Guidelines for the Management of Offshore Helideck Operations
Management System Template for Offshore Helicopter Operations
4-14 Issue 5 February 2005
The BHAB Inspection Process
Helicopter operators are required by the Air Navigation Order to satisfy
themselves that offshore helidecks and equipment are up to standard and that
deficiencies are known to them at all times. In order to do this, the following
process has been established:
(1) A BHAB approved inspector will carry out an initial inspection (and
subsequently, at three-yearly intervals) of the helideck, its markings,
associated equipment, physical obstructions (essentially hardware) and
the peripheral operating environment (turbulence and thermal effects) in
accordance with the topics listed in the OHIR.
(2) The Installation Dutyholder, MODU or vessel owner is then required to
take the following actions on receipt of the OHIR:
• Submit to BHAB Helidecks a completed OHIR to indicate that the
information in the report is verified and has been supported by a
person(s) with the relevant competencies and that the submitted
drawings and data are correct and in accordance with the inspection.
The list of non-compliant items is particularly important and will
ultimately be distributed to aircrew through their HLL. This
correspondence is normally undertaken by Email between a
management representative and BHAB Helidecks
• Forward the whole report to BHAB Helidecks (address is detailed on
the cover of the OHIR), highlighting any changes from the preceding
report. Include up-to-date scale drawings of the helideck and
associated surrounding equipment/obstructions etc (stating reference
and revision number) but only when different from the previous report
• Significant changes occurring at any time between periodic
submissions of the OHIR should be forwarded without delay to BHAB
Helidecks and follow-up action on rectification items should be in
accordance with details outlined on the OHIR
• All Installations and vessels new to the United Kingdom Continental
Shelf (UKCS), should have an initial helideck inspection carried out by
BHAB Helidecks before flight operations commence
However, the Helicopter Operators Operations Manual allows AOC
holders to make an initial helideck inspection which will allow flights for
7 days or 28 flight movements, whichever expires first. This is intended to
cater for MODUs and vessels entering UK waters from overseas and
going straight onto location.
(3) The achievement and results of the inspection process as demonstrated
by the OHIR must be fully open to those having statutory rights to audit.
(4) After submission of the report, the Dutyholder will be advised by BHAB
Helidecks of any rectification necessary to allow helicopter operations
without limitations. If this is not possible, then any limitations imposed will
be notified to the Installation Dutyholder, MODU or vessel owner.