Introduction

The OPITO Offshore Lifeboat Coxswain Further Training (Twin Fall) is the biennial refresher programme for designated TEMPSC coxswains on twin-fall offshore installations. It revalidates the practical skills and knowledge that are difficult or impossible to maintain to the required standard through offshore drills alone, ensuring that every designated coxswain remains genuinely competent to operate the TEMPSC safely in a real abandonment.

The Further Training is intentionally focused and practical, OPITO specifies a 10% theory to 90% practical ratio across the 8 guided learning hours, concentrating on the highest-consequence elements of the coxswain role: inspecting and preparing the TEMPSC, executing the full twin-fall launch sequence, manoeuvring to a safe area, managing passengers, and coordinating disembarkation.

The programme is heavily practical, using real TEMPSC craft at sea to refresh the hands-on skills required to operate the survival craft safely. Delivered in accordance with OPITO Product Code 5182, Offshore Lifeboat Coxswain Further Training certification is valid for two years.

Note: Twin-fall TEMPSC systems are suspended from two independent falls (wires), requiring specific launch and control procedures distinct from single-fall lifeboat systems.

Who Needs Offshore Lifeboat Coxswain Further Training?

OLC Further Training is required for any offshore worker whose Offshore Lifeboat Coxswain Initial Training, Supplementary Training, or Further Training certificate of the corresponding fall type is approaching expiry, and who remains designated as a TEMPSC coxswain or backup coxswain on a twin-fall installation. Attendance also requires a current BOSIET, T-BOSIET, FOET, T-FOET, or equivalent offshore safety certificate. Coxswains whose certificates lapse cannot legally or operationally fulfil the designated coxswain role until revalidated.

Scope

The Offshore Lifeboat Coxswain Further Training (Twin Fall) programme refreshes and revalidates the practical competence required of designated TEMPSC coxswains on twin-fall offshore installations. It revisits the core practical elements of the coxswain role that require periodic revalidation: sea anchor deployment, passenger safety management, the full TEMPSC launch sequence, manoeuvring to a safe area, man overboard response, towing, and survivor disembarkation.

The programme is delivered with a strong practical emphasis. All assessment will be conducted at sea in an actual TEMPSC.

General Course Objectives

The objectives of this training are that learners will be able to:

1. Understand the correct use of the sea anchor and how to maintain the safety of TEMPSC passengers.
2. Demonstrate the preparation, inspection, and twin-fall launch sequence of the TEMPSC, including all systems checks, passenger boarding, and clearing the installation.
3. Demonstrate manoeuvring the TEMPSC to a safe area, managing passengers, executing man overboard and towing procedures, and coordinating survivor disembarkation to a rescue craft.

Course Content

Sea Anchor and Passenger Safety

Theoretical learning reviews:

• Correct deployment and use of the sea anchor to maintain TEMPSC heading and position in adverse sea conditions
• Methods and responsibilities for maintaining the safety and well-being of passengers on board the TEMPSC, including management of injured personnel and those in distress

Preparing to Launch and Launching the TEMPSC

Practical exercises covering the complete pre-launch and launch sequence:

• Checking external and internal integrity of the TEMPSC
• Removal of mechanical restraints to enable launch
• Starting the TEMPSC engine using both primary and secondary start systems
• Boarding passengers safely and briefing the crew
• Confirming the launch area is clear and obtaining permission to launch
• Releasing the lowering and launching mechanism
• Securing hatches and activating air and water spray protection systems
• Clearing the installation on a determined course for a safe area

Moving to a Safe Area and Disembarkation

Practical exercises covering post-launch TEMPSC operations and survivor transfer:

• Pacing alongside a vessel for the transfer of personnel
• Man overboard procedures for personnel in the water
• Towing another vessel and procedures for being towed
• Disembarkation order and procedure: getting passengers to the rescue craft safely

Prerequisites

• Participants must hold a valid OPITO-approved offshore safety certificate (BOSIET, FOET, T-BOSIET, T-FOET, or T-HUET) and a valid OPITO-approved Offshore Lifeboat Coxswain Initial (Twin Fall) or Offshore Lifeboat Coxswain Further (Twin Fall) certificate.
• Participants must hold a valid offshore medical certificate or equivalent medical fitness certification, in accordance with OPITO medical entry requirements.