Building the competence that keeps helicopter operations safe.
Every helideck operation depends on the competence of the crew managing it. The Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) bears primary responsibility for the safety of helicopter operations on the vessel, supported by trained Helideck Assistants (HDAs). Proper training is not optional — it is a regulatory requirement and a certification audit point.
The Helicopter Landing Officer course covers the full scope of helideck operations management, including pre-landing checks, communications with helicopter pilots, firefighting procedures, emergency response, passenger handling, and meteorological reporting. Training must align with the MCA-approved Large Yacht Helideck Safety syllabus.
Helideck Assistant training prepares crew members to support the HLO during helicopter operations, covering safety equipment operation, firefighting, passenger marshalling, and emergency procedures.
Competence must be maintained through regular refresher training and practical drills. Inspection audits require evidence that all helideck crew members remain current in their training and have been assessed as competent.
We maintain a directory of training providers offering MCA-approved helideck safety courses for superyacht crew. (Coming soon)