Working offshore in the wind industry is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the UK. But it’s also one that demands skill, awareness and confidence in extreme conditions. Wind technicians travel to turbines by boat or helicopter, often facing rough weather and unpredictable seas. When something goes wrong, every second counts, and that’s where GWO Sea Survival training comes in.

At Stream Marine Training, our Sea Survival courses prepare technicians for the reality of offshore work. From helicopter transfers and emergency evacuations to life raft boarding and cold-water immersion, we give delegates the knowledge and confidence to stay calm, take control and survive.

What Is GWO Sea Survival Training?

The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) developed Sea Survival training as a standard for anyone working in offshore wind. It teaches essential safety and survival skills for dealing with emergencies at sea or on offshore platforms.

Every technician working offshore must complete this training before travelling to a turbine site. It’s not just a box to tick, it’s the foundation of working safely and responsibly in challenging environments.

At SMT, our course combines classroom sessions with realistic, hands-on training in our purpose-built pool and wind simulation environments.

What the Course Covers

GWO Sea Survival training is all about practical, experience-based learning.

Key modules include:

  • Personal safety and responsibility: Understanding risk and behaviour offshore.

  • Emergency procedures: Recognising alarms, following evacuation routes and coordinating with crew.

  • Life raft and PPE use: Deploying and boarding life rafts, managing hypothermia and staying afloat as a group.

  • Helicopter and vessel transfers: Learning safe entry and exit procedures for offshore transport.

  • Search and rescue operations: How rescue teams locate and assist personnel at sea.

Delegates take part in controlled water exercises using life jackets and immersion suits. You’ll experience what it feels like to enter the water, group together and board a life raft, all under the supervision of SMT’s experienced trainers.

Why It’s So Important

Wind farms are often located miles offshore, far from immediate help. If a technician ends up in the water, survival depends on training. Knowing how to conserve energy, use your equipment properly and coordinate with others can make the difference between panic and control.

The training also builds teamwork and trust. Crews who have trained together react faster and communicate better in real emergencies. That shared understanding is what makes offshore operations safer for everyone.

How SMT Delivers the Difference

Stream Marine Training is known across the industry for creating an environment that’s both professional and welcoming. Our trainers are not only GWO-certified, they’ve worked offshore themselves, in wind and maritime sectors. That experience shapes how we teach: real stories, real conditions, real learning.

Located beside Glasgow Airport, our facilities make it easy for technicians from across the UK and Europe to train with us. Our pool is designed to replicate offshore weather conditions, with waves, lighting and wind simulation that create a true-to-life environment.

Recap

GWO Sea Survival training isn’t just a requirement, it’s a life skill. It ensures wind technicians are prepared for anything the job throws at them, from rough seas to emergency evacuations.

At Stream Marine Training, we deliver that preparation through practical, engaging and confidence-building sessions that stay with you long after you’ve left the pool.

FAQs

What is GWO Sea Survival training?
It’s a mandatory course for offshore wind technicians, teaching survival skills for emergencies at sea.

Who needs GWO Sea Survival training?
Anyone working on or travelling to offshore wind turbines by vessel or helicopter must complete this training.

How long does the course take?
GWO Sea Survival typically takes one day to complete at an approved training centre.

What will I learn?
Delegates learn emergency response, life raft drills, PPE use, cold-water survival and teamwork during sea incidents.

Is the training physically demanding?
It involves realistic pool exercises but is fully supported by instructors to ensure safety and comfort.

Where can I take GWO Sea Survival in the UK?
Stream Marine Training offers GWO Sea Survival and full Basic Safety Training packages at its Glasgow Airport campus.