![\"History\"](\"http:\/\/dhtc.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/zeevaartschool-1972-ankerpark.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe History of safety training in Den Helder started in 1976. The first special offshore safety courses were provided to employees of the N.A.M. (a joint venture between Shell and Exxon)\u00a0in 1976. During this period,\u00a0the search for oil and gas\u00a0in the North Sea was fully under-way and there was a growing\u00a0need for special safety training for offshore personnel.<\/p>\n
In these early years the safety courses were provided by the Noorderhaaks Nautical College, based in the eye-catching premises on the Ankerpark in Den Helder. Theory lessons for the offshore courses were taught in the specially equipped classroom in the basement. Practical sessions were held in the local swimming pool De Schots and near the N.A.M. gas station alongside the Noordholland Canal, using a rescue capsule suspended from a small platform.<\/p>\n
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On November 20, 1984 the Dutch Offshore Training Centre (D.O.T.C.) was established.\u00a0 Followed in 1990 by a new company RUTH bv, introducing the first HUET training facilities in the Netherlands.\u00a0 In 1993 International Fire Safety Centre Noordkop (IFSC Noordkop) was established.\u00a0IFSC Noordkop operated a fully enclosed fire exercise hall\u00a0at Kooypunt industrial estate in Den Helder.\u00a0 In 1997 DOTC, RUTH and IFSC Noordkop\u00a0continue as one company\u00a0DHTC (Den Helder Training Centre bv) and in the same year our Free-Fall lifeboat installation became operational.<\/p>\n