GWO Training 101: Essential Certifications Explained

The global shift to renewable energy is reshaping the workforce.

Wind energy, in particular, has emerged as a major player - offering long-term career opportunities across construction, maintenance, operations, and support.

But working in this field, especially offshore, brings risks. That’s why industry employers require internationally recognised training.

This is where GWO training comes in.

Whether you're new to the wind sector or looking to build on your experience, this guide will help you understand what GWO training is, why it matters, and how to choose the right path forward.

Table of Contents

1. What is GWO Training?

2. Why GWO Training Matters

3. Basic GWO Certifications

   • Basic Safety Training (BST)

   • Basic Technical Training (BTT)

4. Core GWO Courses

5. Advanced GWO Courses

6. Certification Validity and Refresher Training

7. What is WINDA?

8. How to Choose the Right GWO Course

9. Why Choose Maersk Training

10. Get Started Today

What is GWO Training?

GWO training refers to the certification standards created by the Global Wind Organisation - a body made up of leading wind turbine manufacturers and operators.

The aim is clear: reduce risks and improve safety by ensuring everyone working in or around wind turbines has the same baseline knowledge and practical skills.

GWO standards cover both technical and emergency procedures, and are recognised by employers across Europe, the UK, Asia, and the Americas.

Training is delivered by GWO-certified providers like Maersk Training and must be documented in the global training database known as WINDA.

Why GWO Training Matters?

GWO training is more than a qualification. It's a requirement for most wind jobs—and often the first step for those entering the sector.

Here’s why:

• Improved safety: Turbines are tall, remote, and complex. GWO ensures technicians can work safely and respond to emergencies.

• Global recognition: Certification is standardised, making you employable across markets and companies.

• Compliance: Many insurers, contractors, and project owners require GWO certification before allowing workers on site.

• Career flexibility: Having GWO training allows you to move between projects, employers, and regions with fewer barriers.

• Trusted by industry: The standards are set by major operators and OEMs such as Siemens Gamesa, Ørsted, and Vestas.

In short, if you’re serious about a wind career, GWO is essential.

Basic GWO Certifications

The GWO certification framework starts with two key bundles:

Basic Safety Training (BST)

This is the foundation course. It’s mandatory for most operational and technician roles, especially offshore.

Topics covered:

• Working at Height: Safe climbing and rescue techniques

• Manual Handling: Techniques to avoid injury during physical work

• First Aid: Emergency response in remote settings

• Fire Awareness: Identifying and managing fire risks

• Sea Survival: Required for offshore workers—covers vessel transfers and immersion

Many providers offer this as a single bundled course to reduce time and cost.

Basic Technical Training (BTT)

Where BST focuses on safety, BTT prepares you for the technical side of wind turbine maintenance.

Modules include:

• Mechanical

• Electrical

• Hydraulic

• Installation (optional)

BTT is ideal if you’re entering a technician role, working in commissioning, or joining a turbine OEM.

Core GWO Courses

While BST and BTT form the foundation, each GWO course is available individually and can be taken or refreshed as needed.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Working at Height: Prepares technicians for vertical access and rope rescue

• Manual Handling: Focuses on correct lifting and movement of loads

• First Aid: Covers injury, illness, CPR, and communication in emergencies

• Fire Awareness: Risk reduction, fire extinguishing, and evacuation

• Sea Survival: Includes personal flotation, survival suits, and rescue

• Slinger Signaller: Communication and coordination during lifting operations

Advanced GWO Courses

Once you’ve established yourself in the industry, there are advanced GWO courses that help expand your role or take on leadership responsibilities.

Advanced Rescue Training (ART)

Prepares technicians to safely evacuate injured personnel from nacelles, blades, hubs, or tower bases using specialist equipment.

Enhanced First Aid (EFA)

Goes beyond basic first aid and includes assessment, stabilisation, medication, and communication with emergency services in remote locations.

Train the Trainer

Aimed at experienced professionals who want to deliver certified GWO training themselves.

Certification Validity and Refresher Training

All GWO certifications are valid for 24 months.

You must complete a refresher course before expiry to maintain certification status. Refresher training ensures you're up to date on safety protocols, equipment changes, and procedural updates.

Explore refresher options here:
All GWO Refresher Courses

What is WINDA?

WINDA stands for the Wind Industry Database. It’s the global registry for GWO training records.

After completing a GWO course, your certification must be uploaded to your WINDA profile.

How it works:

1. Register for a free account at winda.globalwindsafety.org

2. Receive a unique WINDA ID

3. Use it to track and share your certifications with employers

WINDA ensures transparency and easy validation, which helps speed up onboarding.

How to Choose the Right GWO Course

Not sure where to start? Use this checklist:

You’re new to the wind industry:

• Start with BST

• Add BTT if you plan to become a technician

• Sea Survival required if working offshore

You’re a technician already:

• Take refreshers before expiry

• Add ART or EFA to qualify for emergency roles

• Consider Train the Trainer for long-term career options

Need help planning your training path?
Contact our advisory team for personalised support.

Why Choose Maersk Training

We’ve been preparing professionals for offshore and high-risk environments for over 45 years.

What makes our training different?

• Global locations and modern training centres

• Instructors with real industry experience

• Focus on applied learning, not just theory

• Strong connections to wind operators and OEMs

• Full GWO portfolio—basic to advanced

Explore our full Renewables industry training.

Get Started Today

Wind energy is a growing, future-proof sector. With the right training, you can take advantage of global opportunities in safety, engineering, and leadership roles.

Take your first step with GWO certification.

• Browse all GWO Courses

• View upcoming course dates

• Speak to our training advisors