Helicopter Refuelling on Yachts

Helicopter refuelling on yachts allows longer range and fewer trips ashore, but it brings aviation fuel onto a vessel full of people. If the helicopter is to be refuelled onboard, specific bunkering procedures must be in place, and the bunkering and fuel storage plans must be approved by the relevant authorities.

Fuel storage

• Fuel tanks must be kept in a designated area, away from accommodation spaces, escape routes and embarkation stations
• The storage area must be isolated from areas containing sources of ignition
• Any spillage in the storage area must be collected and drained to a safe location

Pumps and isolation

• Fuel pumps should sit in a properly ventilated area and be suitable for the purpose
• They must be capable of being shut down from a safe, remote location in the event of fire
• Arrangements should be in place to isolate the fuel source

During refuelling

• Firefighting personnel must be present, but not involved in the refuelling itself
• Fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment should be kept close by
• No smoking signs must be displayed

New build or retrofit

Refuelling arrangements are far easier to get right at the design stage than to add later. For a new build, we make sure the construction contract and specification require the shipyard to deliver approved bunkering and storage arrangements. For an existing yacht, the work is usually handled as a refit, where the contract should make clear who is responsible for obtaining the Class and flag approvals.