Flying high
In 2012 the MCA altered the regulatory framework for helideck team training. David Nelson, principal aviation consultant at Helidecks Training Solutions breaks down the training involved.…
On a superyacht there are two ways in which helicopter operations can be conducted. Privately, utilising the owner’s or guests’ personal helicopter, or commercially, using a visiting chartered helicopter. International aviation regulations mandate that all commercial helicopters must operate to a certified helideck and increasingly superyachts are being built to this standard to enable maximum flexibility in helicopter operations.
To attain commercial certification a helideck must conform to defined standards in its physical characteristics, supporting equipment, firefighting systems, operating procedures and the training of the team who operate it. For vessels registered under the Red Ensign Group the Helicopter Certification Agency (HCA) conducts commercial helideck inspections and as part of its scrutiny it needs to see evidence of helideck team training. Whether a commercial or private helideck, however, trained personnel are vital for safe operation and, alongside procedures, they are fundamental in mitigating the risks involved in operating helicopters at sea.
Early in 2012 the MCA issued MGN 442(M), which altered the regulatory framework relating to helideck team training for Large Commercial Yachts and Passenger Yachts (13 – 36 passengers). Up until that time the only way a commercial helideck team could be trained was to attend courses aimed at the offshore oil industry using the OPITO standard. These courses meant sending prospective Helideck Landing Officers (HLOs) and Helideck Assistants (HDAs) back to the UK for up to two weeks with the obvious costs in time away, travel and accommodation. For example, it is estimated that sending a team of two HLOs and six HDAs from Nice to the UK to carry out all the requisite training would cost around £31,000.
Now the MCA has authorised a training syllabus that allows yacht-specific courses to be run that are equivalent to the previous OPITO standard, but have the distinct advantage of being conducted on board the vessel wherever it happens to be. A peripatetic course is available that provides training for HLOs and HDAs that is bespoke to the particular vessel and that uses the vessel’s own equipment and procedures. Training for HLOs and HDAs occurs simultaneously on a single, collective course, which obviously saves a lot of time and makes efficient use of on-board resources. The overall cost is therefore considerably lower than the cost of mainland training and yet fully MCA-approved certification for helideck crews is provided.
Commercial helidecks are mandated to have trained personnel to operate them; private helidecks would be very unwise not to. The training of HLOs and HDAs, and the achievement of a fully certified team, need not be costly in time and money. As a result of MGN 442(M) effective training is available at your location, at a time that suits you and for a fraction of the cost of that for previous years. The focus on on-board safety has risen in the past 12 months, and ensuring each crewmember has the necessary training – especially in a department full of potential hazards – is a great first step to a more professional and safer culture on board.
The full version of this article will be published in Issue 64 of The Crew Report.
To attain commercial certification a helideck must conform to defined standards in its physical characteristics, supporting equipment, firefighting systems, operating procedures and the training of the team who operate it. For vessels registered under the Red Ensign Group the Helicopter Certification Agency (HCA) conducts commercial helideck inspections and as part of its scrutiny it needs to see evidence of helideck team training. Whether a commercial or private helideck, however, trained personnel are vital for safe operation and, alongside procedures, they are fundamental in mitigating the risks involved in operating helicopters at sea.
Early in 2012 the MCA issued MGN 442(M), which altered the regulatory framework relating to helideck team training for Large Commercial Yachts and Passenger Yachts (13 – 36 passengers). Up until that time the only way a commercial helideck team could be trained was to attend courses aimed at the offshore oil industry using the OPITO standard. These courses meant sending prospective Helideck Landing Officers (HLOs) and Helideck Assistants (HDAs) back to the UK for up to two weeks with the obvious costs in time away, travel and accommodation. For example, it is estimated that sending a team of two HLOs and six HDAs from Nice to the UK to carry out all the requisite training would cost around £31,000.
Now the MCA has authorised a training syllabus that allows yacht-specific courses to be run that are equivalent to the previous OPITO standard, but have the distinct advantage of being conducted on board the vessel wherever it happens to be. A peripatetic course is available that provides training for HLOs and HDAs that is bespoke to the particular vessel and that uses the vessel’s own equipment and procedures. Training for HLOs and HDAs occurs simultaneously on a single, collective course, which obviously saves a lot of time and makes efficient use of on-board resources. The overall cost is therefore considerably lower than the cost of mainland training and yet fully MCA-approved certification for helideck crews is provided.
Commercial helidecks are mandated to have trained personnel to operate them; private helidecks would be very unwise not to. The training of HLOs and HDAs, and the achievement of a fully certified team, need not be costly in time and money. As a result of MGN 442(M) effective training is available at your location, at a time that suits you and for a fraction of the cost of that for previous years. The focus on on-board safety has risen in the past 12 months, and ensuring each crewmember has the necessary training – especially in a department full of potential hazards – is a great first step to a more professional and safer culture on board.
The full version of this article will be published in Issue 64 of The Crew Report.
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