In many ports throughout the World, regular use of helicopters takes place for the transfer of Marine Pilots to and from ships.
More and more Pilotage Authorities are introducing a helicopter service and are finding helicopters both economic and efficient, particularly in adverse weather conditions and when long distances are involved.
Before establishing a helicopter service, much attention must be devoted to the safety implications of "landing-on" and "winching" operations.
Safety is paramount and helicopter operations must never be initiated without a full understanding of the risks.
To ensure safety, Marine Pilots must have a perfect knowledge of normal operational procedures and be aware of the actions required in emergency situations.
Training is essential for Marine Pilots before a helicopter service starts.
The International Chamber of Shipping issued the "Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations", third edition May 1989. It is a document of reference and provides helpful information.
The International Maritime Pilots’ Association published the "Shipmaster’s Guide to Pilot transfer by helicopter" (1990).
This guide is presented in a concise form for easy reference to assist shipmasters when helicopters are used to transfer pilots.
It takes account of many years experience of pilots being transferred by helicopter and, in early 1988, more than 50.000 operations had been performed, day and night, on all size and type of ships.
The "Shipmaster’s Guide to Pilot transfer by helicopter" will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee of IMO, the Internaional Maritime Organization.
The aim is to establish an atmosphere of safety and confidence during transfer operations by helicopter through accurate and comprehensive information.
The information can be addressed to a group up to 15 persons in about two hours.
The information passed on to the users, Marine Pilots, shall be as accurate and comprehensive as possible.
It must be remembered that any unpredicted situation may induce in the user a sudden feeling of doubt or fear which ay give rise to unexpected reactions.
What do Marine Pilots expect from a Helicopter Service?
SAFETY - EFFICIENCY - CONFIDENCE - MUTUAL TRUST
What does the Helicopter Crew expect from Marine Pilots?
COMMON SENSE - PRECISION OF MOVEMENTS - RESPECT OF SAFETY RULES - CONFIDENCE - MUTUAL TRUST
Noise, 3rd dimension, fear of height, action requiring physical coordination, new way of working, age ...
It is essential to recognize and keep in mind that these factors may, in certain persons, result in a diminutionof reflexes and capacity of judgement.
Deterioration of meteorological conditions adds to the difficulties of the operation (wind, rain, cold, platform motions, small size of ships,...)
The multiple situations possible depending on variable factors require from the participants a perfect coordination and mutual confidence with no margin for error.
The establishment of a simple, clear and efficient procedure will avoid a dramatic approach to the operation.
Knowing what each participant engaged in the transfer expects from the other, will contribute to a perfect and safe operation and lead to mutual confidence.
Safety rules on how to approach and board a helicopter. Safety rules on how to disembark and leave a helicopter. Description of the equipment (radio earphones, seat-belts, winching harness or sling, salvage and survival equipment...) Use of these items (demonstration and training).
Basic safety rules to observe during the flight
Behaviour and movements in the helicopter
Instructions on how to use the equipment (radio, belts, sling...)
Procedure of boarding the helicopter after winching operation
Attitude during the flight
Static electricity
Safe use of the sling (ring)
Vertical line with the winch (to avoid pendulum effect)
Twisting during winching operation (action arms/legs)
How taking off the sling without letting go the sling when boarding a ship
Watching the cable on deck
Watching the personnel in the vicinity of the winching area
Personal equipment (hat or cap, bag with a shoulder strap, portable radio with a strap, large and open suits...)
Risk of strangulation with straps, danger of loose clothes...
Adopted by the GM, May 1991