Helicopter Operations — What the Master Owns
The examiner is testing whether you understand that you bear command responsibility for the deck side of any helicopter operation. The pilot-in-command controls the aircraft; you control the ship and its personnel. Those authorities run in parallel — neither overrides the other, but a failure on your side kills people.
The current standard reference for this subject is the ICS Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, 6th Edition (2025).
Two Distinct Scenarios — Different Priorities
Winch-only area operations — the helicopter does not land; personnel or stores are transferred on a wire (hoist). The deck crew manage the load, handle the winch wire with a tag line, and must not attach the hi-line or load to the vessel until static electricity has been discharged to deck. Most yachts have a designated winch-only area — a clear zone for hoist transfer with no touchdown. No wheels-down landing is permitted in a winch-only area.
Landing area (certified helideck) operations — only on vessels fitted with a certified helideck meeting Yacht Code requirements, with a Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) and dedicated firefighting arrangements in place. This permits a wheels-down landing and introduces structural, firefighting and obstruction requirements that winch-only operations do not demand. No wheels-down landing should be attempted without this certified fit.
Distinguishing these matters because the preparation, firefighting cover, deck clearance requirements and the degree to which the helicopter can abort all differ significantly.
Preparation — Your Pre-Operation Checklist
- Wind, sea state and freeboard: advise the helicopter co-ordinator; agree approach bearing so the helicopter approaches into wind where possible and clears obstructions.
- Clear the working area: remove loose gear, aerials, ropes, awnings, anything that could be drawn into the rotor downwash.
- Mark the deck: indicate the winching spot or landing area clearly.
- Firefighting standby: at least one fire hose rigged and manned, preferably with foam capability; personnel in appropriate PPE (anti-flash at minimum during winching, full firefighting kit available).
- Radio watch: maintain on the agreed working frequency — VHF Ch 16 then the agreed channel.
- Downwash: all personnel not directly involved clear the area; significant downwash velocities develop directly beneath the rotors and represent a serious hazard to unsecured personnel and equipment.
- Static discharge: the winch wire or cargo hook must touch the deck or be earthed by a discharge rod before anyone handles it. This is a non-negotiable safety point examiners probe.
- Stretcher/casualty: brief the crew on packaging, signals to the pilot, and that the medical crew in the helicopter directs the casualty handover.
Ship Handling During Operations
Maintain a steady course and speed agreed with the pilot. Avoid sudden course or speed alterations. If conditions require manoeuvring, warn the pilot before acting. At night, illuminate the working area without shining lights into the pilot's approach sector.
Key Distinctions the Examiner Exploits
| Point | Winch-only Area | Landing Area (Certified Helideck) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified helideck / HLO needed | No | Yes — Yacht Code requirements |
| Static discharge before handling | Yes — always | Less critical (aircraft earthed on touchdown) |
| Foam firefighting mandatory | Best practice | Required by helideck certification |
| Helicopter can abort instantly | Yes | Committed on short final |
| Wheels-down landing permitted | No | Yes |
Master's Log Entry
Record the operation: time, nature (MEDEVAC, delivery, etc.), weather, persons transferred, any incidents. This protects you and evidences compliance.