Working offshore is one of the most challenging environments in the world. Helicopters remain the lifeline connecting rigs, platforms, and coastal facilities — transporting personnel, equipment, and emergency responders. With this critical role comes risk. Harsh weather, limited landing space, and unpredictable emergencies make helicopter operations offshore a high-stakes endeavour. To safeguard lives and assets, training is not optional — it is the foundation of safe operations.
At the International Safety Training College (ISTC), we believe that offshore aviation safety must be approached as a chain. Each link represents a vital level of training, and when connected, they form an unbreakable system of preparedness. The three most important links in this chain are HOIT (Helicopter Offshore Installation Training), HERTM (Helicopter Emergency Response Team Member), and HERTL (Helicopter Emergency Response Team Leader).
HOIT – Building the First Layer of Safety
Helicopter Offshore Installation Training (HOIT) is the entry point for anyone working with offshore helicopter operations. This training equips participants with the skills to handle routine helicopter arrivals and departures safely while also preparing them for abnormal situations.
Trainees learn essential competencies such as:
- Managing helideck operations during routine transfers
- Communicating effectively with pilots and deck crews
- Responding to immediate threats such as fuel spills or rotor wash hazards
HOIT lays the groundwork for situational awareness and operational discipline. Without this solid foundation, more advanced emergency response training cannot be fully effective.
HERTM – The Backbone of Emergency Response
If HOIT provides the fundamentals, the Helicopter Emergency Response Team Member (HERTM) course is where the safety chain gains its strength. HERTM professionals are the frontline responders when an incident occurs on the helideck.
This training covers:
- Firefighting techniques specific to helicopter fuel and engine fires
- Search and rescue procedures for crew or passengers in distress
- Coordinated teamwork during emergencies to contain incidents quickly
A well-trained HERTM can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major catastrophe. They are the backbone of offshore helicopter emergency response, ensuring rapid and decisive action when every second counts.
HERTL – Leadership in the Heat of the Moment
The final link in the chain is the Helicopter Emergency Response Team Leader (HERTL). This course develops the leadership skills necessary to command a response team under extreme pressure.
Key areas include:
- Incident command and decision-making under stress
- Directing and coordinating the HERTM team during emergencies
- Liaising with pilots, offshore installation managers, and emergency services
HERTL training ensures that when chaos strikes, there is someone with the knowledge, confidence, and authority to take control. Leadership is the crucial element that ties together the technical skills of HOIT and HERTM into a structured, effective emergency response.
Why They Work Best Together
Individually, HOIT, HERTM, and HERTL each deliver important skills. But it is when they are combined that offshore aviation safety becomes truly robust.
- Continuity of Training: HOIT provides the operational basics, HERTM builds specialist emergency response capabilities, and HERTL ensures effective leadership.
- Team Cohesion: A crew trained across all three levels operates as a unified unit — each person understanding their role and how it contributes to the bigger picture.
- Preparedness for All Scenarios: From everyday helideck operations to large-scale emergencies, this trio of courses ensures readiness at every stage.
- Compliance with Global Standards: Together, these programmes meet the rigorous international benchmarks demanded by oil and gas operators, aviation authorities, and safety regulators worldwide.
ISTC: Strengthening Every Link
At ISTC, we deliver HOIT, HERTM, and HERTL training with state-of-the-art facilities and highly experienced instructors. Our programmes are designed not only to meet global standards but to instil confidence, discipline, and professionalism in every participant.
By treating aviation safety as a chain rather than as individual links, we prepare our trainees for real-world challenges. When the unexpected happens offshore, the difference between risk and resilience lies in the strength of that safety chain.
✅ From the first steps on the helideck to leading emergency teams, ISTC ensures that every link in the offshore safety chain is strong. Together, HOIT, HERTM, and HERTL training save lives, protect assets, and set new standards in aviation safety.