The Offshore Helideck Operations Initial Training (HOIT) program is really well thought out. It's aimed at preparing ground-based crews involved in marine helicopter operations, which is so important for safety. To enroll in the program, you need to complete "Airborne Dangerous Goods" training to make sure everyone knows how to handle hazardous materials during evacuation. It's great that they offer this course for people who may not have had formal training. HOIT is specifically designed to train personnel who will be working as highly skilled marine helicopter landing operators (HLOs) and/or marine helicopter auxiliaries (HDAs).
They cover everything from safety procedures to communication techniques, emergency response, and compliance operations essential to helicopter operations. I think it's awesome that they use practical thinking and hands-on exercises to make sure everyone is prepared to handle the challenges of working in an offshore environment. This kind of specialized training not only improves safety standards but also makes offshore helicopter operations more efficient and secure, which is so important for everyone involved.
What will I learn?
- 1. Understand key regulations and guidelines for helideck operations, including helideck characteristics, obstacle-free zones, equipment, and systems.
- 2. Recognize meteorological requirements essential for safe offshore helicopter operations.
- 3. Identify typical hazards in helideck operations and understand the roles and responsibilities of the Offshore Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) and Helideck Assistant (HDA).
- 4. Execute key helideck team responsibilities and actions at various operational stages, including: 30 minutes and 10 minutes before helicopter ETA, Immediately before landing,, During rotors-running turnaround and engines-shutdown scenarios, Tasks such as helicopter tie-down, fitting engine blanks, and covers.
- 5. Interpret pre-flight weather reports and provide relevant floating installation data to helicopter pilots.
- 6. Understand helideck team requirements for Normally Unattended Installations (NUIs).
- 7. Use handheld radios effectively, perform radio checks, and apply proper communication protocols, including hand signals when radios are ineffective.
- 8. Conduct helideck inspections to check for contamination, debris, or damage before and after take-off.
- 9. Perform communication checks and ensure the readiness and security of helideck equipment and safety nets.
- 10. Deliver pre-landing briefings to the helideck team during helicopter operations.
- 11. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during all helicopter operations.
- 12. Ensure the helideck team is stationed in required locations during operations.
- Completion of a Dangerous Goods by Air training course as per ICAO, IATA (Categories 7, 8, or 9), or state aviation-approved guidelines.
- Valid medical fitness certificate.
- Proficiency in the course language.
- Basic offshore safety awareness (recommended but not mandatory).
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Offshore Helideck Regulations and Guidelines
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Helicopter and Helideck Hazards and Management Systems
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HLO and HDA checks, procedures and communications during helicopter operations
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Cargo and Passenger Handling
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HLO and HDA Normally Unattended Installations
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