A.

Helicopter Refuelling
Training Standard

OPITO APPROVED STANDARD

Helideck Operations Initial Training

Training Standard

Standard Codes

Standard Code
Helideck Operations Initial Training 7018 *

Standard Title Code

Helicopter Refuelling Training Standard 9255

OPITO Helicopter Refuelling Training Standard

OPITO PRODUCTS

OPITO is an Industry owned not for profit organisation that exists to service the needs of the Energy
Industry.

OPITO is industry led in all aspects of what it does, therefore all product development activities are
at the behest of industry. OPITO products are driven by the needs of industry to help create a safe
and competent workforce.

This product is owned and maintained by OPITO who are the nominated custodians of all products
within the OPITO portfolio which carry the OPITO logo.

This OPITO Standard has been designed to accommodate global variations in national legislation and
regulations. In the absence of relevant national legislation and regulations, OPITO approved centres
should use legislative and regulatory criteria specified within this Standard.

© OPITO
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval or
information storage system, or transmitted in any form or my any means, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing of the publishers.

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AMENDMENTS
Amendment and date Pages Changes Checked by Approved
made by by
Revision 0

Any amendments made to this standard by OPITO will be recorded above.

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Contents

A.1 ................................................................................................................................................ 1
SECTION A Helicopter Refuelling Training ............................................................................. 5
A.1 HELICOPTER REFUELLING TRAINING TARGET GROUP ......................................................................... 5
A.2 LEARNER PRE-REQUISITES FOR THE HELIDECK REFUELLING TRAINING STANDARD .................................... 5
A.3 PHYSICAL AND STRESSFUL DEMANDS OF THE HELICOPTER REFUELLING TRAINING ................................... 5
A.4 HELICOPTER REFUELLING TRAINING AIM AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................. 7
A.5 UNITS AND OUTCOMES OF THE HELICOPTER REFUELLING TRAINING STANDARD ..................................... 8
A.6 HELICOPTER REFUELLING TRAINING LEARNER PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT ........................................ 13
A.7 DURATION OF HELICOPTER REFUELLING TRAINING DURATION AND TIMING ........................................ 13
SECTION B RESOURCES.......................................................................................................... 14
B.1 STAFF ...................................................................................................................................... 14
B.2 TRAINER/LEARNER RATIOS ......................................................................................................... 14
B.3 EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................................. 15
SECTION C Administration and Certification ....................................................................... 16
C.1 JOINING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................................. 16
C.2 VALIDITY .................................................................................................................................. 16
C.3 CERTIFICATION .......................................................................................................................... 16
C.4 COURSE ADMINISTRATION .......................................................................................................... 16
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations.......................................................................................... 17
Reference Documents ................................................................................................................ 18

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SECTION A Helicopter Refuelling Training

A.1 Helicopter Refuelling Training Target Group

The target group for the Helicopter Refuelling Training programme is personnel who are to be
involved in helicopter refuelling activities offshore.

A.2 Learner pre-requisites for the Helideck Refuelling Training standard

The prerequisites for the Helicopter Refuelling Training are one of the following:

a) An OPITO Helideck Operations Initial Training (HOIT) Certificate (achieved within the past two
years)

b) A valid OPITO HDA or HLO Workplace Competence Assessment Certificate

c) A valid OPITO Helideck Emergency Response Team Member Training (HERTM) or Further HERTM
Certificate

d) A valid OPITO Helideck Emergency Response Team Leader (HERTL) or Further HERTL Training
Certificate

OR

An valid industry recognised certificate or qualification which ensures and understanding of offshore
Helideck Operations.
A.3 Physical and Stressful Demands of the Helicopter Refuelling Training

Training activities contained within this standard may include physically demanding and potentially
stressful elements. All personnel who participate in such activities must be capable of participating
fully.

Therefore, OPITO-approved training centres are required, as a minimum, to ensure that prior to
participating in practical exercises the learner is declared fit, in that they:

a) Possess an employing company approved medical certificate equivalent to an offshore

medical certificate.

OR

b) Undergo medical screening by completing an appropriate medical screening form provided

by the OPITO-approved Centre

The OPITO-approved Centre shall keep a record of the learners’ declaration(s) of fitness in
accordance with their document control policy(s) or procedures. This information, along with
summary details of the type of physical activities the delegate/candidate will be asked to perform,
will be given to learners by the OPITO approved Centre and, if applicable, to their sponsoring
company as part of the joining instructions. The responsibility for declaring any current or pre-
existing medical conditions that could have adverse effects to the individual’s state of health while

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undertaking the training and/or assessment activities lies with the delegate/candidate and/or
company sponsoring the delegate. Where doubt exists regarding the fitness of any learner, the
OPITO-approved Centre must direct the individual to consult a medical officer familiar with the
nature and extent of the training.

Note: Practical exercises must be designed and delivered solely to meet this standard and must
not place on the learners any demands other than those required to meet the Standard.

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A.4 Helicopter Refuelling Training Aim and Objectives

The aim of the Helicopter Refuelling Training is to equip the learner with the initial knowledge,
understanding and skills required to operate and maintain helicopter fuelling systems safely and
effectively.

The objectives of the Helicopter Refuelling Training are that learners will be able to:

(a) Understand helicopter refuelling regulations, guidelines and documentation and relevant
roles and responsibilities.
(b) Understand the properties of, and understand and perform operational requirements for
transport, handling, sampling, and storage of aviation turbine fuel.
(c) Understand helicopter fuelling system design and maintenance.
(d) Perform operational requirements for helicopter fuelling system setup and operation
(e) Understand and perform pre and post helicopter refuelling operations
(f) Understand and perform helicopter refuelling operations

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A.5 Helicopter Refuelling Training Units and Outcomes

The Helideck Operations Initial Training Programme comprises the following units and outcomes:

Unit 1 Helicopter Refuelling Regulations, Guidelines and Documentation, Roles and

Responsibilities
Outcome 1 Regulations and Guidelines
Outcome 2 Roles and Responsibilities

Unit 2 Aviation Turbine Fuel

Outcome 3 Properties, Transport and Handling
Outcome 4 Sampling and Storage
Outcome 5 Sampling and Storage (Practical)

Unit 3 Helicopter Fuelling System Design and Maintenance

Outcome 6 Helicopter fuelling system purpose and design
Outcome 7 Helicopter fuelling system maintenance

Unit 4 Helicopter Fuelling System Setup and Operation

Outcome 8 System Setup and Operation

Unit 5 Helicopter Refuelling Operations

Outcome 9 Pre-Refuelling Procedures
Outcome 10 Refuelling and Post refuelling Procedures
Outcome 11 Helicopter Refuelling and post refuelling procedures

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Unit 1 - Helicopter Refuelling Regulations, Guidelines and Documentation, Roles and

Responsibilities
Outcomes Criteria
The learner will understand:
1. 1.1 Defense Standard (DefStan) 91-091 Turbine Fuel, Aviation Kerosine
Regulations, Guidelines Type, JET A-1 (overview only of key sections required)
and Documentation 1.2 CAP 437 Chapters 7 & 8 (overview only of key sections required)
1.3 Relevant Joint Inspection Group (JIG) & Energy Institute (EI) quality
assurance requirements (overview only of key sections required)
1.4 OPITO Helicopter Refuelling Handbook (overview only of key
sections required)
1.5 Record keeping and quality control documentation requirements
2. 2.1 Roles and responsibilities of the Helicopter Refuelling Team on an
Roles and offshore installation or vessel
Responsibilities 2.2 Key roles and responsibilities and corresponding limitations relating
to maintenance and quality checks
2.3 The role of third-party fuel inspection companies and system
certification validity
Assessment Guidance Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Unit Outcome. Centres must also be able to
demonstrate that learners have achieved an understanding of the
information and concepts detailed in each of the Unit Outcomes. This
may be achieved through a variety of methods, including but not limited
to: group or individual discussion, verbal or written questioning,
scenarios, virtual simulation and eLearning.

Unit 2 - Aviation Turbine Fuel (Theory)

Outcomes Criteria
The learner will understand:
3. 3.1 Aviation turbine fuel properties and characteristics, MSDS, COSHH
Properties, Transport 3.2 Aviation turbine fuel transport to and from offshore facilities and
and Handling transportable tank movements
3.3 Safe handling of aviation fuel and PPE requirements
3.4 Record keeping and quality control documentation requirements
4. 4.1 Purpose of fuel sampling
Sampling and Storage 4.2 Fuel sampling equipment types and minimum equipment
requirements
4.3 Fuel contamination – common types, possible causes and sources
4.4 Actions and lines of communication following discovery of suspected
fuel / system contamination
4.5 Sampling timescales, retention and sample storage
4.6 Disposal of hazardous waste and good housekeeping practices
Assessment Guidance Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Unit Outcome prior to any practical assessment taking
place.
Centres must also be able to demonstrate that learners have achieved
an understanding of the information and concepts detailed in each of the
Unit Outcomes. This may be achieved through a variety of methods,

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including but not limited to: group or individual discussion, verbal or

written questioning, scenarios, virtual simulation, and eLearning.
Records of methods used, and assessment results must be maintained.

Unit 2 - Aviation Turbine Fuel (Practical)

Outcomes Criteria
The learner will perform:
5. 5.1 Fuel sampling equipment checks, preparation and cleaning prior to
Sampling and Storage sampling
5.2 Fuel sampling techniques
5.3 Fuel sample visual inspection and Water Detector Capsule testing
5.4 Interpretation of fuel sample results
Assessment Guidance Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Outcome prior to any practical assessment taking place.
Following theoretical learning and demonstration of practical exercises
by the centre, learners will be observed undertaking practical exercises
covering all the criteria specified in Outcome 5 of Unit 2.
Learners must successfully complete all practical exercises in order to
achieve this Unit.

Unit 3 - Helicopter Fuelling System Design and Maintenance

Outcomes Criteria
The learner will understand:
6. 6.1 System purpose and design overview
Helicopter fuelling 6.2 Function and characteristics of fuel system major components
system purpose and including:
design 6.2.1 Transportable tanks
6.2.2 Static storage tanks
6.2.3 Pump Cabinet and control systems
6.2.4 Filtration
6.2.5 Flow meter
6.2.6 Delivery hose and reel
6.2.7 Delivery nozzle types
6.2.8 Bonding
6.3 Product identification, labelling and recognised markings
7. 7.1 Purpose and importance of regular system maintenance
Helicopter fuelling 7.2 Transportable tank checks on receipt
system maintenance 7.3 Daily and weekly sampling and refuelling equipment maintenance
checks
7.4 Third party maintenance and inspection
7.5 Common maintenance issues and reporting
Assessment Guidance Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Unit Outcome. Centres must also be able to
demonstrate that learners have achieved an understanding of the
information and concepts detailed in each of the Unit Outcomes. This
may be achieved through a variety of methods, including but not limited
to: group or individual discussion, verbal or written questioning,
scenarios, virtual simulation and eLearning.
Records of methods used, and assessment results must be maintained.

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Unit 4 - Helicopter Fuelling System Setup and Operation

Outcomes Criteria
The learner will perform:
8. 8.1 The standards principals for the set up for fueling directly from
Helicopter fuelling transit tanks including:
system setup and 8.1.1 Correct valve alignment
operation 8.1.2 ‘Duty pump’ change
8.1.3 Refuelling nozzle selection and change-over method
8.2 The standard principals for the set-up of system valves for fueling
from static storage tanks
8.2.1 Correct valve alignment
8.2.2 ‘Duty pump’ change
8.2.3 Bunkering operations
8.2.4 Decanting of sample reclaim tank back to bulk storage
8.2.5 Refuelling nozzle selection and change-over method
Assessment Guidance Following theoretical learning and demonstration of practical exercises
by the centre*, learners will be observed undertaking practical exercises
covering all the criteria specified in Outcome 8 of Unit 4.
Learners must successfully complete all practical exercises to achieve this
Unit.
* Centre demonstration and learner practice may be completed on either transit tanks or static
storage tanks, however an overview of both must be provided

Unit 5 - Helicopter Refuelling Operations (Theory)

Outcomes Criteria
The learner will understand:
9. 9.1 Hazards associated with helicopter refuelling operations and
Helicopter Refuelling corresponding control measures, including:
and post refuelling 9.1.1 Weather
procedures 9.1.2 Fuel spillage and ignition
9.1.3 Vapours
9.1.4 Hoses
9.1.5 Fuel handling
9.1.6 Pressurising and depressurising of fuel system
Assessment Guidance Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Unit Outcome prior to any practical assessment taking
place.
Centres must also be able to demonstrate that learners have achieved an
understanding of the information and concepts detailed in each of the
Unit Outcomes. This may be achieved through a variety of methods,
including but not limited to: group or individual discussion, verbal or
written questioning, scenarios, virtual simulation, and eLearning.
Records of methods used, and assessment results must be maintained.

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Unit 5 - Helicopter Refuelling Operations (Practical)

Outcomes Criteria
The learner will perform:
10. 10.1 Communications with HLO and aircraft captain
Pre-Helicopter 10.2 Confirmation of fuel requirements (quantity and grade)
Refuelling Operations 10.3 Acknowledgement and acceptance of pre-fuel sample by flight
crew member
11. 11.1. Aircraft earth bonding for pressure refuelling and gravity refuelling
Helicopter Refuelling 11.2. Aircraft fuel sponson cap removal and nozzle cleanliness check &
and post refuelling connection
procedures 11.3. Gravity and pressure refuelling including nozzle change-out
process
11.4. Correct hand signal communications during refuelling
11.5. Operation of system pump switches and valves
11.6. Procedures for observed abnormalities during refuelling including
emergency fuel system shutdown
11.7. Disconnection from aircraft and stowage of refuelling equipment
11.8. Post refuelling sample
11.9. Final checks
Assessment Guidance Centres must ensure that learners receive all theoretical learning
specified in each Outcome prior to any practical assessment taking place.
Following theoretical learning and demonstration of practical exercises
by the centre*, learners will be observed undertaking practical exercises
covering all the criteria specified in Outcomes 10 and 11 of Unit 5.
Learners must successfully complete all practical exercises to achieve this
Unit.
* Centre demonstration and learner practice may be completed on either transit tanks or static
storage tanks

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A.6 Helicopter Refuelling Training Learner Performance Assessment

Learners will be assessed against the outcomes specified in section A.5 in accordance with the
Assessment Guidance detailed in each unit.

A.7 Guided Learning Hours of Helicopter Refuelling Training Duration and Timing

The optimum contact time* for this OPITO programme is eight hours. However, this is for guidance
only. Delivery duration of theoretical and practical Units and Outcomes will ultimately be
determined by the training and assessment methods used by the Centre.
Centres must utilise the optimum contact time to ensure that learner understanding of the course
content is confirmed and practical Outcomes are performed and appropriately assessed.

The contact time is based on the maximum number of learners undertaking the programme.

The contact time must not exceed 8 hours in any one day and the **total programme day must not
exceed 10 hours.
Practical and theory sessions must contain adequate breaks for learner welfare.

*Contact time includes the delivery of the theoretical and practical training/assessment programme.

**The total programme day includes the learner enrolment and certification process, contact time,
welfare breaks, meal breaks and where applicable, travel between sites.

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SECTION B RESOURCES

In order that a training programme may be delivered successfully it is essential that appropriately
qualified and experienced people are there to deliver and support the programme and that the
appropriate facilities and equipment are in place.

B.1 Staff

Instructional staff must:

(a) Fully understand the requirements of this industry standard.

(b) Have been trained in training delivery and training assessment techniques.
(c) Hold an industry-recognised assessor qualification.
(d) Participate in an ongoing training and development programme which ensures that
they are aware and knowledgeable of relevant industry requirements and changes
to requirements.
(e) Possess occupational expertise in offshore helicopter refuelling operations or have
practical experience related to offshore helicopter refuelling operations.

All staff will have the appropriate competencies to conduct or assist (as appropriate) with the
outcome of training being undertaken.

B.2 Trainer/Learner Ratios

The maximum number of learners attending this programme is eight

The following ratios specify the maximum number of learners that must be supervised by one
instructor at any one time during each training event.

Theory 1:8
Demonstration 1:8
Practical Exercises 1:4

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B.3 Equipment

Equipment used during practical exercises must be of a type in use regionally on offshore manned or
normally unmanned installations or vessel helidecks.

As a minimum the following equipment must be available for practical demonstrations and learner
practice:

Helicopter refuelling system simulator equipped with:

- Gravity and pressure feed refuelling connections.
- Earthing points for connecting earthing clips from fuelling nozzles and fuelling Cabinet.
- Transit refuelling tank with all required markings, labels, information capsule containing
information on the tank.
- Set of refuelling pumps
- Refuelling package with fuel meter, fuelling hose, filtration system.
- Sample point
- differential gauges, earth bonding cable and clip.
- Stop start button
- Flashing light to indicate earthing is successful (Optional)

Fuel sampling equipment including:

- Sample jars
- Lint cloths for jar cleaning
- Surgical gloves
- Fuel (appropriate analogue)
- Sample syringes
- Shell water capsules
- Waste Container for hold syringe samples
- Fuel logbooks or sheet
- Hi Viz vests with HLO and HDA printed on the back

All equipment must be maintained, and where appropriate, inspected and tested in accordance
with current standards/legislation, guidance, and manufacturers recommendations.

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SECTION C Administration and Certification

C.1 Joining Instructions

Where applicable, all joining instructions must contain information which indicates that certain
aspects of the course are of a physical nature.

Where applicable, prior to each course commencing, learners must sign a declaration indicating they
have read and understood a written statement regarding the physical nature of the programme and
the need for learners to be in good health.

C.2 Validity

The Helicopter Refuelling Training certificate has a two-year validity.

C.3 Certification

Training Centres are responsible for issuing a certificate direct to the learner successfully completing
the programme and to the sponsoring company (when required). Each certificate must indicate that
the learner has been assessed against and met the required learning outcomes.

The certificate must also contain the following:

a) Training Establishment name

b) Full OPITO course title stating that it is OPITO approved
c) OPITO Registration Code
d) Learner's name
e) Course dates
f) Certificate expiry date
g) Unique Certificate Number (UCN) – Refer to OPITO UCN Guidance doc. for details
h) Training Establishment Signatory.

C.4 Course Administration

Each learner attending any OPITO-approved programme must be registered with the Central
Register (CR) operated by OPITO. Registration must be made by the training centre to OPITO within
one week following the course.

OPITO confirms that information on the registration form will be contained in a computerised
register which will be available to employers, prospective employers and training providers in the
energy industry to verify training records. At all times, use of this data will be strictly in accordance
with principles laid down in relevant data protection legislation.

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Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviations

CAA Civil Aviation Authority

CR Central Register
ER Emergency Response
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival
HCA Helideck Certification Agency
HDA Helideck Assistant
HERTL Helideck Emergency Response Team Leader
HERTM Helideck Emergency Response Team Member
HLO Helicopter Landing Officer
IATA International Air Transport Association
IATA International Air Transport Association
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
MODU Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit
MTOW Maximum Takeoff Weight
NOTOC Notification to Captain (dangerous goods)
NUI Normally Unattended Installation
PFEER (where applicable) Prevention of Fire, Explosion and Emergency Response (UK oilfield
Regulations)
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
TBT Tool Box Talk
TD/PM Touch Down/ Positioning Markings

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Reference Documents

Reference Doc Title Region Source

Helideck Design & https://store.icao.int/annex-14-
ICAO Annex Operations aerodromes-volume-ii-heliports-4th-
14 Vol. II International edition-july-2013-volume-2-english-
printed.html

Standards for Offshore UK CAA http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapp

CAP 437
Helicopter Landing Utilized in Angola lication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail
Areas and Azerbaijan &id=523
Offshore Helidecks https://www.norskoljeoggass.no/cont
entassets/8925fa2f287f498a9210f120
BSL D5-1 Norway 4205bf45/helideck-manual-norway-
2017.pdf

Aircraft Management https://www.iogp.org/bookstore/prod

IOGP AMG Guidelines uct/aircraft-management-guidelines-
International
Report 590 2/

Maritime Regulation https://wenku.baidu.com/view/7a8a3

NORMAM 27 Brazil
Offshore Helidecks 84de45c3b3567ec8be8.html
Offshore Helideck
API RP2L Landing & Parking Areas FAA / USA HSAC RP 2016-2

Oil & Gas UK https://oilandgasuk.co.uk/product/gui

Management of delines-for-the-management-of-
Aviation Operations aviation-operations/
Standards and
Guidelines
OPITO Helicopter https://www.opito.com/training/petr
Refuelling Handbook oleum-open-learning/helicopter-
publications/helicopter-refuelling-
handbook
Ministry of Defence https://auzaniofficial.files.wordpress.c
standard 90-91: om/2017/04/defstan-91-
Gasoline Aviation 091.pdf#:~:text=Defence%20Standard
Def Stan 90- %2091-
91 091%20is%20the%20standard%20for
%20aviation,technical%20authority%2
0of%20the%20Defence%20Strategic%
20Fuels%20Authority.

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