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MCA launch consultation of helicopter landing areas at METS Global

Super yacht Forum
MCA news:
This Wednesday at 0930 the MCA will present amendments to the Large Yacht Code at the first
Global Super yacht Forum at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition Centre.
The presentation is part of a consultation process on helicopter landing areas on board large yachts.
During the helicopter forum session delegates will discuss ways in which the market will adopt and
work with the new proposals.
The proposed text is accessible on the MCA's website
(www.mcga.gov.uk) under Guidance and Regulations / Consultations.
Interested parties are invited to comment on the consultation by the deadline of 15th December
2006.
This consultation follows two years of development through meetings with a study group of industry
representatives, outlining the technical standard required of helicopter landing areas for large
commercial yachts certificated to the Large Yacht Code (LY2).
The study group took an overview of the current International and UK National aviation and maritime
guidance on helicopter landing areas for vessels. This created a workable document that considers
specific requirements for large yachts where space is often limited, while maintaining an appropriate
level of safety for the associated risks of operating a helicopter to and from a vessel.
Ian Lardner, Assistant Policy Manager, Fishing and Code Vessel Safety Branch said,
"I am looking forward to presenting the work of the study group at the Global Superyacht Forum in
Amsterdam. The MCA would like to thank all who have contributed to the development of the
proposed text which has led to the initiation of a valuable amendment to the Large Yacht Code."
Editors note:
It is intended that the Helideck Certification Agency (HCA) will carry-out surveys for helicopter
landing areas on board commercially operated large yachts as the UK's aviation inspection body,
and shall fulfil the role of "competent body" with regards to landing area limitations.
The HCA is an organisation established on behalf of UK offshore helicopter operators to ensure that
landing areas on installations and vessels used in connection with the exploration and exploitation of
oil and gas meet the minimum guidance set by UK Civil Aviation Authority in CAP 437.