GSK basic safety course – english

Requirements
There are no requirements for prior knowledge.

Implementation

Before the course begins, you are required to complete an e-learning module, which approximately takes 2 hours. On the first day of the course, there will be a theoretical exam based on the content covered in this e-learning module.
You will also be assessed during all practical training, and a final written test at the conclusion of the course.

• Day 1: 10:00 – 17:00
• Day 2-3: 08:30 – 15:30

The course includes lunch and the course certificate, but not accommodation and transport.

Refresher course 

In order to continuously have an approved certificate, you must take a refresher course every 4 years, as well as shoulder measurement.

Once we have finalized your order, we will send a course confirmation with practical information.
Including address, transport and agreed prices for accommodation.

Stavanger
Kontinentalveien 33, 4056 Tananger
Accommodation: Scandic Stavanger Airport is 11 minutes by car from the course center.

Bergen
Espehaugen 25, 5258 Blomsterdalen
Accommodation: Scandic Flesland Airport is 2 minutes by car or 11 minutes on foot from the course center.

Grimstad
Østerskogen 24, 4874 Grimstad
Accommodation: Strand Hotel Fevik and Grimstad Clarion are 10–15 minutes by car from the training center.

Haugesund
Haglandsvegen 20, 5514 Haugesund
Accommodation: Scandic Haugesund is 13 minutes by car from the course center

Kristiansund
Dalegata 71 Bygg 12, 6516 Kristiansund
Accommodation: Scandic Kristiansund is 8 minutes by car from the course center

Introduction

• Introduction/Information about the center, competency test

HSE Culture/Prevention

• SfS DV
• Theory
• Practical exercises: Barriers, Buddy check, Protective equipment, Behavioral training

First Aid

• Theory and practical exercises: ABC, Alerting, Life-saving first aid, CPR

Collective Evacuation

• Theory: Alarm and mustering drills to lifeboat and rescue chute
• Practice: Lifeboat, Rescue chute

Fire Safety

• Theory
• Practical exercises: Fire extinguishers, Evacuation

Sea Rescue

• Theory: Suit with equipment, Hazards (drowning, hypothermia)
• Practical exercises: Suits, Water acclimatization, Staying in the sea, Life raft

Helicopter Evacuation

• Theory
• Practical exercises: Water acclimatization, Capsize drill (6 capsizes in basic training and 4 in refresher training)
• Organized evacuation, EBS (Emergency Breathing System)

• Card
• Partial payment
• Payment deferral
• Invoice

Change of course date
Have to be agreed up to 3 days before the start of the course during office hours: 08:00-16:00

Deregistration

• Must be done trough a deregistration form.
• You can cancel up to 7 days before the start of the course.
• If you get sick, a doctor’s certificate must be presented.
• No attendance at courses, requires full course fee.

Do I need a Offshore Safety Course to work on a platform or rig?
Yes, GSK Safety Course for Oil Workers is mandatory for everyone working offshore on the Norwegian continental shelf. This applies to personnel with both fixed work rotations and those with sporadic offshore assignments.

Do I need offshore Basic safety courses or refresher courses?
GSK Safety Course for Oil Workers is a basic course, so anyone who has not taken such a course before should start with this. As long as you work offshore, you must take a GSK basic safety refresh every 4 years. If you have a longer break in your offshore work, you can still take a refresher course, but it cannot be older than 8 years. After 8 years, you must take a new GSK Safety Course for Oil Workers.

Is my OPITO certificate approved for work on the Norwegian continental shelf?
The approval of basic safety and emergency training conducted in countries that are not part of the North Sea agreement is up to each individual operator. The North Sea agreement includes the following countries:

• Offshore Norway
• Danish Offshore
• Element NL (Netherlands)
• OEUK (United Kingdom)

You can read more about international training requirements here.

I will be working offshore abroad, is the offshore safety course recognized there?
You have to contact the operator company you will be working for, as it is up to them to approve the certificate. Note that Norway, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Netherlands have mutual recognition of each other’s basic safety and emergency response courses as well as specialized safety training.

What is CA-EBS, and do I need it when taking the offshore safety course?
CA-EBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System) is an additional course that provides specific training in emergency breathing systems with compressed air. It is intended for offshore personnel who will work in the British sector, and they are happy to take a shoulder measurement in addition. It is not required to take the CA-EBS before departure on the Norwegian Continental Shelf per Today. The course is delivered in accordance with OPITO’s guidelines.

• How to inspect a lifejacket and CA-EBS
• How to release the lifejacket
• How to exit a helicopter with a CA-EBS system

GSK Safety Course for oil workers with or without e-learning?
By taking the GSK Safety Course with e-learning, you can reduce the duration of the course by 1 day by completing extended e-learning before attending the course. The same applies to those who want to take the GSK Refresher with e-learning.

How is Helicopter Evacuation conducted?
We have a dedicated page with a comprehensive overview, including a video of the procedure. See Helicopter Evacuation offshore.

Can I be exempt from Helicopter Evacuation if I have aquaphobia?

From March 1, 2026, new rules will apply for exemptions from helicopter evacuation training (HUET) in the Basic Safety Course refresher. Responsibility for assessing exemptions will be transferred from the course provider to the employer.

For employees who hold a course certificate marked GSK-N (exemption), this will remain valid until the next Basic Safety Course refresher is due to be completed.

More information can be found here.

What do I need to work offshore?
The type of work you do and the exact job responsibilities vary depending on the facility, the installation you work for and your exact job role. Here you will find the competence requirements for roughneck and roustabout – Competence requirements for drilling and well service personnel.

I have lost my offshore course certificate, where can I get a copy?
You need to contact the course provider where you took the course and request a new certificate to be sent to you.

Can I work offshore with a safety course for seafarers?
No, you cannot work offshore with a certificate for STCW Safety Training for Seafarers / STCW-F Fishermen / STCW small vessels. However, you can upgrade from STCW to GSK with a GSK Refresher with e-learning course. Those with STCW-certified maritime personnel on mobile units (STCW Officer certificate) have equivalent safety training to GSK Safety Course for Oil Workers and can work offshore.

I will only be a visitor on an offshore installation, do I need to take a safety course?
Regarding the requirements for visitors to different offshore installations, we recommend that you contact the individual operator for more information.

If you have any unanswered questions, please feel free to contact us below.