OPITO TRAINING COURSE HUET Diver

OPITO TRAINING COURSE 

HUET Diver

OPITO Training Course 

HUET Diver Training Course 

© OPITO 

The content of this document was developed (2001) and reviewed (2009) by a work group of 

OPITO approved training providers coordinated by OPITO. 

Guidance and advice on this document is available by contacting: 

OPITO 

Minerva House 

Bruntland Road 

Portlethen 

Aberdeen 

AB12 4QL 

Tel: 01224 787800 

Fax: 01224 787830 

Email: standards.management@opito.com 


All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval or 

information storage system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, 

photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of the publishers. 

AMENDMENTS 

AMENDMENT & DATE 

Revision 1 issued 11/05/10 

PAGES CHANGES 

MADE BY 

CHECKED 

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Any amendments made to this document by OPITO will be recorded above. 

APPROVED 

BY 

Revision 1 (12 th May 2010) Page 2 of 14




CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 4 

GLOSSARY................................................................................................................................ 4 

SECTION A INITIAL TRAINING PROGRAMME.................................................................... 5 

A.1 TARGET GROUP ............................................................................................................. 5 

A.2 DELEGATE PRIOR ACHIEVEMENT ..................................................................................... 5 

A.3 MEDICAL AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 5 

A.4 TRAINING OUTCOMES ..................................................................................................... 6 

A.5 TRAINING PROGRAMME................................................................................................... 7 

A.6 DURATION OF TRAINING ................................................................................................11 

A.7 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION .........................................................................................11 

A.8 FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION....................................................................12 

SECTION B RESOURCES REQUIRED TO CONDUCT TRAINING ....................................13 

B.1 STAFF..........................................................................................................................13 

B.2 TRAINER/DELEGATE RATIO ...........................................................................................13 

B.3 FACILITIES....................................................................................................................14 

B.4 EQUIPMENT..................................................................................................................14 

SECTION C ADMINISTRATION & CERTIFICATION ..........................................................14 

C.1 JOINING INSTRUCTIONS – NOT APPLICABLE.....................................................................14 

C.2 CERTIFICATION.............................................................................................................14 





INTRODUCTION 

The use of divers during Helicopter Underwater Escape Training is common practice and the 

HUET diver plays an important role both in the training and safety of course participants. The 

technical competencies and skills required for SCUBA operation will be gained by the HUET 

diver via commercial or amateur training schemes and in the UK there are legislative 

requirements defining the accepted levels of training. 

HUET operations present specific hazards associated with the HUET apparatus itself and the 

equipment worn by participants, as well as the hazards posed by passenger behaviour. The 

HUET diver is a key component in the control of the risks associated with these hazards. 

The purpose of this document is to provide a programme of training and development to equip 

the qualified diver with the specific knowledge and skills required to undertake the role of HUET 

diver. 

GLOSSARY 

CMAS Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques 

CPR Cardio pulmonary resuscitation 

Delegates Persons participating in a HUET diver initial training 

FRC Fast rescue craft 

HUET Helicopter underwater escape training (or trainer) 

HUET Instructor The instructor positioned inside the HUET cabin for briefing and 

immediate supervision of passengers 

JAR Joint aviation regulations 

Passengers Occupants of the HUET 

Scuba Self contained underwater breathing apparatus 

Supervisor A person appointed to supervise HUET diving operations 

Surface Assistant Surface based member of the dive team present during HUET operations 

TBT Tool box talk 





SECTION A INITIAL TRAINING PROGRAMME 

A.1 Target Group 

This programme is designed to meet the initial training needs of HUET divers who are already 

qualified SCUBA divers. 

A.2 Delegate Prior Achievement 

Attendance on this training course is open to delegates who are in possession of a diving 

qualification of CMAS 2* equivalency or above. 

*An equivalence table can be found on the HSE website 

http://www.gov.uk/diving/qualifications/index.htm 

A.3 Medical and Health Requirements 

Delegates are required to possess an appropriate certificate of medical fitness to dive. Practical 

training exercises are of a very physical nature and all participants are required to be in good 

health. 





A.4 Training Outcomes 

Theory 

Delegates will explain: 

Practical 

(1) The hazards associated with HUET operations 

(2) The hazards associated with HUET diving 

(3) The roles and responsibilities of HUET team members 

(4) The legislative requirements that apply to HUET 

(5) HUET operational and emergency procedures, commands, communications & 

signals 

(6) Function and operation of equipment used during HUET operations 

(7) The physiological response to stress and suitable intervention techniques 

Delegates will demonstrate: 

(8) Awareness of hazards during HUET operations 

(9) Correct equipment preparation 

(10) Effective response to instructions 

(11) Appropriate and effective diver rescue techniques 

(12) Appropriate and effective passenger assistance 

(13) Appropriate and effective passenger rescue techniques 

(14) Effective communications 

(15) Appropriate stress intervention techniques 

(16) Appropriate first aid and casualty handling techniques 

(17) Safe behaviours during HUET operations 





A.5 Training Programme 

In order to make efficient use of the time and ensure effective learning there should whenever 

practicable be an integration of the three phases of explanation, demonstration and practice. 

The training programme outlined below will assist delegates to meet the stated outcomes. 

MODULE 1 Introduction to HUET 

Give an overview of: 

(a) The development of HUET operations including: 

• Military/civil/offshore requirements 

• Requirements e.g. JAR, OPITO Standards etc. 

• OPITO HUET Specification 

• Types of trainer and their principles of operation 

• Types of research conducted and impact on requirements 

• Examples of HUET application in helicopter ditching 

Give an explanation of: 

(b) The range of HUET activities and the equipment used including: 

• Exercise formats e.g. surface, partial submersion, capsize etc. 

• Passenger worn equipment 

• Seating and restraint arrangements 

• Commonly used aviation type rafts 

• Emergency exits 

• Other related operations e.g. FRC capsize safety diving 

(c) The hazards associated with HUET diving operations including: 

• Diving hazards e.g. equipment failure, medical etc. 

• Proximity to lifting operations 

• Proximity to moving machinery and pressure systems 

• Entrapment/entanglement 

• Passenger behaviour 

• Simultaneous operations e.g. Heliraft briefings, helicopter winching etc. 

(d) Legislative requirements relevant to HUET operations including (UK): 

• Diving at Work Regulations, ACOPs and guidance 

• Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 

• Management of Health & Safety Regulations 





MODULE 2 HUET Operations 

Give an explanation and demonstration of: 

(a) The role and responsibilities of those participating in HUET including: 

• Dive supervisor 

• HUET operator 

• HUET divers 

• HUET instructor 

• Surface assistant 

• Other nominated staff e.g. first aider 

This may be assisted by use of video or by observation of HUET in operation. 


(b) HUET safe systems of work including review of: 

• Diving project plan 

• Relevant risk assessments 

• Company operating procedures 

• Emergency procedures 

• Contingency plans 

• Emergency equipment and facilities 

• Communication arrangements 


(c) The donning and use of passenger worn equipment e.g. transit suit, lifejacket, 

EBS, helmet etc. 

(d) Passenger evacuation and escape techniques for the range of HUET exercises 

Delegates to practise (c) and (d) 





MODULE 3 HUET Diver Operations and Emergencies 


(a) HUET diver rescues appropriate to HUET operations including: 

• Application of existing rescue skills 

• Diver entanglement 

• Recovery from bottom of pool 

• Conscious/unconscious diver 

(b) Use of available equipment and appropriate techniques 

• Casualty handling 

• Casualty recovery 

• CPR/ first aid 

• Oxygen administration 

Delegates to practise (a), and (b) followed by debrief and evaluation of performance. 

Give an explanation and demonstration of the HUET diver role during: 

(a) HUET operations including: 

• Equipment etc. preparation and checking 

• Identifying/assisting non or weak swimmers 

• Checking passenger worn equipment 

• Fitting and retrieval of exits other items 

• Maneuvering of rafts 

• Communications and teamwork 

• Actions during passengers boarding and exiting 

(b) HUET Emergencies including: 

• Panicking passenger 

• Other passenger behaviours e.g. grabbing mask etc. 

• Harness release problems 

• Premature activation of lifejacket 

• Premature egress by passenger 

• Passenger injury/medical problem 

• Injury/incapacitation of HUET instructor 

• Mechanical/electrical/hydraulic/equipment failures 

• Combination of above 

Delegates to practise HUET diver role over the range of scenarios listed above. Scenarios 

are to include debrief and evaluation of performance. 





MODULE 4 Managing Acute Stress, Phobia & Trauma 

The material in this module should be delivered with focus on the role of HUET diver and the 

practical application of stress intervention techniques. 


(a) Nature of stress 

• Definition 

• Types – acute and chronic 

• Function 

• The cognitive model of stress 

(b) Signs and symptoms of stress 

• Physical 

• Cognitive 

• Emotional 

• Behavioural 

(c) Phobic reaction 

(d) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

(e) When to obtain professional support 


Discuss: 

(f) Recognition of stress in HUET passengers and suitable intervention techniques: 

• Re assurance 

• Breathing regulation 

• Progressive muscle relaxation 

(g) Physical stress reduction techniques: 

• Seat positioning 

• Remedial training/confidence building 

• One to one attention 

• Returning to complete training 





MODULE 5 Evaluation of Learning 

Evaluation of learning for: 

(a) A.4 theory outcomes via written examination: 

• Open book with invigilator present 

• 100% pass mark 

• Remedial training and evaluation for all non achieved learning 

• Papers to be kept for audit purposes 

(b) A.4 practical outcomes via observation of performance in pool scenarios: 

• Risk assessment and TBT prior to scenarios 

• Delegates not briefed on scenarios 

• Scenarios to become progressively more complex 

• Identification of further coaching requirements 

• Recording of events and outcomes for audit purposes 

A.6 Duration of Training 

The optimum “contact time” for this training is seen as 14 hours. 

A.7 Performance Evaluation 

Delegates shall be continuously coached and evaluated during practical exercises. Final 

evaluation shall be conducted in accordance with A.4 Module 5. 





A.8 Further Development and Evaluation 

Following successful completion of initial training, HUET divers may proceed to undertake HUET 

diver operations under the supervision of a competent HUET diver. 

(a) Requirements for supervised HUET activities: 

• Constant evaluation and coaching to be conducted 

• Debrief to be conducted with coach, buddy and supervisor 

• Supervised HUET dive details, evaluations and coaching details must be logged 

for audit purposes 

• 

(b) Final evaluation: 

• The HUET diver must complete a minimum of five supervised HUET sessions, 

prior to final evaluation and appointment as competent HUET diver 

• Final evaluation of HUET diver to be undertaken by Supervisor 

• Final evaluation and appointment to be recorded for audit purposes 

(c) Ongoing development: 

• Competence to be maintained through participation in emergency drills and 

exercise conducted in accordance with company programmes 

• Records of emergency drills and exercises to be maintained for audit purposes 

(d) Supplementary familiarisation: 

• New equipment/procedure or employment 





SECTION B RESOURCES REQUIRED TO CONDUCT TRAINING 

B.1 Staff 

Training staff delivering modules 1, 2, 3 & 5 will be: 

(a) Trained and experienced in instructional and evaluation techniques 

(b) A qualified and experienced HUET diver 

Training staff delivering module 4 will be: 

(a) Trained and experienced in instructional techniques 

(b) Familiar with HUET operations and the roles of the HUET team members 

(c) Experienced in the recognition of stress and in making appropriate interventions 

Standby/safety divers used during practical exercises and scenarios will be: 

(a) A qualified SCUBA diver (CMAS 2* equivalent minimum) 

(b) Trained and experienced in HUET diver operations 

B.2 Trainer/Delegate Ratio 

The maximum number of delegates attending this programme will not exceed six. 

The following ratios indicate the maximum number of delegates to be supervised by one 

instructor at any one time during each activity. 

Theory 1 : 6 

Practical 1 : 2 (i.e. standby diver providing immediate 

supervision) 





B.3 Facilities 

Different facilities may be required and it is important to make sure that these are available: 

Theory training area(s) so designed to enable each delegate to participate fully 

Practical training areas suitable for the delivery of OPITO HUET events. 

All facilities must be maintained, and where appropriate, inspected and tested in 

accordance with current standards/legislation. 

B.4 Equipment 

The following equipment must be available for use and maintained to ensure effective 

operation/use during training sessions. 

(a) HUET and ancillary equipment suitable for the delivery of OPITO HUET events 

(b) SCUBA and ancillary diving equipment suitable for use by HUET divers 

supporting OPITO HUET events 

(c) First aid and emergency equipment suitable for the support of OPITO HUET 

events with sufficient consumables available for the purposes of training delivery. 

All equipment must be maintained, and where appropriate, inspected and tested in 

accordance with current standards/legislation. 

SECTION C ADMINISTRATION & CERTIFICATION 

C.1 Joining Instructions – not applicable 

C.2 Certification 

Training establishments are responsible for issuing a certificate to each delegate on successful 

final evaluation (i.e. after the five supervised HUET sessions) and notification to OPITO. 

Centres not approved by OPITO for HUET delivery may not issue certification or register 

successful delegates until OPITO approval has been awarded.

OPITO TRAINING COURSE HUET Diver

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