Saturday, June 11, 2011

HELICOPTER OPERATION


            HELICOPTER WORKING (PRECAUTIONS)

1.                  Do not secure any lines passed down
2.                  Do not touch the winch man, stretcher hook/wire until earthed
3.                  Do not fire Rockets or line throwing apparatus in the vicinity of the air craft
4.                  Do not transmit on radio when engaged in winching operations
5.                  Do not direct strong light towards the helicopter at night
            ******(AVOID WASTING TIME AS AVIATION FUEL CAPACITY IS LIMITED)******

            HELICOPTER OPERATION (NAVIGATIONAL REQUIREMENT)
1.                  Alter course towards rendezvous position
2.                  Prepare deck reception
3.                  Establish communication with aircraft
4.                  Display correct navigational sign (RAM)
5.                  Continually monitor own ships position and other traffic

            ENGAGEMENTS
1.                  Course altered to pilots instruction
2.                  Maintain maximum manoeuvring speed
3.                  Clear navigational obstructions and obtain sea room
4.                  Display wind indicator
5.                  Engage manual steering
6.                  Log all activities

            HIGH LINE OPERATION
            Employed when
1.                  Exposed rigging
2.                  Rough seas
3.                  Numerous persons

1.                  The aircraft will establish a high hover position clear of all obstruction
2.                  The weighted heaving line is passed down and trailed towards the surface vessel
3.                  The hoist wire will be lowered once the deck crew have obtained hold of the heaving line
4.                  The aircraft will then transverse back to establish visual contact (stbd side air craft - port side vessel)
5.                  Air crew man descends and deck crew party should heave in on the high line
6.                  Aircraft maintains station, air crew men organises double hoist transfer from surface craft

            PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HELICOPTER OPERATIONS

1.                  Ensure that all riggings and obstrucitons about the helicopter landing/transfer area are cleared away
2.                  Secure and stow away any loose items which may become caught with the down draught from helicopter rotor blades
3.                  Check and ensure communication with the deck controlling officer and between the bridge and helicopter
4.                  Muster damage control/fire party close enough to the are of operations as to be available in an emergency
5.                  See that the static hook handler is properly equipped
6.                  Display wind sock or smoke signal
7.                  Observe helicopter operations procedures
8.                  If operating at night ensure adequate lighting without blinding the helicopter pilot
9.                  Display proper lights and shapes throughout operations