Helicopter Evacuation From Ship

Range To Which Helicopter Can Render

Evacuation
• It must be understood that any helicopter is limited in
his Endurance based on its fuel carrying capacity .
• Maximum range to which a helicopter can render
assistance is allowing for to and fro passage from his
landing base and evacuee ship .
• As per Aviation safety norms a Helicopter must land
with minimum 25% of his total fuel carrying capacity .
• Commercial Helicopters can render assistance upto 200
NM from the nearest coast line . Whereas , Coast
Guard and Navy Helicopters have much longer
Endurance .
1. Check Weather Conditions Properly

• Fair weather condition is an inevitable factor in helicopter operations. The helicopter team will
foresee the expected weather conditions prior the operations. However, the ship’s officers should
also consider the same at that time. This includes:

• a. Wind Direction and Speed

• The speed and direction of wind has great impact on helicopter operations. During the operation,
officers have to keep an eye on wind direction and speed. Extreme wind conditions will be very
unsuitable for landing/winching of the helicopter.

• b. Sky Condition – Estimate the condition of the sky. Clear or partial sky is favourable for operations.

• c. Visibility – Clear visibility is best suited for the operations. Restricted visibility is unfavourable; in
such cases extra care should be given.

• d. Precipitation – Rain, fog, drizzle and snow conditions are not favourable for helicopter
operations. More attention and care is needed when conducting operations in such conditions.

• e. Sea State – The state of the sea should also be taken into account. Rough sea and heavy
currents is found adverse for helicopter operations. In such cases, necessary allowance and
counteracting actions should be taken to maintain a given steady course.
 2. Go Through Checklists Thoroughly

• There are various checklists which have to be complied

and documented prior to Helicopter Operations. Such
checklists contain important preparations and key
factors which are to be checked and followed while
getting ready for the operation. The OOW preparing
the checklist should be positively sure about every
single ‘tick’ he marks on the checklist. The same should
be produced to the Master for his signature before it is
filed.
• Necessary entries in the Logbook should also be done.
 3. Maintain Efficient Communication

• Communication is the most vital factor in Helicopter Operations.

The ship’s officer must establish proper communication with the
Helicopter team well in advance before the operation. During such
communications the officer onboard must clarify the following:
• a. The Course to be steered and the Speed to be maintained by the
ship during the operation.
• b. Intended Position of helicopter operation
• c. ETA to the Position
• d. Desired Landing or Winching Area.
• After the initial communication the OOW can expect a call from the
helicopter on VHF just before it goes on-scene for the operation.
When found in range, the vessel can also try to establish
communication with the helicopter. The OOW should keep a good
radio watch on VHF CH.16 till the operation is terminated.
 4. Keep a Constant Watch On Ship’s
Course and Speed

• Once the OOW is aware of the required Course

and Speed of the ship to maintain, he shall:
• a. Maintain the advised Course and Speed
• b. Ascertain the situation and traffic density
• c. Ensure enough sea room is available and is
clear off obstructions
• d. Ensure the readiness of the Deck party.
• e. In case of change of watch, delay handing over
the watch until the operation is terminated.
 5. Prepare Landing/Winching Area
With Utmost Care
• Landing area is the specific area onboard dedicated for the landing
of helicopter. It will vary from ship to ship. Landing of helicopter
onboard is comparatively less frequent and practised mostly on
specially designed vessels and some bulk carriers.
• Winching is the process of lowering down or picking up a person
using the sling attached to the winch of the helicopter. This
operation is more common and used vastly for pilot embarkations
and crew changes. Winching areas onboard ships are variable. Most
common winching areas are forecastle deck, main deck, hatch
covers, and bridge wings.
• After the initial communication with the helicopter team, the
advised landing/ winching areas should be prepared for the
operation at the earliest.
 6. Be Ready With Inventory Of Items
Used for Helicopter Operations

• Every vessel designated to allow Helicopter Operations should carry and maintain
an Inventory of Items used for Helicopter Operations. These items should be ready
for use at all times and should be available during on scene operations.
• Such inventory includes, but not limited to:
• a. Crow Bar
• b. Large Axe
• c. Wire Cutters
• d. Hand Signals
• e. Emergency Signal Torch
• f. Wind Stock
• g. Marshalling Batons
• h. First Aid Equipment
• The officers and crew members associated with the operations should be familiar
with the equipments and their use.
 7. Make All Adequate Preparations

• Helicopter Operations require thorough preparations, for the reason that it involves high risks and
danger. Such preparations are as follows:
• a. All the loose objects in or near the area of operation should be removed.
• b. All aerials, running gears, equipment and objects in the area should be secured.
• c. Fire Pumps should be running and fire hoses must be rigged, charged and ready for use.
They should be clear from the area of operation and shouldn’t be pointing towards the same. The
readiness of pumps must be to an extent that, they are available for use in no time.
• d. Portable Fire extinguishers (DCP) and foam extinguishers should be readily available at the area.
• e. Helicopter Inventory Items should be available for immediate use.
• f. A rescue party must be ready for immediate rescue operations and fire-fighting. This includes at-
least 2 persons wearing full fire man’s outfit.
• g. The rescue boat should be ready for immediate launching in case of Man overboard Situation.
• h.Required Day signals or Navigational lights of ‘Restricted in ability to manoeuvre’ should be
switched on. (During medical emergency lifts only)
• i.A duty officer in proper PPE with walkie-talkie radio in contact with the bridge should be ready at
the area.
• j. Extra deck hands should be ready at the area with proper PPE.
8. Monitor The Operation Closely And
Keep Necessary Items Ready
• When the helicopter operation is underway, the following
points should be considered:
• a. OOW on the bridge must maintain a visual contact with
the helicopter and its operation.
• b. Any uncertainties should be brought into the attention of
helicopter team, by communicating through VHF.
• c. Duty officer standing-by at the landing/winching area
should update the status of the operation to the bridge.
• d. Duty officer must be able to give clear commands and
guidance to the deck hands associated with the operation.
• f. During medical emergencies, extra attention and care
must be taken when the person is lifted using rescue nets,
baskets, or backboards.
 9. Never Ever Neglect
Safety Procedures
• Safety is another important aspect of
helicopter operations. As it involves great risks
and dangers, good safety consciousness is
strongly recommended. The officers and crew
members associated on scene should also
show high level of situational awareness and
good seamanship. They should never
compromise on wearing proper PPE and of
staying clear from the area of operation.
 10. Take Proper Familiarisation And
Training
• Helicopter operation is a much faster and efficient method for transferring
crew and pilots. Nowadays more ports have implemented helicopter use
for pilot embarkations and disembarkations. In such changing scenarios,
the ship’s officers and crew requires adequate training and proper
familiarisation about the operations. They should be aware of the DO’s
and the DONTs. The use of video-based training and CBT modules will be
promising to create a good level of awareness. International Chamber of
Shipping (ICS) publishes ‘Guide to Helicopter Operations’ with the
intention of providing guidelines and best practises in helicopter
operations to the Master and Officers. It contains all relevant information
regarding the operation and it is strongly recommended to have a copy
onboard. Deck officers must go through the same to enhance their
knowledge.
• This is not an exhaustive list but the above notes and points will surely
help for an efficient and smooth operation of helicopter operations on
board ships.