Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) Course – Liberia & IMO Approved

Elite Offshore Academy delivers a globally recognised Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) course built for offshore professionals stepping up to lead Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs). Approved by the Liberia (LISCR) flag state and aligned with IMO Resolution A.1079(28), the 5-day online programme prepares drillers, toolpushers, barge supervisors, and senior officers to take charge of construction barges, pipe-lay barges, accommodation barges, and semi-sub or jackup drilling units. Train from anywhere, on a schedule that respects offshore rotations, and earn a certificate accepted by operators worldwide.

In addition, BCO course (MOU Stability) and at least IWCF Well Control Level 2 is required for OIM job.

The objective of this course is to enable prospective and incumbent MOU OIMs to practice and implement the actions and procedures required to safely manage a MOU under operating conditions. The course is programmed to represent a variety of operational and emergency situations e.g. in transit, ballasting, positioning, jacking and loss of control situations, for a mobile offshore bottom bearing, self elevated unit (Jack-up Rig). The course leads to assessment of competence to the standard required by IMO for OIM of an MOU.

Course-facts 

Who this OIM course is for

The course is designed for experienced offshore personnel who are ready to take command of an MOU. Typical participants include drillers, assistant drillers, toolpushers, barge supervisors, ballast control operators, crane operators, mechanical or electrical supervisors, and senior officers seeking to qualify as Offshore Installation Manager. If you have at least four years aboard MOUs and one year in a supervisory role, this is the next step in your career.

Course syllabus – Mapped to IMO A.1079(28)

• Stability and construction of Mobile Offshore Units — buoyancy, trim, list, watertight integrity, ballast operations.
• Station-keeping — anchor mooring systems, dynamic positioning awareness, environmental loads.
• Transit, ballasting and jacking operations — preparation, execution, loss-of-control recovery.
• Emergency procedures — fire, blowout well control, gas release, structural failure, evacuation, mustering.
• Safety management systems and offshore regulations — IMO, flag-state, classification society, operator standards.
• Personnel transfers, helicopter operations, and pollution prevention.
• Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and crew resource management on the MOU.
• Crisis communications with onshore management, the flag state, and emergency services.

OIM Certification — What you receive

On successful completion you receive an OIM Certificate of Completion bearing the Liberia (LISCR) approval and an IMO A.1079(28) reference. Operators worldwide recognise the certificate as proof that the holder has completed the IMO-prescribed competence elements for an OIM on a non-propulsion MOU. The certificate is typically valid for 5 years; refresher training is recommended at that point to stay current with regulation and operator policy.

To learn more about the certificate itself, including verification, see our dedicated [Offshore Installation Manager Certification] page.

Prerequisites and entry requirements

• Minimum 4 years of service onboard Mobile Offshore Units.
• At least 1 year in a supervisory role: driller, assistant driller, toolpusher, barge supervisor, ballast control operator, crane operator, or comparable.
• BCO (MOU Stability) certificate.
• IWCF Well Control Level 2 (or higher).
• Valid offshore medical certificate.
• BOSIET / FOET in date (recommended).

How the online OIM course is delivered

The programme runs over 5 consecutive days in a live online classroom. You join from any location with a stable broadband connection. Sessions are split across morning and afternoon blocks so participants in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, and South-East Asia can attend without unsociable hours. Materials, case studies, and emergency-scenario simulations are shared digitally before each session. A live instructor-led assessment closes the course.

OIM career outcomes and salary

Offshore Installation Manager is one of the senior leadership roles offshore. According to public salary data, OIMs earn between roughly USD 100,000 and USD 195,000 per year in the United States, around GBP 80,000–120,000 in the North Sea, and USD 120,000–180,000 in the Gulf of Mexico. For a fuller breakdown, see our guide on [How Much Does an Offshore Installation Manager Earn]. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities, see our [Offshore Installation Manager Job Description].

Why train with Elite Offshore Academy

• Liberia (LISCR) flag-state approval — your certificate is recognised wherever Liberian-flag MOUs operate, and accepted by most major operators.
• Online delivery means no travel cost, no time off the rig — train between rotations.
• Instructors are practising offshore professionals with active OIM, master, and toolpusher experience.
• Tight focus on MOUs and non-propulsion units — every example, drill, and case study is relevant to your vessel.
• Direct progression path to our other courses: BCO (MOU Stability), HLO, Crane Operator, Rigger, Scaffolder.

Enrol in the OIM course

 Email info@eliteoffshore.com or call / whatsapp +91-9699272855

FAQ  

Q1. Is the Elite Offshore Academy OIM course Liberia (LISCR) approved?

Yes. Our OIM course is approved by the Liberia International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) flag state and is delivered in line with IMO Resolution A.1079(28) of 4 December 2013.

Q2. How long is the OIM course and what is the delivery format?

Five days, delivered online in a live instructor-led classroom. Schedules accommodate participants across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South-East Asia.

Q3. What are the prerequisites to take the OIM course?

Four years of service on Mobile Offshore Units including one year in a supervisory role, a BCO (MOU Stability) certificate, and IWCF Well Control Level 2. A valid offshore medical and BOSIET / FOET are recommended.

Q4. How long is the OIM certificate valid?

Five years. Refresher training is recommended at the end of that period and is often required by individual operators.

Q5. Will operators recognise this OIM certificate?

Yes. The Liberia flag-state approval and IMO A.1079(28) alignment make the certificate widely accepted by drilling contractors, accommodation-barge operators, and pipe-lay contractors worldwide.

Q6. How much does the OIM course cost?

Fees vary by cohort, currency, and group size. Contact our admissions team for a current quote and corporate rates.

Q7. Can I take the OIM course from anywhere in the world?

Yes. The course is delivered fully online, so you can train from any country with a stable broadband connection. Materials and live sessions are scheduled to accommodate offshore rotations and time zones.

Q8. What is the difference between OIM and Toolpusher roles?

The Toolpusher manages drilling-floor operations and reports to the OIM. The Offshore Installation Manager has overall command of the MOU, including safety, station-keeping, ballast, and emergency response. Many OIMs progress from a Toolpusher background.