On May 23rd, 2025, a committed group of six team members from various departments including HSE-Q, Operations, and Logistics of Kuldipsingh Port Facility N.V. (KPF) successfully completed the T-HUET (Tropical Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) at the Kersten Training Academy (KTA) – https://kta.kersten.sr/. The T-HUET program is an intensive safety training designed to prepare individuals for helicopter-related emergencies in offshore environments. It focuses on essential survival skills such as helicopter surface and underwater escape, hazard recognition, ditching procedures, sea survival techniques, and the correct use of safety equipment.
During the training, the KPF participants engaged in a series of demanding exercises, including swimming and floating in a pool, jumping from a height while wearing a life jacket, and practicing survival techniques while wearing both life jackets and immersion suits. They performed group swimming and floating drills, entered a life raft, and repeatedly escaped from a helicopter simulator that was submerged and rotated 180 degrees underwater.
A key part of the training involved evacuation exercises with and without the Emergency Breathing System (EBS), simulating real-life emergency situations. Participants were required to exit the overturned helicopter module while underwater, guided step by step by the experienced instructors of KTA, who ensured that everyone understood the correct procedures and felt confident before each drill.
The course combined theoretical instruction with hands-on application, covering various escape techniques, the use of personal safety aids, helicopter safety equipment, and emergency procedures. After an initial theoretical briefing and demonstration of the Emergency Breathing System, participants completed water habituation exercises to become familiar with the simulator and equipment.
We are proud to announce that all six participants successfully completed the training and received official certification, further enhancing our team’s readiness for offshore operations. We extend our appreciation to the Kersten Training Academy for their excellent instruction and commitment to safety.
Testimonial:
One participant shared their experience, saying:
“The moment you hear the call ‘Brace! Brace! Brace!’ your adrenaline surges. Taking position, preparing for ditching, and then being submerged in a flipped helicopter—it’s an experience you won’t forget. The initial nerves quickly gave way to focus and determination. Feeling the force of the water, the disorientation, the rush to escape—it was intense, even claustrophobic at times, but incredibly thrilling. Thanks to the clear instructions and expertise of the KTA instructors, we knew exactly what to do. The training was not only a challenge, but also a confidence booster that left us with skills for life and a real sense of accomplishment.”
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