To work offshore, you need a combination of safety certifications, a valid offshore medical certificate, and relevant technical skills or qualifications. The exact requirements depend on which industry sector you are entering, but almost everyone starts with the same core safety training. Getting qualified typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on your background.
What qualifications do you need to work offshore?
The core qualifications you need to work offshore are a BOSIET certificate (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training), a valid offshore medical certificate, and role-specific technical skills or credentials. These three form the baseline that almost every offshore employer requires before you set foot on a platform or vessel.
Beyond these basics, the specific qualifications depend on your role. A welder needs certified welding qualifications. An engineer needs a relevant degree or technical diploma. A crane operator needs lifting certifications. The offshore industry operates at high technical and safety standards, so employers want proof that you can do the job safely and competently.
Here is a quick overview of the most common baseline requirements:
- BOSIET — Basic offshore safety and emergency training
- Offshore medical certificate — Confirms you are fit to work in a remote, physically demanding environment
- Role-specific certification — Welding certs, engineering degrees, STCW for maritime roles, etc.
- H2S training — Often required for oil and gas roles where hydrogen sulphide is a hazard
If you are exploring what roles are currently open and what qualifications they require, browsing offshore job vacancies is a practical first step to understand what employers are actually asking for right now.
What is a BOSIET and why is it required offshore?
A BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) is a safety certification that teaches you how to survive and respond to emergencies in an offshore environment. It is required because offshore locations are remote, hazardous, and far from emergency services, so every person on site must be able to act fast and correctly in a crisis.
The BOSIET course typically covers:
- Helicopter underwater escape training (HUET)
- Sea survival and liferaft procedures
- Firefighting basics
- First aid at sea or on a platform
- Manual handling and working at height
The course usually takes three to four days and is delivered by approved training centres such as OPITO-accredited providers. Your BOSIET certificate is valid for four years, after which you complete a shorter refresher called a FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training). No offshore employer will put you on a helicopter or vessel without a current BOSIET. It is one of the first things recruiters check.
Do offshore qualifications differ by industry sector?
Yes, offshore qualifications differ significantly by sector. While the BOSIET and offshore medical are universal, each industry has its own additional certification requirements on top of that baseline.
Here is how the main sectors compare:
- Oil and Gas: H2S training, well control certification (IWCF or IADC), role-specific technical certs
- Maritime: STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certificates, flag state endorsements, vessel-specific training
- Renewables (Wind): GWO (Global Wind Organisation) training modules, turbine manufacturer training, working at height certification
- Civil and Tunnelling: Construction safety cards (e.g. VCA in the Netherlands), equipment-specific licences, confined space entry training
Understanding the sector you want to work in helps you invest in the right certifications from the start. The industries we work across give you a clear picture of what each sector demands and where the opportunities are.
How do you get an offshore medical certificate?
An offshore medical certificate is issued by an approved occupational health physician after a medical examination. You need to find a clinic or doctor authorised to carry out offshore medicals, complete the examination, and receive your certificate if you pass.
The examination typically includes:
- Vision and hearing tests
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular checks
- Lung function assessment
- General fitness and mobility evaluation
- Review of any existing medical conditions or medications
In the UK, the relevant standard is the UKOOA/OGUK medical. In other regions, different standards apply, but the purpose is the same: confirming you are fit to work in a remote, physically demanding environment where access to medical care is limited. Offshore medicals are valid for two years for most workers, or one year for those over a certain age. Book your medical early, as availability at approved clinics can vary.
What experience or education do offshore employers look for?
Offshore employers look for a combination of relevant technical qualifications, safety certifications, and practical hands-on experience. The exact balance depends on the role, but most employers value proven competence over academic credentials alone.
For technical roles like engineers, surveyors, and project managers, a relevant degree or HND is usually expected alongside field experience. For trade roles like welders, riggers, and electricians, certified trade qualifications and a strong work history carry more weight than formal education.
Entry-level offshore positions do exist, particularly in support and maintenance roles, but competition is real. The strongest candidates combine:
- A recognised technical qualification or trade certificate
- At least some site or field experience, even onshore
- All current safety certifications
- A willingness to work rotational schedules
We screen every candidate against QHSE requirements and international safety standards before any placement. This means that when you work with us, your profile is matched to roles where your qualifications genuinely fit what the client needs.
How long does it take to get qualified for offshore work?
Getting the core qualifications to work offshore typically takes between two weeks and three months, depending on whether you already have technical skills or are starting from scratch. If you have a relevant trade or engineering background, you mainly need to add the safety certifications, which can be completed in a matter of weeks.
Here is a rough timeline for someone starting with no offshore-specific certifications:
- Offshore medical — One appointment, results often the same day or within a few days
- BOSIET — Three to four days of training
- Role-specific certs (e.g. H2S, GWO modules, STCW) — Anywhere from one day to several weeks, depending on the course
- Technical qualification (if needed) — Weeks to months, depending on prior experience
The good news is that you do not need everything in place before you start applying. Many offshore employers and staffing agencies will work with you on a timeline, especially if you have strong technical skills and are actively completing your certifications.
How iPS Powerful People helps you get into offshore work
With more than 35 years of experience in international offshore recruitment and crewing, we know exactly what qualifications employers are looking for across maritime, oil and gas, renewables, and civil projects. We work with a database of over 100,000 qualified professionals and have active relationships with clients across the globe, so we can match your profile to the right role at the right time.
Here is what working with us looks like in practice:
- We review your current qualifications and tell you honestly what you still need
- We match you to roles that fit your certification level and experience
- We handle contracts and, where relevant, place you on our own payroll with full compliance and A1 certificates for international work
- We support you across sectors including maritime, energy, and civil infrastructure
- We are active in the Netherlands, the Baltic States, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Dubai, the US, and more
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about who we are and what we stand for, or get in touch with our team to talk about your offshore career.