_edited.png)
%20Training%20Service%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia.webp)
ACCREDITATIONS
Clients
.webp)
.webp)
RESULTS-ORITNTED Training Description
Course Duration
5 Days
Training Delivery Method
Classroom (Instructor-Led)
Instructors Languages
English / Arabic / Urdu / Hindi / Pashto
Certification Provider
Tamkene Saudi Training Center - Approved by TVTC (Technical and Vocational Training Corporation)
Certificate Validity
2 Years (Extendable with additional training hours)
Course Average Passing Rate
97%
Competency Assessment Criteria
Practical Assessment and Knowledge Assessment
Post Training Reporting
Post Training Report + Candidate(s) Training Evaluation Forms
Training Design Methodology
ADDIE Training Design Methodology
Certificate of Successful Completion
Certification is provided upon successful completion. The certificate can be verified through a QR-Code system.
Course Overview
An offshore installation is one of the most hazardous working environments on earth. It combines high-pressure hydrocarbon systems, confined working spaces, remote location, limited evacuation routes, and a workforce that cannot simply walk away when an emergency occurs. When a fire ignites, a gas release develops, a colleague is injured in a confined space, or a person is found unresponsive — the first people to respond are not external emergency services. They are the designated members of the Offshore Emergency Response Team, working in breathing apparatus, in smoke and heat, under the direction of their team leader, executing the procedures that will determine whether the incident is controlled or escalates to a catastrophe.
This training course develops the essential knowledge, skills, and practical competency required to perform the role of Offshore Emergency Response Team Member — OERTM — on offshore oil and gas installations, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units — MODUs, and offshore vessels. The course is aligned with the OPITO — Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation — Offshore Emergency Response Team Member Initial Training Standard Rev. 5, Amendment 1, developed by an Industry Work Group comprising regulatory bodies, trade associations, Duty Holder organizations, drilling organizations, and specialist assessment providers. OPITO is the global skills body for the energy industry, and the OERTM qualification is a mandatory requirement for all personnel appointed to an offshore emergency response team role. The OERTM certificate is valid for two years and recognized by all offshore Duty Holders, P&I insurers, and regulatory authorities. The course integrates SOLAS — International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea requirements for offshore vessel emergency arrangements, ISO 45001:2018: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, and ISO 9001:2015: Quality Management Systems, applying Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control — HIRARC and Root Cause Analysis — RCA throughout. Training includes intensive practical exercises with live fire, real smoke, and BA operations under realistic offshore emergency conditions.
Key Learning Objectives
Describe offshore emergency response arrangements and the OERTM role within the emergency response structure.
Identify OERTM personal protective equipment requirements and don emergency response PPE correctly.
Operate, don, and conduct wearer checks on working duration Breathing Apparatus — BA.
Demonstrate BA control board procedures under the direction of the Offshore Emergency Response Team Leader — OERTL.
Select and operate portable firefighting equipment to extinguish different fire classes.
Select, operate, and flush foam firefighting equipment for hydrocarbon fire suppression.
Operate fixed fire suppression systems to extinguish fires and secure incident areas.
Enter and work in an incident area safely under OERTL direction while continuously assessing changing conditions.
Conduct search and rescue operations — locating missing personnel and removing casualties under supervision.
Respond to non-fire incidents including confined space, working at height, and medical emergencies under OERTL direction.
Course Outline
Day 1 — Offshore Emergency Response Framework and Personal Protective Equipment
1. Introduction to Offshore Emergency Response
1.1 OPITO OERTM Standard and Role Overview
OPITO — Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation is the global skills body for the energy industry.
OERTM Initial Training Standard Rev. 5, Amendment 1 — the mandatory qualification for offshore ERT member roles.
OERTM certificate is valid for two years and recognized by all offshore Duty Holders globally.
No formal prerequisites are required for the OERTM Initial Training Programme.
Duty Holder responsibility — the installation, MODU, or vessel operator must ensure all OERTM personnel are certified and competent.
Onshore training is only part of the qualification — workplace training and assessment must also be completed offshore.
OERTM is the prerequisite for progression to OPITO OERTL — Offshore Emergency Response Team Leader training.
1.2 Offshore Emergency Response Arrangements
Emergency response objective — prevent incidents, control them when they occur, and minimize their effect.
Installation emergency response structure — Offshore Installation Manager — OIM, OERTL, and OERTM roles and responsibilities.
OERTM role — executing firefighting, search and rescue, and casualty handling tasks under direct OERTL supervision.
OERTM does not make tactical decisions — all tactical direction comes from the OERTL.
Muster and headcount — confirming all personnel are accounted for before ERT deployment.
Command and control structure — clear communication chain from OIM through OERTL to OERTM during all incidents.
SOLAS — International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea — emergency arrangements for offshore vessels and MODUs.
Emergency response procedures — site-specific installation procedures govern all ERT actions.
2. Offshore Hazards and Risk Assessment
Hydrocarbon fire and explosion — the primary major hazard on offshore oil and gas installations.
Gas release — unignited gas release creates an explosive atmosphere requiring immediate isolation and evacuation.
Confined space hazards — toxic atmosphere, oxygen deficiency, and engulfment in restricted spaces offshore.
Working at height hazards — falls on offshore platforms, drilling derricks, and vessel decks.
Extreme environmental conditions — sea state, wind, and temperature affecting ERT operations on deck.
Applying HIRARC — the OERTM continuously assesses changing hazard conditions during incident response.
Stop-the-job authority — the OERTM has the right to halt an action if conditions become unsafe during response.
Dynamic risk assessment — re-evaluating hazards in real time as the incident develops and conditions change.
3. Emergency Response PPE
3.1 PPE Selection and Donning
Proximity suit — fire-resistant protective suit worn by OERTM during structural firefighting operations.
Structural firefighting gloves — heat-resistant gloves protecting hands during fire attack and hose operations.
Structural firefighting helmet — head protection with visor for fire and falling object protection.
Fire-resistant boots — protection against heat, impact, and chemical exposure during incident response.
PPE donning sequence — correct order of donning ensures full protection before entering the incident area.
PPE inspection before donning — checking for damage, contamination, and functional integrity before each use.
Dressing partner check — a fellow OERTM confirms correct PPE donning before incident area entry.
3.2 Thermal Imaging Camera and Personal Equipment
Thermal Imaging Camera — TIC — used to locate hotspots, seat of fire, and casualties in smoke-filled areas.
Personal distress unit — automatic activation when an OERTM becomes motionless for a defined period.
Lifeline — used to maintain team contact and aid withdrawal in zero-visibility smoke conditions.
Communication equipment — radio communication between OERTM and OERTL during all incident operations.
Day 2 — Breathing Apparatus Operations and Control Board Procedures
4. Breathing Apparatus Theory
4.1 BA Types and Principles
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus — SCBA — provides a self-contained air supply independent of ambient atmosphere.
Working duration BA — the standard OERTM BA set providing 30–60 minutes of air supply at working rate.
BA cylinder pressure — pre-use check confirms full cylinder pressure before donning.
Low-pressure warning — an audible alarm activates when the cylinder reaches approximately 25% remaining capacity.
BA working duration calculation — calculating safe working time based on cylinder pressure and breathing rate.
No-go pressure — the minimum pressure at which the OERTM must begin withdrawal from the incident area.
4.2 BA Donning and Wearer Checks
BA donning sequence — back-frame, cylinder valve, pressure check, harness, face mask, and connection.
Pre-entry wearer check — a mandatory check performed by a second person before BA entry is authorized.
Face mask seal check — a negative pressure test confirming an airtight mask seal before entry.
Buddy check — confirming cylinder pressure, whistle activation, harness security, and radio function.
BA doffing procedure — safe removal in the clean zone after withdrawal from the incident area.
BA decontamination — cleaning and checking the BA set before returning it to service.
5. BA Control Board Procedures
BA control board — the operational record of all personnel wearing BA during the incident.
BA entry control officer — the designated person maintaining the control board during operations.
Entry recording — logging BA team member name, cylinder pressure, entry time, and estimated return time.
Pressure monitoring — calculating and recording the no-go pressure and estimated time for each BA wearer.
Communications during BA operations — maintaining regular radio contact with the BA team throughout entry.
Distress signal — the procedure for responding to a BA wearer distress alarm or loss of communication.
Emergency recall signal — the signal requiring immediate withdrawal of all BA wearers from the incident area.
BA team withdrawal — all team members withdraw simultaneously — no individual is left without a buddy.
OERTM role at the control board — providing accurate pressure readings and responding to board operator instructions.
Day 3 — Firefighting Equipment and Fire Incident Response
6. Fire Theory and Classification
The fire triangle — fuel, oxygen, and heat — all three must be present for combustion to occur.
Class A fires — solid materials including wood, paper, and fabric.
Class B fires — flammable liquids including oil, fuel, and chemicals.
Class C fires — flammable gases including methane, LPG, and natural gas.
Class D fires — combustible metals — rarely encountered but specific suppression agents required.
Class F fires — cooking oils and fats — not common offshore but relevant to catering facilities.
Electrical fires — require non-conductive suppression agents — never use water on live electrical equipment.
Hydrocarbon fires — the primary fire type on offshore installations — require foam or dry chemical suppression.
7. Portable Firefighting Equipment
7.1 Extinguisher Types and Selection
Water extinguisher — Class A fires only — never use on electrical or flammable liquid fires.
CO2 extinguisher — electrical and Class B fires — effective in enclosed spaces without contamination.
Dry powder extinguisher — Class B, C, and electrical fires — most versatile extinguisher for offshore use.
Foam extinguisher — Class A and B fires — creates a smothering blanket preventing re-ignition of flammable liquids.
Extinguisher selection — always select based on the fire class — incorrect selection can worsen the fire.
Extinguisher inspection — checking for full weight, seal intact, and pressure gauge in the green before use.
7.2 Hose Reel and Foam Equipment
Hose reel — a first-attack firefighting tool for Class A fires connected to the installation water supply.
Hose line — larger diameter supply hose used for sustained firefighting operations by the OERTM.
Nozzle types — jet, spray, and fog — selected by the OERTL based on fire type and location.
Foam proportioner — mixes foam concentrate with water at the correct ratio for hydrocarbon fire suppression.
Foam branch pipe — the delivery nozzle used to apply foam to flammable liquid fires.
Foam flushing — the mandatory post-use flush procedure to prevent foam concentrate solidifying in the equipment.
Hose management — maintaining hose discipline to prevent entanglement and ensure OERTM withdrawal routes are clear.
8. Fixed Fire Suppression Systems
Deluge system — a high-volume water system activated to cool equipment and suppress hydrocarbon fires.
Gaseous suppression system — CO2 or inert gas system used in enclosed areas such as switchrooms and turbine enclosures.
Pre-entry check before activating gaseous suppression — confirming area is evacuated and ventilation is secured.
Foam fixed system — fixed foam application system for protection of flammable liquid storage and process areas.
Sprinkler system — automatic water suppression for accommodation and general facility areas.
OERTM role with fixed systems — operating on OERTL instruction only — never activating without authorization.
Area securing after suppression — confirming the area is secure, cooled, and re-ignition risk controlled before declaring safe.
Day 4 — Incident Area Entry, Search and Rescue, and Casualty Handling
9. Incident Area Entry Procedures
9.1 Pre-Entry Briefing
Incident brief — the OERTL delivers a briefing to the ERT before every incident area entry.
Brief content — incident type, known hazards, entry route, objectives, communication plan, and withdrawal signal.
OERTM brief acknowledgement — confirming understanding of the brief before entry is authorized.
Sectorisation — dividing the incident area into defined sectors with an OERTL responsible for each.
Entry route — the agreed access path into the incident area used for both entry and withdrawal.
Withdrawal signal — the agreed radio call or emergency recall signal requiring immediate team withdrawal.
9.2 Safe Working Practices in the Incident Area
Buddy system — OERTM operates in pairs at all times — never entering or withdrawing alone.
Continuous hazard assessment — the OERTM reports changing conditions to the OERTL throughout the operation.
Low-visibility navigation — wall-following, lifeline discipline, and TIC use in smoke-filled incident areas.
Door entry procedure — feeling door temperature before opening — a hot door indicates fire on the other side.
Controlled advance — moving toward the fire in a controlled, low crouching position to stay below heat and smoke.
Hose line discipline — maintaining hose contact as a navigation and withdrawal aid in zero-visibility conditions.
10. Search and Rescue Operations
Search objective — systematically locating all missing personnel within the incident area.
Primary search — a rapid initial sweep of the most accessible areas to locate survivors quickly.
Secondary search — a thorough methodical search of the entire area after the primary search is complete.
TIC use during search — scanning for human heat signatures in smoke-filled enclosed spaces.
Search patterns — left-hand or right-hand wall searches maintained consistently throughout the search area.
Verbal and physical search techniques — calling out and sweeping with hands and feet to locate casualties.
Missing person signal — the OERTM immediately reports a located casualty to the OERTL before moving them.
Safe rescue — assessing casualty condition before removal — never moving a casualty with suspected spinal injury without assessment.
11. Casualty Handling
Initial casualty assessment — checking responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation before any move.
Drag rescue — removing a casualty rapidly from the immediate danger zone using a drag technique.
Rescue stretcher — using the installation's rescue stretcher for controlled casualty removal from confined areas.
Firefighter's carry — a single-person carry technique for ambulatory casualty removal over short distances.
Two-person carry — the preferred method for incapacitated casualty removal over longer distances.
Handover to medic — transferring the casualty to the offshore medic at the designated casualty reception point.
Casualty documentation — the OERTL records casualty location, condition, and rescue time for the incident log.
Day 5 — Non-Fire Incidents, HSE Integration, Practical Assessment, and Case Studies
12. Non-Fire Incident Response
12.1 Confined Space Incident Response
Confined space on offshore installations — tanks, vessels, sumps, and enclosed process areas with restricted access.
Atmospheric hazards — oxygen deficiency, toxic gas, and flammable atmosphere are all potentially fatal in confined spaces.
Non-entry rescue — the preferred first response — using rescue equipment without entering the confined space.
Entry rescue under BA — only authorized when non-entry rescue has failed and OERTL has confirmed entry is necessary.
Tripod and winch rescue system — the standard non-entry rescue equipment for vertical confined space entry.
Atmospheric monitoring — continuous gas detection throughout confined space rescue by a dedicated monitor operator.
12.2 Working at Height and Medical Incidents
Person at height incident — locating and communicating with a person stranded at elevation before rescue.
Controlled lowering — using rope rescue equipment to lower a person from elevation under OERTL direction.
Medical emergency response — the OERTM's role in accessing the casualty and assisting the offshore medic.
Spill and chemical release response — isolating the area, preventing spread, and protecting responders from exposure.
Man overboard — the OERTM's role in the installation man overboard response procedure.
Helicopter emergency on deck — supporting evacuation and firefighting response for a helicopter deck incident.
13. Live Fire Practical Exercises
Portable extinguisher exercise — selecting and applying the correct extinguisher to presented Class A and B fires.
Hose reel and line exercise — operating the hose reel and supply line to suppress a presented Class A fire.
Foam equipment exercise — selecting, operating, and flushing foam equipment on a presented hydrocarbon fire.
BA donning and wearer check exercise — full BA donning, buddy check, and pre-entry wearer check under assessment.
BA operations in smoke — navigating a smoke-filled building exercise to locate a casualty and withdraw safely.
Structural firefighting exercise — entering a live-fire structure in full PPE and BA under OERTL direction.
Search and rescue exercise — conducting a primary search in a smoke-filled structure and locating a simulated casualty.
Casualty handling exercise — removing a simulated casualty from the incident area using drag, carry, and stretcher techniques.
14. HSE and Quality Management Integration
Offshore emergency response as a mandatory HSE control per ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.2.
Worker competency requirement per ISO 45001:2018 Clause 7.2 — all OERTM personnel must hold a valid OPITO certificate.
Applying HIRARC to all OERTM operational activities — from BA entry to casualty removal.
Dynamic risk assessment — the OERTM's obligation to continuously reassess hazards throughout every incident.
Stop-the-job authority — the OERTM must refuse to proceed if conditions become unsafe beyond the brief parameters.
Incident debriefing — a formal debrief is conducted after every exercise and real incident to capture lessons learned.
Applying RCA — Root Cause Analysis to emergency response failures identified during drills and debriefs.
Training and competence records per ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.2 — OERTM certificate, drill records, and assessment results retained by the Duty Holder.
Applying PDCA — Plan-Do-Check-Act to the installation's offshore emergency response training program.
15. Practical Assessment, Case Studies, and Group Discussions
OPITO OERTM practical assessment — observed and assessed performance across BA donning, firefighting, incident area entry, search and rescue, and casualty handling scenarios against OPITO competency standards.
Case studies from offshore emergency response incidents in Middle East and global offshore oil and gas environments including the Piper Alpha disaster of 1988 which killed 167 personnel and fundamentally changed offshore emergency response training requirements globally, incidents where inadequate BA discipline caused ERT member casualties during fire response, and successful OERTM responses where trained teams contained a hydrocarbon fire before escalation — and the importance of OPITO OERTM qualification in protecting offshore personnel and assets.
Group discussion on offshore emergency response challenges in Middle East offshore environments including applying OERTM competency in high-temperature Arabian Gulf offshore conditions that accelerate BA working duration consumption, coordinating multi-installation ERT mutual aid response for major incidents, and maintaining OERTM drill frequency and realism during high-production-pressure operational periods on GCC offshore platforms.
Day 1 — Offshore Emergency Response Framework and Personal Protective Equipment
1. Introduction to Offshore Emergency Response
1.1 OPITO OERTM Standard and Role Overview
OPITO — Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation is the global skills body for the energy industry.
OERTM Initial Training Standard Rev. 5, Amendment 1 — the mandatory qualification for offshore ERT member roles.
OERTM certificate is valid for two years and recognized by all offshore Duty Holders globally.
No formal prerequisites are required for the OERTM Initial Training Programme.
Duty Holder responsibility — the installation, MODU, or vessel operator must ensure all OERTM personnel are certified and competent.
Onshore training is only part of the qualification — workplace training and assessment must also be completed offshore.
OERTM is the prerequisite for progression to OPITO OERTL — Offshore Emergency Response Team Leader training.
1.2 Offshore Emergency Response Arrangements
Emergency response objective — prevent incidents, control them when they occur, and minimize their effect.
Installation emergency response structure — Offshore Installation Manager — OIM, OERTL, and OERTM roles and responsibilities.
OERTM role — executing firefighting, search and rescue, and casualty handling tasks under direct OERTL supervision.
OERTM does not make tactical decisions — all tactical direction comes from the OERTL.
Muster and headcount — confirming all personnel are accounted for before ERT deployment.
Command and control structure — clear communication chain from OIM through OERTL to OERTM during all incidents.
SOLAS — International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea — emergency arrangements for offshore vessels and MODUs.
Emergency response procedures — site-specific installation procedures govern all ERT actions.
2. Offshore Hazards and Risk Assessment
Hydrocarbon fire and explosion — the primary major hazard on offshore oil and gas installations.
Gas release — unignited gas release creates an explosive atmosphere requiring immediate isolation and evacuation.
Confined space hazards — toxic atmosphere, oxygen deficiency, and engulfment in restricted spaces offshore.
Working at height hazards — falls on offshore platforms, drilling derricks, and vessel decks.
Extreme environmental conditions — sea state, wind, and temperature affecting ERT operations on deck.
Applying HIRARC — the OERTM continuously assesses changing hazard conditions during incident response.
Stop-the-job authority — the OERTM has the right to halt an action if conditions become unsafe during response.
Dynamic risk assessment — re-evaluating hazards in real time as the incident develops and conditions change.
3. Emergency Response PPE
3.1 PPE Selection and Donning
Proximity suit — fire-resistant protective suit worn by OERTM during structural firefighting operations.
Structural firefighting gloves — heat-resistant gloves protecting hands during fire attack and hose operations.
Structural firefighting helmet — head protection with visor for fire and falling object protection.
Fire-resistant boots — protection against heat, impact, and chemical exposure during incident response.
PPE donning sequence — correct order of donning ensures full protection before entering the incident area.
PPE inspection before donning — checking for damage, contamination, and functional integrity before each use.
Dressing partner check — a fellow OERTM confirms correct PPE donning before incident area entry.
3.2 Thermal Imaging Camera and Personal Equipment
Thermal Imaging Camera — TIC — used to locate hotspots, seat of fire, and casualties in smoke-filled areas.
Personal distress unit — automatic activation when an OERTM becomes motionless for a defined period.
Lifeline — used to maintain team contact and aid withdrawal in zero-visibility smoke conditions.
Communication equipment — radio communication between OERTM and OERTL during all incident operations.
Day 2 — Breathing Apparatus Operations and Control Board Procedures
4. Breathing Apparatus Theory
4.1 BA Types and Principles
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus — SCBA — provides a self-contained air supply independent of ambient atmosphere.
Working duration BA — the standard OERTM BA set providing 30–60 minutes of air supply at working rate.
BA cylinder pressure — pre-use check confirms full cylinder pressure before donning.
Low-pressure warning — an audible alarm activates when the cylinder reaches approximately 25% remaining capacity.
BA working duration calculation — calculating safe working time based on cylinder pressure and breathing rate.
No-go pressure — the minimum pressure at which the OERTM must begin withdrawal from the incident area.
4.2 BA Donning and Wearer Checks
BA donning sequence — back-frame, cylinder valve, pressure check, harness, face mask, and connection.
Pre-entry wearer check — a mandatory check performed by a second person before BA entry is authorized.
Face mask seal check — a negative pressure test confirming an airtight mask seal before entry.
Buddy check — confirming cylinder pressure, whistle activation, harness security, and radio function.
BA doffing procedure — safe removal in the clean zone after withdrawal from the incident area.
BA decontamination — cleaning and checking the BA set before returning it to service.
5. BA Control Board Procedures
BA control board — the operational record of all personnel wearing BA during the incident.
BA entry control officer — the designated person maintaining the control board during operations.
Entry recording — logging BA team member name, cylinder pressure, entry time, and estimated return time.
Pressure monitoring — calculating and recording the no-go pressure and estimated time for each BA wearer.
Communications during BA operations — maintaining regular radio contact with the BA team throughout entry.
Distress signal — the procedure for responding to a BA wearer distress alarm or loss of communication.
Emergency recall signal — the signal requiring immediate withdrawal of all BA wearers from the incident area.
BA team withdrawal — all team members withdraw simultaneously — no individual is left without a buddy.
OERTM role at the control board — providing accurate pressure readings and responding to board operator instructions.
Day 3 — Firefighting Equipment and Fire Incident Response
6. Fire Theory and Classification
The fire triangle — fuel, oxygen, and heat — all three must be present for combustion to occur.
Class A fires — solid materials including wood, paper, and fabric.
Class B fires — flammable liquids including oil, fuel, and chemicals.
Class C fires — flammable gases including methane, LPG, and natural gas.
Class D fires — combustible metals — rarely encountered but specific suppression agents required.
Class F fires — cooking oils and fats — not common offshore but relevant to catering facilities.
Electrical fires — require non-conductive suppression agents — never use water on live electrical equipment.
Hydrocarbon fires — the primary fire type on offshore installations — require foam or dry chemical suppression.
7. Portable Firefighting Equipment
7.1 Extinguisher Types and Selection
Water extinguisher — Class A fires only — never use on electrical or flammable liquid fires.
CO2 extinguisher — electrical and Class B fires — effective in enclosed spaces without contamination.
Dry powder extinguisher — Class B, C, and electrical fires — most versatile extinguisher for offshore use.
Foam extinguisher — Class A and B fires — creates a smothering blanket preventing re-ignition of flammable liquids.
Extinguisher selection — always select based on the fire class — incorrect selection can worsen the fire.
Extinguisher inspection — checking for full weight, seal intact, and pressure gauge in the green before use.
7.2 Hose Reel and Foam Equipment
Hose reel — a first-attack firefighting tool for Class A fires connected to the installation water supply.
Hose line — larger diameter supply hose used for sustained firefighting operations by the OERTM.
Nozzle types — jet, spray, and fog — selected by the OERTL based on fire type and location.
Foam proportioner — mixes foam concentrate with water at the correct ratio for hydrocarbon fire suppression.
Foam branch pipe — the delivery nozzle used to apply foam to flammable liquid fires.
Foam flushing — the mandatory post-use flush procedure to prevent foam concentrate solidifying in the equipment.
Hose management — maintaining hose discipline to prevent entanglement and ensure OERTM withdrawal routes are clear.
8. Fixed Fire Suppression Systems
Deluge system — a high-volume water system activated to cool equipment and suppress hydrocarbon fires.
Gaseous suppression system — CO2 or inert gas system used in enclosed areas such as switchrooms and turbine enclosures.
Pre-entry check before activating gaseous suppression — confirming area is evacuated and ventilation is secured.
Foam fixed system — fixed foam application system for protection of flammable liquid storage and process areas.
Sprinkler system — automatic water suppression for accommodation and general facility areas.
OERTM role with fixed systems — operating on OERTL instruction only — never activating without authorization.
Area securing after suppression — confirming the area is secure, cooled, and re-ignition risk controlled before declaring safe.
Day 4 — Incident Area Entry, Search and Rescue, and Casualty Handling
9. Incident Area Entry Procedures
9.1 Pre-Entry Briefing
Incident brief — the OERTL delivers a briefing to the ERT before every incident area entry.
Brief content — incident type, known hazards, entry route, objectives, communication plan, and withdrawal signal.
OERTM brief acknowledgement — confirming understanding of the brief before entry is authorized.
Sectorisation — dividing the incident area into defined sectors with an OERTL responsible for each.
Entry route — the agreed access path into the incident area used for both entry and withdrawal.
Withdrawal signal — the agreed radio call or emergency recall signal requiring immediate team withdrawal.
9.2 Safe Working Practices in the Incident Area
Buddy system — OERTM operates in pairs at all times — never entering or withdrawing alone.
Continuous hazard assessment — the OERTM reports changing conditions to the OERTL throughout the operation.
Low-visibility navigation — wall-following, lifeline discipline, and TIC use in smoke-filled incident areas.
Door entry procedure — feeling door temperature before opening — a hot door indicates fire on the other side.
Controlled advance — moving toward the fire in a controlled, low crouching position to stay below heat and smoke.
Hose line discipline — maintaining hose contact as a navigation and withdrawal aid in zero-visibility conditions.
10. Search and Rescue Operations
Search objective — systematically locating all missing personnel within the incident area.
Primary search — a rapid initial sweep of the most accessible areas to locate survivors quickly.
Secondary search — a thorough methodical search of the entire area after the primary search is complete.
TIC use during search — scanning for human heat signatures in smoke-filled enclosed spaces.
Search patterns — left-hand or right-hand wall searches maintained consistently throughout the search area.
Verbal and physical search techniques — calling out and sweeping with hands and feet to locate casualties.
Missing person signal — the OERTM immediately reports a located casualty to the OERTL before moving them.
Safe rescue — assessing casualty condition before removal — never moving a casualty with suspected spinal injury without assessment.
11. Casualty Handling
Initial casualty assessment — checking responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation before any move.
Drag rescue — removing a casualty rapidly from the immediate danger zone using a drag technique.
Rescue stretcher — using the installation's rescue stretcher for controlled casualty removal from confined areas.
Firefighter's carry — a single-person carry technique for ambulatory casualty removal over short distances.
Two-person carry — the preferred method for incapacitated casualty removal over longer distances.
Handover to medic — transferring the casualty to the offshore medic at the designated casualty reception point.
Casualty documentation — the OERTL records casualty location, condition, and rescue time for the incident log.
Day 5 — Non-Fire Incidents, HSE Integration, Practical Assessment, and Case Studies
12. Non-Fire Incident Response
12.1 Confined Space Incident Response
Confined space on offshore installations — tanks, vessels, sumps, and enclosed process areas with restricted access.
Atmospheric hazards — oxygen deficiency, toxic gas, and flammable atmosphere are all potentially fatal in confined spaces.
Non-entry rescue — the preferred first response — using rescue equipment without entering the confined space.
Entry rescue under BA — only authorized when non-entry rescue has failed and OERTL has confirmed entry is necessary.
Tripod and winch rescue system — the standard non-entry rescue equipment for vertical confined space entry.
Atmospheric monitoring — continuous gas detection throughout confined space rescue by a dedicated monitor operator.
12.2 Working at Height and Medical Incidents
Person at height incident — locating and communicating with a person stranded at elevation before rescue.
Controlled lowering — using rope rescue equipment to lower a person from elevation under OERTL direction.
Medical emergency response — the OERTM's role in accessing the casualty and assisting the offshore medic.
Spill and chemical release response — isolating the area, preventing spread, and protecting responders from exposure.
Man overboard — the OERTM's role in the installation man overboard response procedure.
Helicopter emergency on deck — supporting evacuation and firefighting response for a helicopter deck incident.
13. Live Fire Practical Exercises
Portable extinguisher exercise — selecting and applying the correct extinguisher to presented Class A and B fires.
Hose reel and line exercise — operating the hose reel and supply line to suppress a presented Class A fire.
Foam equipment exercise — selecting, operating, and flushing foam equipment on a presented hydrocarbon fire.
BA donning and wearer check exercise — full BA donning, buddy check, and pre-entry wearer check under assessment.
BA operations in smoke — navigating a smoke-filled building exercise to locate a casualty and withdraw safely.
Structural firefighting exercise — entering a live-fire structure in full PPE and BA under OERTL direction.
Search and rescue exercise — conducting a primary search in a smoke-filled structure and locating a simulated casualty.
Casualty handling exercise — removing a simulated casualty from the incident area using drag, carry, and stretcher techniques.
14. HSE and Quality Management Integration
Offshore emergency response as a mandatory HSE control per ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.2.
Worker competency requirement per ISO 45001:2018 Clause 7.2 — all OERTM personnel must hold a valid OPITO certificate.
Applying HIRARC to all OERTM operational activities — from BA entry to casualty removal.
Dynamic risk assessment — the OERTM's obligation to continuously reassess hazards throughout every incident.
Stop-the-job authority — the OERTM must refuse to proceed if conditions become unsafe beyond the brief parameters.
Incident debriefing — a formal debrief is conducted after every exercise and real incident to capture lessons learned.
Applying RCA — Root Cause Analysis to emergency response failures identified during drills and debriefs.
Training and competence records per ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.2 — OERTM certificate, drill records, and assessment results retained by the Duty Holder.
Applying PDCA — Plan-Do-Check-Act to the installation's offshore emergency response training program.
15. Practical Assessment, Case Studies, and Group Discussions
OPITO OERTM practical assessment — observed and assessed performance across BA donning, firefighting, incident area entry, search and rescue, and casualty handling scenarios against OPITO competency standards.
Case studies from offshore emergency response incidents in Middle East and global offshore oil and gas environments including the Piper Alpha disaster of 1988 which killed 167 personnel and fundamentally changed offshore emergency response training requirements globally, incidents where inadequate BA discipline caused ERT member casualties during fire response, and successful OERTM responses where trained teams contained a hydrocarbon fire before escalation — and the importance of OPITO OERTM qualification in protecting offshore personnel and assets.
Group discussion on offshore emergency response challenges in Middle East offshore environments including applying OERTM competency in high-temperature Arabian Gulf offshore conditions that accelerate BA working duration consumption, coordinating multi-installation ERT mutual aid response for major incidents, and maintaining OERTM drill frequency and realism during high-production-pressure operational periods on GCC offshore platforms.
Group Exercises
Structural firefighting scenario — teams respond to a presented offshore accommodation fire scenario as a full ERT, receiving the OERTL incident brief, donning BA and PPE, advancing hose lines, conducting a primary search for casualties, removing a simulated casualty, and withdrawing on the recall signal — debriefed against OPITO OERTM competency criteria.
Non-fire incident response exercise — groups respond to a presented confined space rescue scenario, applying non-entry rescue techniques, coordinating atmospheric monitoring, communicating with the OERTL throughout, and conducting a formal post-exercise debrief applying RCA to identify procedural gaps and improvement actions.
Gained Core Technical Skills
Ability to describe offshore emergency response arrangements — OIM, OERTL, and OERTM roles, command structure, muster procedures, and OPITO OERTM Standard Rev. 5, Amendment 1 requirements.
Proficiency in selecting, donning, and operating working duration Breathing Apparatus — completing buddy check, pre-entry wearer check, no-go pressure calculation, and safe withdrawal procedure.
Competency in applying BA control board procedures — recording entry data, monitoring working duration, managing communications, and responding to distress and recall signals.
Skill in selecting and operating the correct portable firefighting equipment for each fire class — extinguisher, hose reel, hose line, and foam equipment — including foam flushing after use.
Ability to operate fixed fire suppression systems — deluge, gaseous, and foam — under OERTL authorization and confirm area security after suppression.
Proficiency in entering and working in an incident area safely in full BA and PPE — applying buddy system, continuous hazard assessment, door entry procedure, and hose line discipline.
Competency in conducting primary and secondary search operations — applying wall-following patterns, TIC use, and verbal and physical location techniques to find casualties in smoke conditions.
Skill in performing initial casualty assessment and applying drag, carry, and stretcher removal techniques to evacuate casualties from the incident area to the casualty reception point.
Ability to respond to non-fire incidents — confined space, working at height, medical emergency, and man overboard — under OERTL direction, applying HIRARC and RCA per ISO 45001:2018 throughout all emergency response activities.
Services Geographical Coverage
In Tamkene Training Center or at our client's facility (On-Site), Covering All Saudi Arabia Cities and Locations:
Targeted Audience
Offshore workers appointed to, or to be appointed to, the role of Offshore Emergency Response Team Member on oil and gas installations, MODUs, or offshore vessels.
Production operators, drilling crew, and maintenance technicians designated as ERT members by the installation Duty Holder who require OPITO OERTM certification before offshore deployment.
HSE officers and safety supervisors working offshore who are assigned OERTM responsibilities as part of the installation emergency response structure.
Personnel seeking to progress to the OPITO Offshore Emergency Response Team Leader — OERTL — qualification, for which a valid OERTM certificate is a mandatory prerequisite.
Onshore personnel who support offshore emergency response training programs — trainers, assessors, and HSE managers — who need to understand the full OERTM competency framework.
Any professional working on or supporting offshore oil and gas installations, MODUs, or vessels whose role includes a designated emergency response function requiring OPITO OERTM certification.
Practical Assessment
BA donning and operations assessment — donning full BA, completing buddy check and pre-entry wearer check, navigating a smoke-filled exercise building to locate a simulated casualty, and withdrawing safely — assessed against OPITO OERTM competency standards.
Firefighting practical assessment — selecting the correct suppression equipment for presented fire types, applying foam equipment to a hydrocarbon fire, operating the hose line under OERTL direction, and flushing foam equipment post-use — assessed for equipment selection accuracy and operational procedure compliance.
Search, rescue, and casualty handling assessment — conducting a primary search in a smoke-filled structure, locating a simulated casualty, applying initial casualty assessment, and removing the casualty using the correct technique — assessed for search methodology, casualty assessment accuracy, and removal technique under OPITO OERTM standards.
Knowledge Assessment
OPITO framework and role questions — OERTM certificate validity period, Duty Holder responsibility for workplace competency, OERTM tactical decision authority limitation, and SOLAS emergency arrangement requirement for offshore vessels.
BA and PPE questions — BA no-go pressure definition, pre-entry wearer check five components, BA control board mandatory entry recording content, and emergency recall signal OERTM response.
Firefighting equipment questions — foam flushing obligation after use, gaseous suppression system pre-activation evacuation requirement, nozzle type selection criteria, and extinguisher selection rule for electrical fires.
Search, rescue, and non-fire questions — primary versus secondary search distinction, non-entry rescue preference over entry rescue for confined space, buddy system obligation during incident area operations, and dynamic risk assessment OERTM obligation during incident response.
Why Choose This Course
Aligned with OPITO OERTM Initial Training Standard Rev. 5, Amendment 1, SOLAS, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 9001:2015 — producing the globally recognized OPITO OERTM certificate accepted by all offshore Duty Holders.
Live fire practical exercises with real smoke and fire — not simulated — develop the composure, equipment confidence, and procedural discipline that only realistic fire conditions can build.
BA operations are practiced to assessment standard — donning, buddy check, wearer check, smoke navigation, and emergency withdrawal — developing the BA competency that saves lives when equipment must be used under pressure.
Search and rescue in smoke conditions is practiced as a full practical exercise — developing the low-visibility navigation, TIC use, and casualty location skills that distinguish a trained OERTM from an untrained responder.
Non-fire incident response — confined space, working at height, and medical emergency — is covered with the same depth as firefighting, reflecting the reality that offshore emergencies are rarely only fires.
Incorporates Middle East offshore emergency response challenges including managing BA working duration in high-temperature Arabian Gulf environments where heat accelerates air consumption, coordinating OERTM mutual aid responses across GCC offshore platforms, and maintaining drill quality and realism on high-production-pressure offshore installations.
Note: This course outline, including specific topics, modules, and duration, can be customized based on the specific needs and requirements of the client.
.webp)
Recommended Courses
.webp)
Suggested Questions
.webp)
The training I received from Tamkene was truly exceptional.
Dalal AlSaeed
.webp)
Choosing Tamkene for our professional development was a game-changer.
Wafi AlZayer
.webp)
Tamkene delivered quality training with a strong focus on standards. The organization and delivery exceeded our expectations.
Saad AlMisehal
Testimonial