Offshore rope access jobs offer great pay, high demand, and exciting work environments—from wind turbines in the North Sea to oil platforms in the Atlantic. But breaking into this field isn’t just about guts and gear. You need the right certifications to work legally and safely at height, especially in offshore settings.
In this guide, we’ll break down what courses you need to get started, why they matter, and what kind of work you can expect once you’re certified.
If you’re serious about rope access, it all starts with IRATA—the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association. IRATA is the global standard for rope access training, and most offshore employers require at least IRATA Level 1 certification to be considered for work. We highly recommend taking IRATA courses for anyone interested in offshore jobs.
Proves you’re trained in safe rope techniques, rigging, and rescue
Recognized internationally—your cert is valid worldwide
A requirement for nearly all wind and offshore rope access projects
To move up in responsibility (and pay), you’ll need to gain experience and complete Level 2 or Level 3.
If you’re aiming to work on offshore wind turbines, you’ll also need GWO certification—that’s Global Wind Organisation training.
The most common courses include:
GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) – Covers first aid, manual handling, fire awareness, working at height, and sea survival
GWO Advanced Rescue Training (ART) – For more complex rescue scenarios
GWO Enhanced First Aid (EFA) – Required by many wind energy employers
Wind farm operators (like Ørsted, Siemens Gamesa, Vestas) won’t even look at your CV without GWO BST. It’s the baseline for working safely on turbines, towers, and nacelles in offshore environments.
Oil and gas operators take safety incredibly seriously. You need to prove you’re ready for life at sea—and BOSIET certification is how you do that. If you want to work on offshore oil rigs, you’ll need the BOSIET course:
BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training)
FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training) – A refresher for those already certified
This training includes Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), where technicians learn how to safely exit a submerged helicopter in emergency situations. Participants also undergo sea survival and life raft drills, practicing how to stay afloat, signal for help, and manage hypothermia in open water.
The course covers basic firefighting techniques and first aid, equipping workers to respond quickly to onboard incidents. Finally, trainees learn comprehensive emergency response procedures tailored to the unique hazards of offshore platforms, ensuring they’re prepared for every scenario at sea.
Almost all offshore employers require a valid offshore medical certificate from an approved doctor. This proves you’re physically and mentally fit for offshore work—something you’ll need before stepping foot on a boat or helicopter.
Depending on the company or location, other helpful certifications include:
Confined space training
Rigging and lifting operations
Electrical awareness (especially for turbine work)
NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) qualifications if you’re doing inspections
The more skills you bring to the job, the more valuable—and hireable—you become.
Offshore rope access jobs typically offer excellent pay, often ranging from €250–€500 per day depending on experience and project location. With the global push toward renewables, offshore wind projects are booming, and qualified rope access technicians are in short supply.
You could be working on:
Floating substations or bridges
Marine infrastructure
Underwater inspections (if diving-certified too)
It’s challenging work—but incredibly rewarding for those with the training and mindset to match.
If you’re aiming for offshore rope access work, get certified—start with IRATA, then add GWO or BOSIET based on your goals.
Gridinta is always looking for skilled rope access technicians for wind, energy, and industrial projects.
