Offshore first aid and medic qualifications

How training organisations can gain and maintain approval

Who this guidance is for:

The guidance explains how training organisations can gain and maintain approval to run offshore first aid and/or offshore medic courses under the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989. It also sets out the standard of training to be achieved.

The guidance should be read in conjunction with the Approved Code of Practice and guidance Health care and first aid on offshore installations and pipeline works.

Changes since the last edition:

The previous, separate guidance documents on gaining and maintaining approval to deliver offshore first aid and offshore medic training have been consolidated into this single, concise document to make it easier for training organisations. Guidance note MS38 has therefore been withdrawn.

The guidance contains some changes to the approval process, which will mainly affect applicants seeking HSE approval for the first time:

• Training providers applying for approval for the first time will need to submit an approval application form and additional information to HSE by email. This will include portfolios for all trainers and assessors, and all lesson plans.
• Once a new training provider is approved, HSE will issue a provisional certificate of approval for 12 months. HSE will then arrange a site visit to see the training premises and assess training against the training standard.
• When a new training provider has had a satisfactory site visit, HSE will issue a full certificate of approval for five years from the start of provisional approval. Before this certificate expires, the training provider will be subject to another site visit. If the visit is satisfactory, HSE will issue another certificate of approval for five years.
• If a site visit can't be arranged during a provisional approval period or before recertification, HSE will not be able to issue a new certificate of approval. If the training provider wishes to reapply for approval, they will need to submit a new application and pay the appropriate fee.
• Any site visits to observe offshore medic training should ideally be attended by the registered health professional with responsibility for overseeing clinical aspects of the training. This will help avoid delays in following up any clinical issues that might be identified during a site visit.