GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS FOURTH EDITION
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GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is a voluntary organisation of national shipowners' assoCiations . Established in 1921 , It represents about seventy-five percent of world merchant tonnage. The interests of ICS cover all aspects of maritime affairs, but it is particularly active in the field of manne safety, ship design and construction, pollution prevention and mantime law. ICS has consultative status with several inter-governmental organisations, Including the International Mantlme Organization.
While the advice given in this guide has been developed using the best information currently available, it is intended purely as guidance and to be used at the user's own risk. No responsibility is accepted by the International Chamber of Shipping or by any person, firm, corporation ar arganisation who or which has been in any way concerned with the furnishing of in forma tian or data, the compilation, publicatian ar authorised translation, supply or sale of thiS guide, for the accuracy of any information ar advice given herein or for any omission or far any consequences whatsoever resulting directly ar indirectly from compliance with or adoption of guidance contained herein even if caused by a failure to exercise reasonable care.
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS Published by Marisec Publications 12 CarthUSian Street London EC 1 M 6EZ Tel +442074178844 Fax +442074178877 Email
[email protected] WebSite www.mansec.org First Published Revised Edition Third Edition Fourth Edition
1979 1982 1989 2008
© Marisec Publications 2008
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS
CONTENTS Page
6
FOREWORD
CHAPTER 1 GEl'.lERAl GUIDANCE 8 8
1.1 1.2
Introduction
9
1.3
Provision of Helicopter landing/Operating Area Information
Selection of a Helicopter Operator
CHAPTER 2 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATING SAFETY 10
2.1
General Principles
10
2.2
Marine Responsibilities
10
2.2.1
Ship Operator
10
2.2.2
Master
11
2.2.3
Deck Party Officer (DPO)
11
2.2.4
Deck Party Crew (DPC )
12
2.2.5
Administrator
12
2.2.6
Officer of the Watch (OOW)
12
2.2.7
Passengers
12
2.3
Aviation Responsibilities
12
2.3 .1
Helicopter Operator
13
2.3.2
Helicopter Pilot
13
2.3 .3
Helicopter Winchman/Crew Member
CHAPTER 3 HELICOPTER OPERATING GUIDANCE 14
3.1
Introduction
14
3.2
Designation of Helicopter Performance
14
3.2 .1
Performance Class 1
14
3.2.2
Performance Class 2
14
3.2.3
Performance Class 3
15
3.2.4
Performance for Winching
15
3.3
The Use of Twin Engined and Single Engined Helicopters
16
3.4
Helicopter Size and Weight Restrictions
16
3.5
Equipment and Crewing
17
3.6
Helicopter landing Gear
17
3.7
Weather and Sea Conditions
17
3.7 .1
General
17
3.7.2
Wind Conditions Limiting Hel icopter Operations
18
3.7.3
Sea and Swell
18
3.7.4
SpeCIal Conditions
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS
CHAPTER 4 GENERAL SHIP REQUIREMENTS 20
Ship Operating Areas
20
4.1 4.1 .1
Types of Operating Area
20
4.1.2
Locat!on and Size of Operating ,A;rea - Landing
26 26 26 26 26 27 27 28 28 28 29
4 .1.3 4.1.4
Location and Size of Operating Area - Winching
4.2.2 4.2.3 4.3 4.3 .1 4.3 .2 4.3.3
29 29 30 30 31 32 33
4.4 4 .4.1 4 .4.2 4.4.3 4.5 4.6 4.7
4 .1.5 4.2 4.2.1
Poop Deck Platforms Structural Considerations (Purpose Built and Non Purpose BUilt Landing Areas) Environmental Effects General Considerations AerodynamiC Effects Wave Motion Effects Details of Landing Area General Guidance on Markings Markings for a Landing Area Located at the Ship's Side Markings for Amidships Centreline Landing Area with or Without Restricted Access from the Ship's Side Details of Winching Area Positioning a Winching Area W inching Area on the Bridge Wing Marking a Winching Area Additional Considerations for Helicopter Operating Areas Night Operations: Landing and Winching Area Lighting Fire Fighting Appliances and Rescue Equipment
CHAPTER 5 COMMUNICATIONS AND SHIP OPERATING PROCEDURES 34 34 34 34 34 35 35 36 37 37 37 37 37 37 38 38
5.1 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.2 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 5.2.4 5.3 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.4 5.41 5.42 5.4.3 5.4.4
Communications General Guidance Communications Equipment Normal Operating Procedures - Pre-Arrival Weather Conditions Departure of Helicopter from the Heliport Pre-Arrival Checks on the Ship Pre-Arrival Checks from the Helicopter Navigation Identification of the Vessel Manoeuvrability Signalling Procedures Ships' International Signals Visual Signals to Helicopter Loss of Radio Communications Warning Signal
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS
38 38 38
5.5
Basic Operating Procedures
5.5.1
Officer of the Watch
5.5.2
Deck Party
39 39 39 39 39
5.5.3 5.5.4 5.5.5 5.5.6
Fire Fighting The Operating Area The Helicopter Emergency Shutdown
5.6
Helicopter Landing and Unloading
39 40 41
5.6.1
Landing
5.6.2 5.6.3
Disembarking Passengers and Freight from the Helicopter Operational Safety
41 41 42 42 42 42
5.7
Helicopter Hovering
5.7.1 5.7.2
Winching Operations
5.8
Helicopter Loading and Departure
5.8.1 5.8.2
Take Off
43 43 43 44 44 46 46 46 46 46 47
5.8.3
Departing
5.9
Instructions to Helicopter Passengers
Underslung Loads Loading Passengers and Freight
5.9.1
General
5.9.2 5.9.3
Landing Winching
5.10
Passenger/ Freight Handling Procedures
5.10.1
Passenger Pre-Flight Briefing
5.10.2 5.10.3 5.10.4 5.10.5
General Freight Handling Carriage of "Dangerous Goods" Carnage of Freight and/or Baggage
In
the Passenger Cabin with Passengers
List of Items Prohibited for Carriage In Passengers' Baggage or on Person
CHAPTER 6 REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO DIFFERENT SHIP TYPES 48 48 48 48 49 49 49
6.1
Tankers
6.1.1 6.1.2
Oil Tankers
50 50 50 51
6.2
Bulk Carriers and Combination Carriers
6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 6.2.4
General
51 51 52 52 52 53
6.1.3 6.1.4 6.1.5 6.1.6
Chemical/Parcel Tankers Vapour Dispersal Vapour Emission Control Safety Freeboard
Geared Bulk Carriers Gearless Bulk Carriers Combination Carriers
6.3 6.4
Gas Carriers
6.4.1 6.4 .2
Vapour Emission Control
6.5
General Cargo Ships
Containerships Design Limitations
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/ SHIP OPERATIONS
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CHAPTER 7 EMERGENCY EVACUATION BY AIR 54
7.1
General
54
7.2
Illness or Injury Evacuation
54
7.2.1
Requesting ASSistance
54
7.2.2
Preparation of Patient
55
7.3
Emergency Operating Areas
CHAPTER 8 HELICOPTER INCIDENT/ACCIDENT 56
8.1
General
56
8.2
Helicopter Accident Procedure
56
8.3
Fire Procedures
57
8.4
Helideck Emergency Procedures
57
8.4.1
Crash on Deck
57
8.4.2
Emergency/Precautionary Landing
57
8.4.3
Crash on Deck Major Fuel Spillage - No Fire
57
8.4.4
Helicopter Incident on Landing
58
8.4.5
Man Overboard (MOB)
58
8.4 .6
Helicopter Ditching
58
8.5
Personnel in Water - Emergency Procedures
58
8.6
Plan of Action
APPENDICES 60
Appendix A
Commercial Helicopters in Marine Use
61
Appendix B
Communications
66
Appendix C
Shipboard Safety Check List for Helicopter Operators
68
Appendix 0
Instructions to Helicopter Passengers Transferring to and from Ships
70
Appendix E
Marine Pilot Transfer
71
Appendix F
Helicopter landing/Operating Area Plan (to be used with accompanying CD)
79
Appendix G
Duties and Suggested Action Plan for Helicopter Accident
80
Appendix H
Bridge Wing Operations for Marine Pilot Transfer - A Risk Assessment
FIGURES 22
Figure 4.1
landing Area at the Ship's Side
23
Figure 4.2
Amidships Centreline landing Area (Purpose Built and Non Purpose Built)
24
Figure 4.3
Markings for a Purpose Built landing Area in an Amidships Centreline location
25
Figure 4.4
Winching Operations Area
32
Figure 4.5
Representative landing Area Lighting Scheme
40
Figure 5.1
Representative Diagram of Helicopter Safe Approach Sectors
... GUIDE TO HeliCOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS
FOREWORD This guide has been published after wide consultation with both marine and aviation experts, whose contribution to this new edition is acknowledged with thanks. Its purpose IS to encourage safe and effiCient helicopterlshlp operations, and while the guide IS Intended prinCipally for the use of ships' masters, officers and crew, it also offers advice to helicopter pilots and operators. The objective is to promote standardised procedures and facilities for helicopterlship operations worldwide. This reviSion of the gUide supersedes all previous versions. It has been updated With extensive gUidance regarding the role and responsibilities of both the ship and helicopter. Definitions of helicopter performance have been both expanded and clarified, while Information regarding the location and marking of landing and winching areas has been completely revised to reflect the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (lCAO) reqUirements. It is recognised that In the years Since the Third Edition was published, on some ships and on certam trades, the practice has developed of transferring by winch marine pilots directly to the Bridge Wmg. Such operations should not normally be conducted unless a thorough risk assessment has been conducted, particularly when more conventional transfer arrangements can be provided . GUidance and advice regarding a risk assessment to be conducted when planning for the winching of marine pilots to the Bridge Wing of ships forms Appendix H. GUidance regarding emergencies has been supplemented with advice addressing the actions to be taken in case of a helicopter inCident/accident. A new Appendix F provides guidance regarding the provision by the ship of specific Landing/Operating Area data to the helicopter operator. To provide additional value and utility, this new edition of the Guide is accompanied by a CD containing the full text in electronic form with a "search " function and the facility to print the check lists included in the Appendices. Importantly, the CD also includes an electronic template for preparing Helicopter Landingl Operating Area Plans for transmission from the ship to the helicopter operator. For full instructions, see Appendix F. All possible care has been taken in the preparation of thiS gUide, but It must be stressed that It IS only a guide. It IS not intended to be binding, and shipping companies, ships' masters and officers, helicopter operators and air crew are all responsible for actmg m accordance with relevant national regulations and company Instructions. Ships may operate under codes or national requirements which may necessitate the application of alternative or higher standards than those advised m this guide. Regulations for helicopter operations are established by the authorities In the country of registration of the aircraft and/or where the operation takes place, and may vary In detail from one country to another. For those vessels to which the International Safety Management (ISM) Code applies, this guide may provide assistance In developing shipboard operating procedures and requirements for the variOUS helicopter operations that may be undertaken on board. It should be recognised that certam sections of this gUide may be found to be of value by ship deSign teams, and for many users technical Information Within the gUide may need to be accessed only occasionally. Retaining advice for both the helicopter and ship regarding Jomt operations In one publication IS considered by the authors to be appropriate, and It is antICipated that thiS consistency Will be found to be useful to ship and helicopter operators alike. Comment on the gUide and suggestions for further Improvement will be welcome, and should be addressed to the International Chamber of Shippmg, 12 Carthusian Street, London, EC 1M 6EZ, United Kingdom . Email
[email protected]
GUIDE TO HEliCOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS
Special appreciation is expressed to the following organisations and companies who provided particular assistance to the development of this the Fourth Edition of the Guide to HelicopterlShip Operations: BW Shipping Managers PTE Civil Aviation Authority (UK) Helideck Certification Agency Maersk Ship Management Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK) Shell (Aviation and STASCO) Stolt-Nielsen UK Ltd
REFERENCE MATERIALS The documents, regulations and instruments listed below are referenced In this gUide: IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SO LAS) IMO International Fife Safety Systems (FSS) Code CAP 437 - Civil Aviation Authority publication: Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas - Guidance on Standards IMO International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) International Telecommunication Union (lTU) Radio Regulations International Civil AViation Organization (lCAO) Convention on International Civil AViation Annex 14 Volume II (Heliports) and Annex 6 Part III (International Operations - Helicopters) ICAO Heliport Manual IMO Resolution A.855(20) Standards for On-Board Helicopter Facilities International Air Transport Association (lATA) Regulations IMO/ICAO International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual UK Civil Aviation Authority (CM) Paper 2008/03: Helideck Design Considerations - EnVIronmental Effects
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/ SHIP OPERATIONS
1
GENERAL GUIDANCE
1.1
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this guide is to advise shipping companies and ships' staff on the safe performance of helicopter/ship operations. Because of their different backgrounds, qualifications and experience, mariners and aviators are often unfamiliar with even the most basic technical aspects of each other's profession. This lack of mutual understanding can be dangerous, and this guide attempts to remedy it. The guide provides advice on best practice obtained from many aViation and maritime sources. Best practice IS a constantly evolving process, and it should be borne In mind that the guide reflects best practice at the time of publication. There may be alternative means of ensuring safe operations and these need to be considered on their merits. There are three main categories of helicopter/ship operations: •
Operations involving a contract between a shipping company and a helicopter operator. It IS thiS category which is the principal focus of the guide.
•
Operations involVing a contract between some local organisation, such as a pilotage authority, and a helicopter operator. The guide is also suitable for these applications, and Appendix E in particular deals with the transfer of marine pilots.
•
Emergency/rescue operations. Although the guide has been written with planned operations chiefly In mind, many sections provide helpful information which is relevant to the use of helicopters in emergencies. In particular, time taken to establish an appropriate landing or winching site for use in the event of an emergency could save time and reduce unnecessary risks if such operations are ever required.
The operations department of a shipping company has to balance time, money, safety and expediency. Before deciding on helicopter/ship operations, it has to weigh the risks to the vessel inherent In approaching harbour limits and heaving-to for a launch transfer against those arising from a helicopter transfer with the ship safely offshore and probably steaming on passage. In balancing such factors, safety must be the prime consideration.
1.2
SELECTION OF A HELICOPTER OPERATOR Even though aviation, like shipping, has varying standards of operating practice, the "minimum recommended standards" are contained in Annex 6 Part III of the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation (for operations) and Annex 14 Volume II (for design issues relating to heliportslhelidecks). When planning an operation, advice should be sought from an independent expert (e.g. a qualified consultant With first-hand experience of marine helicopter operations) who, having ascertained the exact requirements, will be able to identify an operator With the ability and experience to carry out the task to the highest level of safety and proficiency. National aviation authorities will normally assist by recommending an appropriate consultative body. The consultant may recommend to the shipping company that operating conditions more rigorous than those required by the national regulations or by the helicopter operator are applied contractually. Advice on the form of the contract should be sought from an expert. A technical consultant will not necessarily be expert on contracts but should be able to recommend a specialist. In particular, the shipping company should always consult its P&I Club on the liability, indemnity and insurance clauses of the contract.
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS
The choice of a helicopter for a particular task IS one that requires a high degree of technical aViation knowledge . Aircraft operators seeking business may claim to be able to perform a task for which their particular aircraft is not sUitable and thus possibly reduce safety standards and the cost effectiveness of the operation . The safety of the ship, the helicopter and personnel is paramount; a report specifying the operational requirements should therefore always be available before the helicopter and operator are chosen and any contract IS signed . Helicopter operations should be conduded in accordance with the Operator's Manual and In compliance with the helicopter Flight Manual. When an operator has been selected, a contract signed, and all is ready for service, the shipping company's operations department should issue adVice and instrudlons on the use of the service and ensure that the ICS GUide to HelicopterlSh,p Operations is available and adhered to by all staff.
1.3
PROVISION OF HELICOPTER LANDING/OPERATING AREA INFORMATION Helicopter operations to ships are, by their very nature, infrequent. Most ships have not been speCifically designed for helicopter operations. The deck environment can be complex and ships can have a large number of obstrudlons which present hazards for helicopters that are difficult to see from the air. It is likely that the helicopter pilot will see a particular ship only when operations have to be conducted. Under these circumstances, and In order to prevent unpleasant surprises, It IS Important that Information IS provided such that: a.
The ship can be Identified.
b.
The location of the operating site (for landing/winching) on the ship IS known.
c.
Obstructions that are near to the operating site are identified .
d.
The presence and nature of markings are understood .
e.
Any limitations on operations are known .
A number of commerCial aviation regulations require that a pilot be authOrised to fly to a specific operating site . This authorisation requires either previous knowledge of the site or the provIsion of Information to permit the pilot to become self-briefed . In order that compliance With the aviation requirement can be achieved, Appendix F proVides gUidance and examples of "templates " to be used to proVide detailed Information to support the helicopter pilot. Masters are encouraged to prepare and complete helicopter operating area templates In accordance with the gUidance In AppendiX F. Templates should be reviewed and promptly revised when changes are made to the helicopter landing/operating area . Filed templates should be available for transmission to the aViation operator when any task IS being arranged.
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS
2
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATING SAFETY
2.1
GENERAL PRINCIPLES Marine helicopter operations demand a clear understanding of safety requirements for both the ship and the aircraft. This gUide seeks to specify the minimum requirements necessary to maintain standards of safety. These requirements should be adhered to at all times for routine operations. Transfer of personnel or stores to or from ships by helicopter should also be conducted in accordance with any relevant national safety standards . TWin englned helicopters are always to be preferred for helicopter/ship operations. In some cases, national regulations may stipulate the use of twin englned helicopters or limit single engine helicopters to winching operations and/or use In favourable weather conditions. The most Important factor In the successful conduct of safe helicopter operations IS good communications. It is essential that all parties understand their respective responsibilities and that there IS full understanding of and agreement between the ship's master and the helicopter operator/pilot on a clear and simple plan of arrangements both prior to and dUring operations.
2.2
MARINE RESPONSIBILITIES
2.2.1
Ship Operator It IS the responsibility of the ship operator to select a reputable helicopter operator, thus ensuring that the necessary standards of operational safety are achieved . There are adVISOry agencies throughout the world whose gUidance should be sought In thiS regard . The ship operator IS responsible for ensuring that all marine personnel assoCiated with helicopter operations are adequately trained and that marine equipment used In helicopter operations IS maintained to a satisfactory standard .
2.2.2
Master The ship's master IS ultimately responsible for the safety of his ship. If he is In any doubt whether the proposed helicopter service meets the requirements of hiS shipping company concerning safety, liability, Indemnity and Insurance, he should seek company advice before operations commence . In the planning of helicopter operations, he should give conSideration to Bridge Team Manning requirements, Including an Immediately available and appropriate response In the event of a helicopter related inCident. The ship's master should be aware that: a.
He must reach agreement with the helicopter pilot on any proposed operation before It commences.
b.
Clearance for the proposed helicopter operation IS entirely at hiS discretion .
c.
In the absence of a dedicated operating area, he will be responsible for designating an area that meets the minimum criteria for helicopter operations as speCified In this gUide, and for prOViding the helicopter operator/pilot with all necessary information .
Note: If the criteria cannot be met, the master should consult with the helicopter operator and establish if (and how) the operation can be conducted.
GUIDE TO HELICOPTER/SHIP OPERATIONS
d.
He may stop or curtail the operation at any time for reasons of ship safety. In this event, the helicopter must move clear of the ship Immediately. The master and helicopter pilot should If possible discuss appropriate further action .
e.
He is responsible for appointing the Deck Party Officer, Deck Party Crew and Administrator frnrT'l :lr'nr"'lnn hie nffirorc :Jnrl rro.\/I/ rnornharc "V,"
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