Helicopter Operations at Sea: A Guide for Industry

Helicopter activity within the marine environment continues to increase. With many manufacturers, models and configurations currently engaged in marine operations, this book helps in helicopter recognition and improved safety operations.

Chapter 1 Helicopter Passenger Procedures
Boarding procedures and passenger safety
Emergency response
Use of lifejackets and emergency instructions
Floatation gear
Ditched aircraft
Heli-immersion suits
Helicopters Associated equipment
Heli-raft.

Chapter 2 Routine Helicopter Operations at Sea
Deck landings
Deck plan and ‘land on’ operations
Communications heli-deck landing sites
HLO duties
Surface navigation requirements
On deck emergency
Hook handler and heli-deck personnel
Winching

Chapter 3 Ship Types and Helicopter Reception Facilities
Personnel duties and responsibilities
Reception facilities aboard commercial vessels:
Tankers
Passenger
Ro-Ro
Dry cargo ships
Bulk carriers
Container ships
Passenger ships
Marine Pilot operations
Anti-pollution control
Ice reconnaissance
General commercial ship/helicopter operations.

Chapter 4 Helicopter Types and Operational Features
Aircraft particulars
General all purpose marine helicopter
Commercial aircraft
Helicopter profiles and specific information
Endurance
Operational ranges and payload capacities
Civilian operational roles
Helicopter hoist/winch details.

Chapter 5 Search and Rescue Role of the Helicopter
SAR operational detail – Search information and helicopter equipment – Hoist operations
Surface vessel engagement
Surface craft types
Liferafts
Lifeboats
Rescue boats
Wet deck landings RNLI operations
Hi-line method
Baskets and surface recovery alternatives.

Chapter 6 Military Role of the Helicopter at Sea
Helicopter types and features
Anti-submarine role
Profile of the
‘Sea King’ helicopter
Airborne early warning
Strike aircraft
Utility operations
Personnel transfer
Underslung loads
Dipping sonar
Carrier based aircraft
Mine clearance option.
Chapter 7 Helicopter Support Facilities
Surface vessel/helicopter interaction Hanger and maintenance facilities – Offshore refuelling and support activity
Military Helicopter Assault ships
HMS ‘Ocean’ and HMS ‘Argus’
U.S. Coastguard surface support
Air traffic control.
Chapter 8 Profile of the New EH-101 – MERLIN Helicopter
Aircrafts capabilities
Construction and equipment
Navy role: Anti-submarine warfare
Operational detail and range comparisons.
Chapter 9 Helicopter Training and Development
Tilt rotor concept
Helicopter tracking systems
Composite fuselage constructional advances
Training activities and organisations
Emergency Ditching
Capsize and dry evacuation training
Controlled and semi-controlled training scenarios.