When working on the construction of new helidecks, many aspects need to be considered. Meticulous planning and stringent adherence to safety and regulatory standards are vital. Certification for new helidecks by an established entity helps ensure safety, reliability and efficiency. This article will explore why certification is indispensable for new helideck builds.
The importance of certification for helideck new builds
Ensuring Safety Standards
The most critical reason for certifying a helideck is for safety. The day-to-day operation of helicopters, especially in harsh marine environments, depends on having a safe landing area available at its offshore destination. A new helideck must be designed and built to take into account the surrounding structures of its host installation and pass rigorous safety standards, ensuring that it can withstand operational stresses, including harsh weather, heavy loads, and potential emergency scenarios.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Helicopter operations to offshore landing areas must adhere to global and national regulations. The international standard for helidecks is laid out in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) publication Annex 14 Volume 2 and adopted through national guidelines such as UK CAA CAP437 and Norwegian Civil Aviation Regulations BSL D 5-1. At HCA, we conduct inspections against these criteria to ensure full compliance is met.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
Certified helidecks are designed to meet regulations and optimise operational efficiency. This includes proper layout and deck markings for safe helicopter landing and takeoff, adequate load-bearing capacity, and integrated safety features like fire suppression systems and adequate lighting. Certification processes evaluate these aspects meticulously, ensuring that the helideck meets safety standards and operates efficiently. Efficient operations reduce downtime, enhance safety, and improve overall productivity.
Risk Management and Liability Reduction
Certification serves as a form of risk management. By adhering to established standards, operators can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and incidents. This, in turn, minimises potential liabilities and insurance costs. In the event of an incident, a certified helideck demonstrates that all reasonable steps were taken to ensure safety, which can be a crucial factor in legal and insurance assessments.
Promoting Industry Best Practices
Certification promotes the adoption of industry best practices. By certifying helidecks, operators ensure that they are not only compliant with current regulations but are also aligned with the latest industry innovations and practices. This continuous improvement cycle enhances overall industry safety and efficiency.
Gaining Stakeholder Confidence
Certification assures stakeholders(including employees, passengers, and investors)that the helideck meets high safety and operational standards. This confidence is crucial for the reputation and credibility of the operating company. Certified helidecks demonstrate a commitment to safety and excellence, which can be a significant competitive advantage in the industry.
Facilitating International Operations
For companies operating globally, certification ensures that helidecks meet accepted standards. This is particularly important for mobile drilling rigs and vessels that operate in different jurisdictions. An HCA Certificate is widely accepted as proof that the helideck complies with regulatory requirements, facilitating smooth operations in different operating regions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the certification of new helideck builds is fundamental to ensuring safety, complying with regulations, operational efficiency, risk management and stakeholder confidence. The aviation and maritime industries are constantly evolving, so using an established certification entity that is consistently engaged with the sector is vital.
At HCA, we stay informed on all the latest helideck requirements and always seek to promote best practices.
Find out how we conduct our safety inspections in this blog, where we detail step by step the process that we go through to maximise the safety and operational efficacy of helipads.