (RPL/PPL/CPL/ATPL), AME licences, medicals, and the ASIC security card.
How these guides are written
Each guide is grounded in publicly-documented information from the issuing body (OPITO, IMO flag states, Australian state regulators) and verified training providers. Validity periods, course modules, and unit codes are quoted directly from the issuing authority where possible.
Certification requirements change. Always verify with your specific operator, training provider, or regulator before booking a course or claiming compliance. If you spot something out of date, tell us at support@certvaultapp.com.
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