Ships operation - procedures for helicopter landing

Cargo ships guideline

Incorrect helicopter markings on the ship's deck can at times be
misleading and result in an accident. Ambiguous helicopter
markings might also result in the refusal of a pilot to board the
vessel by helicopter, which could cause an expensive delay to the
ship.

There are two types of recognised helicopter markings, a landing

area or a winching area. If a landing area is provided, it is essential
that the hatch or deck area is suitably strengthened and approved
for the type of helicopter envisaged. The areas used by the
helicopter landing gear or by personnel should have anti-slip
surfaces effective when wet.

Good aviation practice requires that the colours used should

contrast with the normal ship's paintwork. Letters should be painted
in white and lines should always be painted yellow. Touch-down
zones should be painted in a dark grey or dark green non-reflective
colour. All helicopter markings should follow the International
Chamber of Shipping Guidelines rather than be left to the
imagination of a ship's crew.

Master's command
The Master shall maneuver the vessel during helicopter operations.
All related activities are to be conducted in accordance with the ICS
Publication Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations and concerned
personnel briefed by him on their duties and safety precautions.

On-scene command
The Master shall designate a Deck Officer to command on-scene
operations.

Safety check & records

The Deck Officer in charge and officer of the watch shall check and
complete the conditions in the Checklist for Helicopter
Operations and report the same to the Master. Relevant entry to be
made in the deck log book to this effect.

Exchange information with helicopter

The Master shall exchange sufficient information with the helicopter
pilot before operations particularly in regard to vessel heading and
speed, weather conditions, vessel maneuver and any other
necessary details.
Transferring personnel
The On-Scene crew as well as all personnel being transferred to or
from the vessel shall comply with following guidelines:

1. Do not approach or leave the helicopter without being cleared

to do so by the helicopter pilot and/or the winch man and the
Deck Officer in charge.

2. Always approach the helicopter in a crouching position and

from an angle where you are always in full view by the
helicopter pilot.

3. Keep well clear of the helicopter rotors, which are often

difficult to see.

4. Stay clear of the helicopters exhaust outlets.

5. Passengers wear an inflatable lifejacket or survival suit as

required by the helicopter pilot.

Landing or winching
Follow the guidelines for landing or winching in the ICS Guide to
Helicopter/Ship Operations Where available, the Aiming Circle of
landing area shall be coated with a matt anti-slip surface painted in
a non-reflecting color which contrasts with other deck surfaces.

Action in case of accident

In case of accident involving Helicopter, the Master shall be guided
as per Duties & Suggested Action Plan for Helicopter Accident

Training for helicopter operation

The master shall apply the proper training of helicopter operation
for crew may concern in accordance with this procedure. And its to
be recorded in Onboard CBT & Video Training Record
Helicopter operation check item - guideline for ship

Helicopter landing on cargo ships or oil tankers involve many

complexities and careful preparation will need to be made at various
stages such as prior landing, during landing on board. Summarized
below are some basic procedures. These procedures are only
indicative, not exhaustive in nature and one must always be guided
by practices of good seamanship Preparation prior landing

1. Have all loose objects within and adjacent to the operating area
been secured or removed?

2. Have all aerials, standing or running gear above and in the

vicinity of the operating area been lowered or secured?

3. Has a pennant or windsock been hoisted where it is clearly visible

to the helicopter pilot?

4. Has the officer of the watch been consulted about the ships
readiness?

5. Does the leader of the deck party have a portable radio

transceiver (walkie talkie) for communicating with the bridge?

6. Are the fire pumps running and is there adequate pressure on the
deck fire line?

7. Are fire hoses ready (hoses should be near to, but clear of, the
operating area)?

8. Are foam hoses, monitors and portable foam equipment ready?

9. Are dry powder fire extinguishers available and ready for use?

10. Are the fire hoses and foam nozzles pointing away from the
operating area in case of inadvertent discharge?

11. Has a rescue party been detailed?

12. Is a man overboard rescue boat ready for lowering?

13. "Are the following items of equipment available at hand?

Large axe

Crowbar
Wire cutters

Red emergency signal/torch

Marshalling batons (at night)

First aid equipment"

14. Has the correct lighting (including special navigation lights)

been switched on prior to night operations?

15. Is the deck party complete, ready, in position, wearing brightly

colored waistcoats and protective helmets, and are all personnel
clear of the operating area?

16. Has the hook handler been equipped with helmet, strong rubber
gloves and rubber soled shoes to avoid the danger of static
discharge?

17. Are landing / winching areas surveyed and proved clear of

obstructions, in accordance Sec 4.2 to 4.5 of ICS Guide to
Helicopter / Ship operations?

18. Is access to and egress from the operating area clear?

Landing on board

1. Is the deck party aware that a landing is to be made?

2. Is the operating area free of heavy spray or seas on deck?

3. Have side rails and, where necessary, awnings, stanchions and

other obstructions been lowered or removed?

4. Where applicable, have portable pipes been removed and have

the remaining apex ends been blanked off?

5. "Are rope messengers to hand for securing the helicopter, if

necessary? (Note: Only the helicopter pilot may decide whether or
not to secure the helicopter)"
6. Have all personnel been warned to keep clear of rotors and
exhaust?

Additionally for Tankers & Gas Carriers

1. For tankers fitted with an inert gas system, has pressure in cargo
tanks been reduced to slight positive pressure?

2. For tankers, have all tank openings been secured following

venting operations?

3. For gas carriers, have all precautions been taken to prevent

vapour emission on deck?