Ensure your continued compliance in the renewable energy sector with our GWO-approved Basic Safety Training (BST) Refresher Package. Designed for wind industry professionals nearing their two-year certification expiry, this intensive 3-day programme provides a comprehensive update on the essential skills required for both onshore and offshore operations.

Delivered by industry experts at our specialist training centre, the package covers all five core modules – First Aid, Fire Awareness, Sea Survival, Working at Heights and Manual Handling – to reinforce your emergency response techniques and ensure your skills remain sharp. Stay site-ready and maintain your global employability with professional revalidation that prioritises practical, real-world safety scenarios.

Manual high worker offshore climbing on wind-turbine on ladder. GWO Basic Safety Training

Notice: GWO Standard Updates > For all bookings scheduled after September 10th, 2026, training will follow the revised GWO BST V20 Standard. Please note that the Working at Height & Manual Handling Combined module will be discontinued; and these will then be delivered as separate modules, which may affect your course timings and daily schedule. Feel free to get in touch with us should you require any further information.

This course contains some exercises that are physically demanding. Any candidate unsure of their fitness for such activities should consult their doctor.

Refresher Details

Duration 3 Days – Mon, Tue, Wed
Prerequisites Delegates must hold valid, in-date GWO certificates for:
WINDA ID: Please ensure your WINDA Registration is active.
Certification Global Wind Organisation approved certification, valid for a further 24 months.
GWO Certified Training Provider

Booking Info

Cost £800.00 (Includes VAT @ 20%)
Location South West Maritime Academy,
Cromhall Quarry, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA
Individual Modules Need to update a single certificate?
Book GWO Refresher Course

GWO Refresher Training for Bristol, South West, and South Wales

For wind energy professionals based in the southern half of the UK, accessibility to high-quality training has historically been a challenge. While there is a high density of GWO training providers located in the North of England—concentrated around the industrial hubs of the Humber, Teesside, and Tyneside—delegates in the South often face significant travel and accommodation costs to maintain their certifications.

South West Maritime Academy serves as the premier alternative for technicians and engineers across Bristol, the South West, and South Wales. By choosing our facility, you eliminate the need for long-distance travel to northern hubs, saving both time and project budget without compromising on the quality of instruction.

Utilising our unique, purpose built facility at Cromhall Quarry, we provide a training environment that northern coastal centres cannot always replicate. We offer a realistic, inland maritime setting that is perfectly suited for those looking for professional,GWO-certified revalidation closer to home.

Whether you are operating on South Wales wind farms or preparing for offshore projects from southern ports, our GWO BST Refresher Package ensures you stay site-ready, compliant, and globally employable with the convenience of a local, world-class training centre.

GWO First Aid Refresher

GWO First Aid Refresher

Be prepared for emergencies in the wind turbine environment. This comprehensive refresher provides essential training to enhance your existing skills. Learn to recognise signs of life-threatening situations and administer safe, effective first aid in the unique WTG environment.

Course Objectives:

  • Assessment & Prioritisation: Recognise and assess the need for basic first aid in remote turbine settings.
  • Life-Saving Interventions: Master essential techniques to stabilise injured individuals.
  • Emergency Response: Manage emergency situations and coordinate with medical services while enabling casualty evacuation.
View GWO First Aid Refresher Course Details
GWO Fire Awareness Refresher

GWO Fire Awareness Refresher

Maintaining competency in fire safety is crucial. This module ensures your skills remain sharp and compliant, empowering you to prevent fires and make sound judgements when evaluating fire hazards in a wind turbine.

Course Objectives:

  • Fire Prevention: Independently identify fire hazards and implement preventative measures in renewables environments.
  • Fire Assessment: Take responsibility for assessing a fire and selecting appropriate extinguishing media.
  • Initial Firefighting: Efficiently extinguish incipient fires using handheld equipment when safe to do so.
View GWO Fire Awareness Refresher Course Details
GWO Sea Survival Refresher

GWO Sea Survival Refresher

Mirrors the content of the initial BST training to ensure continued competence. Reinforce your ability to act safely in all offshore operations, from shore to installation vessel (WTG) and back, in both normal and emergency scenarios.

Course Objectives:

  • Offshore Safety: Act responsibly in the offshore environment, taking responsibility for your safety and fellow employees.
  • Preventive Actions: Confidently apply correct preventive actions during all phases of offshore operations.
  • Emergency Response: Maintain the highest safety standards to respond effectively to offshore emergencies.
View GWO Sea Survival Refresher Course Details
GWO Working at Heights & Manual Handling Refresher

GWO Working at Heights with Manual Handling Refresher

Build upon your existing knowledge with latest best practices. This module focuses on safe work at heights using basic PPE, comprehensive basic rescues, and positive manual handling/ergonomic behaviours.

Course Objectives:

  • Safe Work at Height: Reinforce safe practices and PPE usage to minimise risks in the WTG environment.
  • Enhanced Rescue Skills: Thorough review of basic rescue procedures from height for remote turbine settings.
  • Manual Handling: Emphasising positive ergonomic behaviours and planning alternatives to manual handling.
View GWO Working at Heights with Manual Handling Refresher Course Details

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 Refresher Training FAQs

What if my GWO certificate has already expired?
If your GWO certificate has already expired, you are no longer eligible to take the Refresher (BSTR) course. According to GWO regulations, if your expiry date has passed by even a single day, you must retake the full GWO Basic Safety Training course to be recertified and regain site access.
What is the GWO Basic Safety Training Refresher (BSTR) Course?
The GWO Basic Safety Training Refresher course (BSTR) is a condensed 3-day program for individuals who already hold valid certification. It updates essential safety skills across all core modules: First Aid, Working at Heights, Manual Handling, Sea Survival, and Fire Awareness.
Why Choose South West Maritime Academy for your GWO Refresher?
South West Maritime Academy is a leading provider for the South West and South Wales, offering:
  • Experienced Instructors: Professionals with real-world offshore and maritime experience.
  • Realistic Training: Utilising our specialist facility at Cromhall Quarry for high-fidelity scenarios.
  • Global Recognition: Full GWO accreditation recognized by wind energy employers worldwide.
How often do I need a GWO refresher?
GWO certificates are valid for 24 months. To remain compliant, you must complete the GWO Refresher Course every two years. It is critical to book your training before your current certificate expires to avoid having to retake the full 5-day course.
How long does the GWO Basic Safety Training Refresher take?
The full refresher package at South West Maritime Academy typically lasts for 3 days, running from Monday to Wednesday. Individual modules like the Sea Survival Refresher can also be booked separately if required.
Is the GWO refresher valid for both onshore and offshore work?
Yes, our GWO BSTR certification is valid for both environments. The package specifically includes the Sea Survival module, which is the mandatory requirement for all offshore wind energy roles.
What is the WINDA database and how do I register?
WINDA is the Global Wind Organisation’s tracking database. All delegates must register for a WINDA ID at winda.globalwindsafety.org before starting their training. Once successful, SWMA will upload your certificates directly to your profile.

Secure Your GWO BSTR Certification

Stay at the forefront of the renewable energy sector with South West Maritime Academy’s comprehensive GWO Basic Safety Training Refresher (BSTR). Our program ensures your skills and knowledge remain current, allowing you to contribute to a safe and productive work environment throughout your offshore or onshore career.

Industry-Leading Instructors

Learn from passionate experts with extensive real-world experience who prioritise a robust safety culture above all else.

Realistic Environments

Train in specialised facilities that accurately simulate WTG scenarios, particularly for high-stakes work at height and sea survival.

Global Compliance

Gain certificates valid for two years, demonstrating your competence to wind energy employers and site managers worldwide.

Book Your Refresher Package Now

Prerequisites

Verify your eligibility before booking:

  • Valid Certification: All GWO certificates must be in-date and visible in WINDA.
  • WINDA ID: Must be registered at winda.globalwindsafety.org.
  • Medical Fitness: Physically capable of participating in high-intensity practical sessions.

PPE & Gear

SWMA provides all specialist equipment for the duration of the course:

  • Height Safety: Full body harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems.
  • Sea Survival: Lifejackets and transit suits for wet sessions.
  • Personal Gear: Please bring safety boots and suitable work clothing.

Accommodation

Staying over? There is a wide range of local accommodation available, some within walking distance of the academy.

View Local Options
Call: 01454 260130 Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com Hours: Mon–Fri, 08:30–17:00
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