This paper presents the setup and running of a hardware-in-loop (HIL) simulation for an active heave compensated (AHC) draw-works. A simulation model of the draw-works is executed on a PC to simulate the AHC draw-works with a physical PLC. The PLC (ET200S) is configured with a controller architecture that regulates the motor angular displacement and velocity through actuation of the servo valves. Furthermore, a graphical user interface is developed for operation of the AHC system. The HIL test allowed tuning of the physical controller in terms of heave stabilization and positioning. The conclusion after the testing is a PLC which is ready for operation without necessitating the use a physical prototype of the process.