Superyacht Helideck Regulations

Superyacht helideck regulations come from three directions at once: the Classification Society, the flag state and SOLAS, supplemented by the yacht code that applies to the vessel. The exact requirements depend on the yacht’s flag and Class, and on whether she operates privately or commercially, but the framework is broadly consistent. Below is an overview of the key elements.

Class requirements

Class will need to approve a set of plans, if those approvals are not already in place. Key documents typically include:

• The hangar general arrangement and structure plan
• Helicopter lift, hoist and movement arrangements, where relevant
• The structural fire protection plan
• Fire detection and extinguishing arrangements
• Ventilation arrangements

Flag state requirements

Flag states apply International Maritime Organization standards to helicopter landings, and the yacht must carry the relevant certificates and documents. Typical requirements include:

• Helicopter Operating Area Plans and a Helicopter Landing Area Certificate
• Inspection and certification of the helideck by an approved aviation inspection body, covering safety, size, markings, fire suppression and crew training
• Helicopter Landing Officers to manage operations under the pilot’s direction
• Anti-collision lights on during landing and take-off
• Approved landing areas with clear zones
• At least two escape routes from the helideck

SOLAS fire safety

SOLAS adds fire safety measures to those of Class and the flag state. As a minimum, the following should be available next to the helideck:

• At least two people trained for rescue and firefighting duties, with medically trained personnel on standby with crash rescue kits
• Dry powder extinguishers with a total capacity of at least 45 kg, and carbon dioxide extinguishers of at least 18 kg
• A suitable foam application system, with an agent suitable for use with salt water, and additional foam during operations
• Two approved dual-purpose (jet and spray) nozzles, with hoses long enough to reach any part of the helideck
• Two sets of firefighter’s outfits
• Rescue tools including an adjustable wrench, fire-resistant blanket, bolt cutters, grab hook, hacksaw, ladder, lift line, side-cutting pliers, screwdrivers and a harness knife

The yacht code

For commercially operated yachts on Red Ensign flags, the Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3), now consolidated into the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, requires the helideck to be certified through the flag state, Class and an aviation inspection body. Among other things, it limits operations by weather, pitch and roll and requires crew familiarisation with helicopter procedures. Its core is the inspection and certification regime, and other flags apply comparable rules.