Launch your career in the global renewables sector with the GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) package at South West Maritime Academy. As the wind industry continues its rapid expansion across the UK and Europe, the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) standards have become the essential requirement for all personnel. Our 4.5-day intensive programme provides the foundational safety skills, hands-on experience, and internationally recognised certification required to work on wind turbine generators (WTG) both onshore and offshore.
Course Details
Duration
4.5 Days, Monday – Friday
Prerequisites
Participants must be at least 18 years old and in good physical health.
WINDA Registration: Please Register with WINDA before starting the course.
WINDA Registration: Please Register with WINDA before starting the course.
Certification
MCA approved (valid 2 years) in the following modules:
Booking Info
Cost
£1,110 inc vat (Includes VAT @ 20%)
Location
South West Maritime Academy,
Cromhall Quarry, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA
Cromhall Quarry, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA
Already hold these certificates?
Looking for Refresher Training?Why is GWO BST Training Essential?
The wind energy environment presents unique challenges, from extreme heights to remote maritime locations. The GWO BST standard was developed by industry leaders to ensure a uniform safety culture. Whether you are an engineer, a technician, or a site manager, completing the GWO Basic Safety Training package is not just a recommendation – it is your “ticket to site”.
At South West Maritime Academy, we go beyond basic compliance. Leveraging our unique facility at Cromhall Quarry, we provide a realistic, high-fidelity training environment that prepares you for the physical and mental demands of the field.
GWO Sea Survival (SS) – The Offshore Essential
For those targeting the offshore wind sector, the Sea Survival module is critical. This one-day module covers the transition from shore to installation vessel and onto the wind turbine.
- Key Learning Outcomes: Understanding the advantages and limitations of Personal Life Saving Appliances (LSA) and PPE.
- Practical Training: Controlled water entry, life raft deployment, and man-overboard (MOB) recovery procedures.
- Cold Water Mastery: We focus heavily on the stages of hypothermia and cold shock—vital knowledge for the North Sea.
- Vessel Transfer: Safe boarding procedures and the importance of timing and communication during offshore transfers.
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GWO Working at Heights & Manual Handling (WAH/MH)
Often considered the most physically demanding part of the GWO courses, this combined module focuses on the vertical nature of the WTG environment.
- Safety at Height: Pre-use inspections of harnesses and fall arrest systems, safe ladder conduct, and emergency evacuation techniques.
- Rescue Procedures: Participants practice various rescue scenarios, including rescuing a casualty from a ladder using specialized devices.
- Ergonomic Excellence: We teach “Positive Manual Handling” behaviour. Proper lifting techniques are vital in a confined turbine nacelle.
- Equipment Management: Identifying potential hazards and maintaining high safety standards when handling gear at significant heights.
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GWO First Aid (FA)
In a remote wind farm, you are often the first line of medical defence. This module equips you to administer life-saving first aid in a WTG environment.
- Skills Covered: Primary Survey (C-A-B-C), CPR, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
- Scenario Training: Managing trauma, suspension trauma, and minor injuries specifically within the restricted spaces of a turbine tower.
- First Aid Legislation: Understanding legal requirements and the limitations of first aid in offshore and remote environments.
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GWO Fire Awareness (FAW)
Fire is one of the most significant risks in a wind turbine. This module focuses on prevention, assessment, and rapid response in high-hazard areas.
- Fire Science: Understanding fire combustion, spread, and the unique fire hazards present in a nacelle (e.g. electrical and hydraulic oils).
- Extinguishment: Hands-on practice with various handheld fire extinguishers to tackle initial-stage fires safely.
- Evacuation Planning: Strategies for rapid emergency egress from a wind turbine generator (WTG) in the event of an uncontrollable fire.
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Your Training Facility: The South West Maritime Academy Advantage
While competitors often use indoor heated pools, South West Maritime Academy offers a realistic maritime environment at Cromhall Quarry.
Our facility allows for higher-fidelity simulations of vessel transfers and offshore conditions. Located in South Gloucestershire, we are the primary hub for GWO training in the South West, serving delegates from Bristol, Gloucester, Cardiff, and the M4/M5 corridor.
GWO Certification & WINDA Registration
Upon successful completion, your records are uploaded to WINDA, the Global Wind Organisation’s central database.
- Validity: All BST modules are valid for 24 months.
- Refresher Path: We recommend booking your GWO BSTR (Refresher) at least two months before expiry to maintain continuous site access.
- Digital Certificates: You will receive a GWO-accredited certificate recognised by global employers like Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, and Ørsted.
Entry Requirements and Target Audience
This course is for anyone looking to work in the wind energy sector. There are no formal prerequisites, but you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be medically fit and capable of participating fully. You will be required to complete a medical self-screening form before the course begins.
- Register for a WINDA ID before you attend the course.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
All necessary PPE will be provided for the duration of the course, including:
- Hard hat, gloves, and safety boots.
- Harness, fall arrest lanyards, and other personal fall protection equipment (PFPE).
- All equipment required for the practical simulations.
GWO Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is GWO BST?
The GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) is a suite of safety modules designed by the Global Wind Organisation. It is the mandatory safety standard for anyone working in the wind industry.
Do I need GWO certification to work onshore?
If you are working strictly onshore, you only require four modules: First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, and Working at Heights. However, we highly recommend the full 5-module package (including Sea Survival) to maximise your employability.
How long does the GWO Basic Safety Training take?
The full package at SWMA takes 4.5 days, typically running Monday to Friday.
Is GWO training physically demanding?
Yes. The Working at Heights and Sea Survival modules involve significant physical activity. You must be medically fit and will be required to sign a medical self-assessment form before starting.
How do I get my WINDA ID?
You must register on the GWO WINDA website prior to your course. This ID is essential for us to upload your certification.
Is GWO Sea Survival mandatory for all wind industry jobs?
The GWO Sea Survival module is mandatory for anyone working on offshore wind farms. It covers vessel-to-turbine transfers and emergency maritime procedures. If there is any chance you will be working at sea, we recommend the full package.
What is the difference between GWO and STCW training?
While both provide maritime safety skills, STCW is for the merchant navy and shipping. GWO is specifically tailored to the hazards of wind turbines, such as high-altitude rescues and turbine-specific fire risks.
How long is a GWO certificate valid for?
All GWO BST certificates are valid for 24 months (2 years). To remain compliant, you must complete a GWO Refresher (BSTR) course before your current certificate expires.
What should I do if my GWO certification expires?
If it expires, you are no longer permitted to work on GWO-regulated sites. If the expiry date has passed, you will likely be required to retake the full BST modules rather than the shorter refresher versions.
GWO Refresher Training
Maintain your site access. GWO Basic Safety Training certifications are valid for 24 months. If your certificates are nearing expiry, you must complete your refresher modules to remain compliant.
Contact & Accommodation
Contact Us
Please contact us if you require further information or wish to book on behalf of a company:
Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com
Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com
Normal Office Hours (UK Time):
Monday – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00
Monday – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00
Accommodation
There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre, to suit everyone’s budget.
