OEG is gearing up for increased helicopter refuelling training demand as the offshore sector prepares for the introduction of mandatory Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements under CAP 437, expected this year (2026).
The regulation covering offshore helicopter landing areas will make formal certification compulsory for personnel directly involved in offshore helicopter refuelling - a requirement OEG’s OPITO-accredited Helicopter Refuelling Training (HRT) programme is designed to meet.
The firm’s Helicopter Refuelling Training Centre in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, is the only training facility of its kind in the UK to use DefStan 91-091 compliant JET A-1 fuel rather than an analogue, such as water in its bespoke refuelling system, delivering realistic, hands-on training that mirrors offshore operations. Designed and constructed in-house by OEG engineers, the system supports training aligned to the OPITO Helicopter Refuelling Training Standard 9255 and incorporates a static and transportable tank combination, pumps and filtration vessels, pressure and overwing refuelling nozzles, and a simulated aircraft sponson tank. This allows offshore workers to practice fuel handling, quality control, system set-up, and emergency response under real-world conditions
Graham Thomas Short, training operations manager
OEG’s one-day HRT course, developed in line with the OPITO 9255 criteria and OEUK’s Aviation Services Task Group guidelines, certifies personnel to the globally recognised industry standard. Delegates complete theory and assessment in the morning at OEG’s state-of-the-art investment, followed by intensive practical exercises in the afternoon. Designed for Helicopter Landing Officers and Helideck Assistants, the programme builds competence, confidence, and consistency across offshore refuelling operations.
Graham Short, OEG’s Helicopter Refuelling Training Operations Manager, said: “The industry is rapidly moving towards mandatory certification under CAP 437. OEG and the offshore sector are acting now to stay ahead of that change. Our facility and uniquely realistic refuelling system give personnel the opportunity to function exactly as they would offshore, so they are equipped with the initial knowledge, understanding and skills required to operate and maintain helicopter refuelling systems safely and effectively. It will also prepare them for their ongoing operational training, development and competence assessment activities at their place of work, aligned with OPITO Standard 9256 Helicopter Refuelling Workplace Competence Assessment publication.
OEGs training equips offshore sector for incoming CAA changes for helicopter landing areas
“OEG’s ongoing investment in training, positions the company at the forefront of helicopter refuelling skills, knowledge and competence, providing a practical route to compliance. We also plan to build on our North Sea capability by taking this model to international markets, including the Middle East and Australia, helping global operators meet tightening regulatory and client expectations. This approach sets a new benchmark for safety and operational readiness offshore, aligned with OPITO’s globally recognised standards.”
Located in the Cairnrobin Industrial Estate, OEG’s training centre is its first OPITO-approved facility and has already seen strong demand, with enquiries and bookings for January and February. The business is also expanding its training team to increase throughput as regulatory-driven demand grows.
Committed to upskilling the sector, the leading global energy solutions business also has a training centre in Liverpool, which delivers a number of Global Wind Organisation courses to support renewables.