Helideck Certification Agency Ltd

HCA is one of the world’s most recognised providers of helideck inspection and certification services in the yachting industry. As an industry leader in the delivery of expert helideck and helipad services, it ensures superyacht landing areas meet or exceed the relevant legislation, standards and practices, creating a safe and secure environment for every landing and take-off. HCA is an authoritative contributor to global helideck safety and has been for over 30 years, delivering quality services for clients in any location and at any time.

HCA headquarters is in Aberdeen, Scotland, with satellite offices in Norwich, England; and Arendal, Norway and deploys its inspectors on a worldwide basis.

Helicopter landing platform safety

With decades of experience, HCA certifies and provides guidance on helipad layout and dimensions for a variety of helicopter types to ensure current legislation, international standards and recommended practices are met (or exceeded).

It is important to use an organisation that has been approved to inspect helicopter landing zones and platforms by the flag state under which the yacht operates. Such companies are classed as Aviation Inspection Bodies (AIB) and they are authorised to undertake the verification process that includes inspection, certification and where necessary, the application of appropriate operational limitations. HCA is an approved AIB to the Red Ensign Group of Shipping Registers that includes Bermuda, British Virgin islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, and the UK. It is also an AIB to the Bahamas Maritime Authority.

Superyacht helipad inspection services

One of the world’s leading authorities on all matters relating to the safe and compliant operation of helicopter landing areas onshore, offshore and afloat, HCA’s staff have extensive commercial helicopter operational experience in multiple different disciplines.

Key areas of inspections carried out by HCA include:

• Landing area size surface
• Lighting
• Markings
• Helideck equipment (including rescue equipment)
• Fire-fighting arrangements
• Crew training
• Carriage of dangerous goods by air (where appropriate)

Helideck certification

The on-site inspection can normally be completed in one day, though the gathering of all relevant information and closing out of action may take longer, depending on how organised the yacht crew is for the audit.

On successful completion of the audit, a Helicopter Landing Area Certificate is issued, noting any limitations that may apply, and displaying the size (D value) and weight (t value) of helicopters that can be accommodated. The certificate is valid for 12 months.

Helideck safety and consultancy for superyachts

With an international network of superyacht clients, HCA advises, inspects and certifies helidecks to ensure it conforms with current standards and regulations.

With an impressive portfolio of around 100 superyachts, HCA’s team of highly qualified inspectors travel worldwide to inspect and certify helidecks.

HCA provides a consultancy service to assist yacht designers on the design, layout and location of the helideck. Understanding the importance of avoiding future issues and alterations, HCA advises naval architects and shipyards and continues to offer its knowledge throughout the building process.

It is common to want the location of a yacht helideck to look aesthetically pleasing. However, HCA provides important contributions throughout the design process to ensure potential hazards are being considered, such as turbulence and motion, as well as the issues surrounding obstacle clearance and structure strength.

Whether it is for advice on modifying existing helidecks, or for new builds, contacting HCA for early consultation helps to deliver the best operational solution compliant with aviation regulations.

Dangerous goods training for crew

HCA offers Dangerous Goods by Air Awareness training, courtesy of an online eLearning course that is available directly through its website. This is a prerequisite for all deck crew involved in the helicopter operation as it provides an overview of what is classed as dangerous goods, and the rules for handling and transporting them in a helicopter.

The course takes approximately 2 hours but can be completed at the user’s own pace. At the end of the course, there is a list of multiple-choice questions to check the understanding of the content. On successful completion, the candidate receives a certificate valid for 2 years. More information on the eLearning course can be found on HCA website.

Get in touch with Helideck Certification Agency today for helipad inspections and consultancy services.