IOGP REPORT 690-3

Support Operations
690-3 - Support Operations

PASSENGER HANDLING

1. Passenger check-in

1A. Purpose

Ensuring manifests are accurate, and that passengers are appropriately escorted and seated.

1B. Expectations

A passenger check in process is established.

1C. Processes and practices

1C.1 A process is in place to verify the identity of passengers prior to boarding, ensure they
meet safety training, medical or other currency requirements, search for prohibited items
(prohibited either in-flight or at the destination) and deny boarding to passengers who are
disruptive.
1C.2 The aircraft operator has a process to conduct inbound, onshore security checks in
accordance with any local regulations or company contractual requirements.

Other references

• ICAO Annex 9 App2

• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Briefing Check-In Control

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2. Onshore passenger holding areas

2A. Purpose

Ensuring the physical design of helidecks and heliport, their markings, lighting, emergency
cover, and all ancillary systems are suitable for safe operations..

2B. Expectations

A suitable onshore passenger holding area is provided.

2C. Processes and practices

2C.1 The onshore passenger holding area includes:

2C.1.1 A designated area for the passenger and freight check-in process and security
checks
2C.1.2 A designated area for the passenger and freight check-in process, i.e., for
weighing and manifesting all outgoing passengers, baggage, and freight on
calibrated scales
2C.1.3 A dedicated and secure waiting area for outbound passengers that separates
them from incoming passengers
2C.1.4 A designated area for the display of written and graphic information related to
aircraft safety and local procedures
2C.1.5 A viewing room for video safety briefings (which may be the same area as that
used for the display of information)
2C.1.6 If applicable, a changing room for the donning of immersion suits (which may also
be the same area as the video room)
2C.1.7 A baggage collection area for incoming passengers

Other references

• ICAO Annex 6 Vol 3 Chapter 2.1

• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Heliport/ Vessel Pitch, Roll Heliport and Helideck Multiple Helicopter Heliport/
Helideck Heave Limits Management Operations Helideck Design

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Briefing Check-In Control

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3. Alcohol and drugs

3A. Purpose

Ensuring passengers are qualified and approved to travel, and are free of prohibited items.

3B. Expectations

Passengers are fit to travel.

3C. Processes and Practices

3C.1 Personnel under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs are prohibited from
boarding any aircraft.
3C.2 Check-in and Security staff are trained to recognise the signs of substance abuse and alert
their management for appropriate action to remove the passenger from the flight.

Other references

• ICAO Annex 9 Chapter 6.44, 6.45

• ICAO Doc 10117 (Manual on the Legal Aspects of Unruly and Disruptive Passengers)
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Briefing Check-In Control

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4. Passenger and baggage weights

4A. Purpose

Ensuring the accurate and safe aircraft loading within approved limits.

4B. Expectations

Passenger and baggage weights are accurate.

4C. Processes and practices

4C.1 Actual weights are used for passengers and all baggage
4C.2 Weighing scales are calibrated as per manufacturers recommended intervals. .

Other references

• ICAO Annex 6 Vol 3 Chapter 2.3

• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Briefing Check-In Control

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5. Passenger handling

5A. Purpose

Ensuring passengers are seated in appropriate positions to facilitate escape.

5B. Expectations

Passengers are allocated appropriate seats.

5C. Processes and practices

5C.1 No passenger is seated more than one seat from a push out window or emergency exit.
5C.2 A means is in place to identify passengers that will be required to be seated next to
appropriate exits, as described in the “Step Change for Safety XBR process”
5C.3 Ground Handling and Helideck staff involved in passenger seat attribution/verification during
boarding phase are aware of the XBR process

Other references

• Step Change in Safety: https://www.stepchangeinsafety.net/workgroups/helicopter-safety/

• E
ASA AMC1 SPA.HOFO.165(h) Additional procedures and equipment for operations in a hostile
environment - Emergency Exits and Escape Hatches
• R
AF IAM (Report No.528) and University of Loughborough Report on body size for the Joint
Aviation Authorities (JAA) in 2001
• UK CAA CAP 562 Civil Aircraft Airworthiness Information and Procedures.
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Briefing Check-In Control

Land/General SAR/Emergency
Impact Survival Flotation Underwater Escape Sea Survival Alerting Post-Accident
Survival Response

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6. Passenger - Personal Protective Equipment

6A. Purpose

Ensuring passengers are suitably dressed for the environment.

6B. Expectations

Passengers have suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the environment.

6C. Processes and practices

6C.1 All passengers are issued constant wear lifejackets meeting ETSO-2C504 with Personal
Locator Beacons (PLBs) and Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems (CA EBS).
6C.1.1 PLBs transmit on 121.5Mhz and/or AIS.
6C.1.2 PLBs are assessed for compatibility the aircraft ELT and Crew PLBs.
6C.2 Immersion suits are worn when required by regulation or by contract, meet ETSO-2C502 or
ETSO-2C503, or national aviation authority approved TSO, and which have been tested for
compatibility with the lifejacket
6C.3 Information is displayed on passenger clothing requirements, including the type and number
of layers required under immersion suits, if applicable to the operating region.
6C.4 Hearing protection is provided for passengers together with instructions for its use.

Other references

• ETSO 2C502
• ETSO 2C503
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Land/General SAR/Emergency
Impact Survival Flotation Underwater Escape Sea Survival Alerting Post-Accident
Survival Response

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PASSENGER HANDLING

7. Passenger briefing

7A. Purpose

Ensuring passengers have the necessary knowledge to safely board, disembark, and evacuate
the aircraft.

7B. Expectations

Passengers are adequately briefed before the flight.

7C. Processes and Practices

7C.1 Passengers are briefed on emergency procedures and other safety matters prior to every
flight. A video briefing is the preferred delivery method; this may be supplemented or
replaced by an aircrew briefing.
7C.2 Passenger briefings are tailored to the specific design features and equipment of the aircraft
to be used. If there are minor differences in configuration between the briefing and aircraft
to be used, a supplementary briefing on the aircraft or using illustrations of the differences
is provided before flight. Differences are minor if they are easy to understand and identify
on the aircraft, do not introduce risk of injury if misused and have no adverse effect on
survivability.
7C.3 Briefings are valid for 24 hours, after which a fresh briefing is delivered.
7C.4 In locations where some passengers do not fully understand the language used for the
briefing, the video contains subtitles, or there is a video in the local language, or a translator
is provided if necessary.
7C.5 There is a safety briefing card for each passenger seat containing information on safety
equipment and emergency procedures. The cards use graphics with international symbols,
or have information added in the local language(s) if required.
7C.6 The passenger briefing includes:
7C.6.1 A general description of the aircraft and the danger areas around main and tail
rotors, including safe and unsafe directions of approach and the danger of blade
sail during rotor start or shutdown.
7C.6.2 How survival suits are to be worn, if required, including use of hoods and gloves.
7C.6.3 Procedures for boarding and exiting the aircraft. Passengers are required to
remain seated until the flight/ground crew or other designated personnel open the
doors and instruct them to disembark.
7C.6.4 Proper storage of hand carried items.
7C.6.5 Instructions that smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited at all
times in aircraft, or on the aircraft movement area.
7C.6.6 Instructions that seat belts and shoulder harnesses are required to be worn at all
times, other than when embarking/disembarking.

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7C.6.7 Instructions on the use of personal electronic devices, if permitted.

7C.6.8 The location and operation of doors, emergency exits, emergency and lifesaving
equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, life jackets, life rafts, survival
gear, and emergency radio equipment (ELT and EPIRBs).
7C.6.9 Actions to be taken in the event of emergencies, including the brace position.
7C.6.10 Procedures for evacuating an aircraft in the event of an emergency landing on the
water or ditching, including the use of reference points for orientation, reminders
to not inflate life jackets until outside the helicopter and not to disembark the
aircraft while the rotors are turning.
7C.6.11 The means of communication between crew and passengers.
7C.6.12 The location and review of passenger briefing card.

Other references

• ICAO Annex 6 Vol 3 Chapters 2.2.11

• ICAO Doc 10086
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Briefing Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Check-In Control

Land/General SAR/Emergency
Impact Survival Flotation Underwater Escape Sea Survival Alerting Post-Accident
Survival Response

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PASSENGER HANDLING

8. Cargo - Weighing and documentation

8A. Purpose

Ensuring the accurate and safe aircraft loading within approved limits.

8B. Expectations

Cargo is correctly weighed and recorded in the manifest.

8C. Processes and practices

8C.1 Each piece of cargo offered for transport by air is weighed separately and recorded in the
manifest.
8C.2 The contents of each piece of cargo is verified against the manifest by its packing list or by
visual inspection
8C.3 Weighing scales are calibrated as per manufacturers recommended intervals. .

Other references

• ICAO Annex 6 Vol 3 Chapter 2.3

• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Briefing Check-In Control

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PASSENGER HANDLING

9. Cargo – Dangerous Goods

9A. Purpose

Ensuring only appropriately packaged and documented Dangerous Goods are carried in the
appropriate aircraft hold locations.

9B. Expectations

The aircraft operator has an appropriate Dangerous Goods programme in place.

9C. Processes and practices

9C.1 Where the carriage of Dangerous Goods by the aircraft operator is authorised, procedures
comply with the ICAO Technical Instructions or the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and
with local regulatory requirements. These include the training of relevant ground staff and
the provision of the correct documentation for all DG shipments.
9C.2 Where dangerous goods are not carried, Dangerous Goods Awareness training, compliant
with local regulatory requirements, is in place for all relevant ground staff at least every
2 years to prevent the carriage of undeclared dangerous goods that may be found in
passengers’ baggage and consigned freight.
9C.3 Provisions for Dangerous Goods carried by passengers or crew. Limitations for Portable
Electronic Devices (PED), batteries, including lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries,
and specified ignition sources are in place. This includes spare or loose batteries.
9C.4 At a minimum, these cover:
9C.4.1 Check-In procedures, including passenger declarations
9C.4.2 Forbidding charging PED in-flight
9C.4.3 Mitigation measures – Flame/Smoke Bag etc.
9C.4.4 E-Cigarettes (if permitted) must have batteries removed
9C.4.5 Checked in PED must be switched off
9C.4.6 No transport of loose lithium batteries

Other references

• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Briefing Check-In Control

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10. Manifests

10A. Purpose

Ensuring manifests are accurate, and that passengers are appropriately escorted and seated.

10B. Expectations

A passenger and cargo manifest is created for each flight.

10C. Processes and practices

10C.1 The manifest is developed from the published flight schedule containing the following
information, at a minimum:
10C.1.1 Aircraft registration
10C.1.2 Flight number (if applicable)
10C.1.3 Passenger name
10C.1.4 Passenger company affiliation
10C.1.5 Passenger actual weight
10C.1.6 Passenger baggage weight
10C.1.7 Cargo weight
10C.2 The manifest may be hand-written or generated from a computer-based manifesting system.
Where a hand-written manifest is used, a copy is left with a responsible person on the
ground who retains it until the flight is completed.
10C.3 Where a flight involves multiple sectors, a single consolidated manifest is generated for each
sector and provided to the pilot.
10C.4 Any last-minute changes are incorporated, and the manifest is revised accordingly.

Other references

• ICAO Annex 6 Vol 3 Chapter 2.3

• ICAO Annex 9 Chapter 4.14, App 2, App 3.
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Ground Collision/ Weight, Balance Passenger Security and

Flight Handling Dangerous Goods
Handling and Loading Briefing Check-In Control

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PASSENGER TRAINING

11. Passenger Training – Helicopter Underwater

Escape Training

11A. Purpose

Ensuring the occupants can escape in the event of a capsize or submersion.

11B. Expectations

Passengers are HUET trained.

11C. Processes and practices

11C.1 Passengers complete a HUET course to a recognised standard (e.g., OPITO) that includes
the use of a Modular Egress Training Simulator (METS) at least every four years, unless local
regulation requires greater frequency.
11C.2 This training is completed in conjunction with wet dingy drills using emergency equipment
similar to that installed on the aircraft.
11C.3 In HUET METS the emergency exit types and sizes are representative of the aircraft flown in
offshore operations.
11C.4 HUET trained personnel or their companies maintain a documented record of the training
completed.

Other references

• O
PITO Training Standard - Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) with Compressed
Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS)
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Land/General SAR/Emergency
Impact Survival Flotation Underwater Escape Sea Survival Alerting Post-Accident
Survival Response

Note: ‘Company’ is responsible for ensuring that passengers have undergone valid training and have the
necessary HUET and CA-A EBS qualifications. For more on ‘Responsible Party’, consult the Introduction
section of this Report.

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12. Passenger Training – Compressed Air Emergency

Breathing System

12A. Purpose

Ensuring the occupants can escape in the event of a capsize or submersion.

12B. Expectations

Passengers are trained on the use of Compressed Air - Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS)

12C. Processes and practices

12C.1 Passenger training in the use of the CA-EBS to ensure user proficiency is completed every 4
years.
12C.2 The CA-EBS is compatible with the lifejacket (and immersion suit, if required).
12C.3 An appropriate Maintenance Program (including pre-flight inspection) is in place for these
items.

Other references

• O
PITO Training Standard - Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) with Compressed
Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS)
• EN4856: 2018
• ETSO 2C519
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Land/General SAR/Emergency
Impact Survival Flotation Underwater Escape Sea Survival Alerting Post-Accident
Survival Response

Note: ‘Company’ is responsible for ensuring that passengers have undergone valid training and have the
necessary HUET and CA EBS qualifications. For more on ‘Responsible Party’, consult the Introduction
section of this Report.

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HELIDECK

13. Helideck – Management General

13A. Purpose

Ensuring the physical design of helidecks and heliport, their markings, lighting, emergency
cover, and all ancillary systems are suitable for safe operations.

13B. Expectations

Separation is maintained between inbound and outbound passengers and cargo.

13C. Processes and practices

13C.1 Helipads, heliports and offshore helidecks are clear of all cargo and passengers that are
being offloaded prior to passengers or cargo coming onto the helideck/heliport to board the
helicopter.
13C.2 Cargo is only be left on a helideck if formalised procedures, which include instructions and
provisions for securing the cargo, are established in writing and followed. The instructions
describe how to place the cargo without infringing on obstruction free areas.

Other references

• HSAC Helideck Recommended Practice – RP163 2nd Edition

• UK CAA CAP 437;
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Heliport/ Vessel Pitch, Roll Heliport and Helideck Multiple Helicopter Heliport/
Helideck Heave Limits Management Operations Helideck Design

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14. Helideck – Reporting

14A. Purpose

Ensure flight crew receive accurate actual and forecast weather data to make sound planning
decisions.

14B. Expectations

The aircraft operator is provided with weather and deck condition reports from offshore locations.

14C. Processes and practices

14C.1 Personnel trained and certified as aviation weather observers, or Automated Weather
Observing System (AWOS), are used to provide weather information.
14C.2 The reporting equipment provides the following information:
14C.2.1 wind speed and direction
14C.2.2 barometric pressure
14C.2.3 temperature
14C.2.4 visibility
14C.2.5 cloud base
14C.2.6 sea state
14C.3 For floating facilities, helideck motion data.
14C.4 All reporting equipment must be maintained and calibrated to a defined schedule and the
results recorded in a register.

Other references

• CAP 437
• ICAO Annex 6 Vol 3 Chapter 2.5
• BARSOHO
• HSAC Helideck Recommended Practice – RP163 2nd Edition
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Weather Effective Flight Regular Reports/ Adverse Weather

Aircraft Capability
Planning Forecasts Policy/Use

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15. Crane operations

15A. Purpose

Ensuring that helidecks are prepared for safe helicopter operations.

15B. Expectations

Helicopters operations are prohibited on the helideck unless cranes are shut down.

15C. Processes and Practices

15C.1 The company has established procedures to prohibit helideck operations when cranes are
active.
15C.2 Procedures are in place to communicate the crane situation to helicopter crews.

Other references

• CAP 437 Chapter 6.24

• HSAC Helideck Recommended Practice – RP163 2nd Edition
• HSAC Helideck Recommended Practice – RP81 BARSOHO
• HSAC Helideck Recommended Practices
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Surface/ Enhance Spaces/ Detect/Avoid Night/IFR Flight RADALT

Obstacle Contact Reduce Obstacles Obstacles Management Procedures/Use

Heliport/ Vessel Pitch, Roll Heliport and Helideck Multiple Helicopter Heliport/
Helideck Heave Limits Management Operations Helideck Design

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HELIDECK

16. Helideck - Staff training

16A. Purpose

Ensuring that helideck staff are appropriately trained.

16B. Expectations

Helideck staff are trained in accordance with OPITO standards or equivalent.

16C. Processes and practices

16C.1 Offshore installations have an HLO available for all helicopter movements with relevant
duties and responsibilities clearly outlined in an up-to-date HLO Manual.
16C.2 HLO and Helideck Assistants (HDA) undergo initial and recurrent training every two years in
accordance with OPITO standards (or an acceptable alternative standard).

Other references

• OPITO Training Standard - Helideck Emergency Response Team Leader

• BARSOHO
• HSAC Helideck Recommended Practice – RP163 2nd Edition
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Heliport/ Vessel Pitch, Roll Heliport and Helideck Multiple Helicopter Heliport/
Helideck Heave Limits Management Operations Helideck Design

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17. Helideck - Passenger Control

17A. Purpose

Ensuring manifests are accurate, and that passengers are appropriately escorted and seated.

17B. Expectations

Passengers are properly controlled on helidecks.

17C. Processes and practices

17C.1 An HLO and HDAs are used to control passenger movement on helidecks.

Other references

• HSAC Helideck Recommended Practice 2016-3 9.1.4UK CAA CAP 437

• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Heliport/ Vessel Pitch, Roll Heliport and Helideck Multiple Helicopter Heliport/
Helideck Heave Limits Management Operations Helideck Design

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18. Rotors Running Refuelling

18A. Purpose

Ensuring hot refuelling is completed safely.

18B. Expectations

The aircraft operator has established a procedure for Rotors Running Refuelling (RRRF) , if
applicable.

18C. Processes and practices

18C.1 The aircraft operator has documented procedures for the conduct of RRRF, where this is
permitted, and RRRF has been subject to a risk assessment.
18C.2 The procedures include the following in addition to any local regulatory requirements:
18C.2.1 A pilot is at the controls at all times.
18C.2.2 Passengers normally disembark prior to refuelling; however, if, for safety reasons,
the Commander decides to refuel with the passengers on board, the passengers
are informed of this decision and the actions to take in the event of a fire.
18C.2.3 Firefighting capability is available and manned.
18C.2.4 A person is stationed at the helicopter door to communicate with the passengers
if they remain on board, and assist evacuation in the event of a fire. This person
has visual contact with the refuelling operator.
18C.2.5 All seat belts are unfastened, the main exit door away from the side where
refuelling is occurring is opened unless otherwise specified by the RFM.
18C.2.6 HF radios is not used during refuelling, and the radar is switched to Standby.
18C.2.7 The aircraft, fuel supply and fuel hose are grounded before removing the fuel cap
and inserting the fuel nozzle into the aircraft fuel tank.
18C.2.8 After refuelling, a member of the crew verifies to the flight crew that all equipment
has been removed, the fuel cap has been replaced securely and the aircraft is
properly configured for flight.

Other references

• UK CAA CAP 437 – Chapter 8;

• HSAC Helideck Recommended Practice – RP163 2nd Edition
• HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model

Safety Effective Safety Multi-crew Personnel Modern/Proven Standards and

Enablers Safety Intelligence Competency
Leadership/Culture Management System Operations Readiness Technology Oversight

Fuel Exhaustion/ (Hot) Refuelling Fuel Flight Offshore Fuel Fuel Testing/
Contamination Procedures Checks Planning Alternates Reserves Inspection

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