Onboard Helideck Safety Training (HLO/HDA)

Professional onboard training for helicopter operations on large yachts.

Accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in compliance with MGN 695(M).

This course is specifically designed for yacht crew to ensure safe and compliant helicopter landing operations. Delivered either onboard your vessel, at a private estate, or at our facility in the South of France, it is suitable for new crew members and those seeking a refresher.

Training covers both normal operations and emergency procedures, tailored to your yacht’s specific helicopter operations manual (HOM).

• Format: onboard or estate-based, 2–3 days
• Location: worldwide
• Language: English (French and Spanish speakers available)
• Group size: up to 12 participants 
• Eligibility: any yacht crew meeting prerequisites is eligible (with STCW Basic + Advanced Fire for HLO)

Prerequisites

STCW Basic Safety Training – Required for all participants:

• Personal Survival Techniques – STCW Table A-VI/1-1
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting – STCW Table A-VI/1-2
• Elementary First Aid – STCW Table A-VI/1-3
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities – STCW Table A-VI/1-4

For HLO Certification (additional requirement):

• Advanced Fire Fighting – STCW Table A-VI/3

Why do this training?

Whether your deck is certified or private, helicopter operations carry real risk. Training strengthens crew readiness, coordination, Safety, Security and confidence  during guest transfers or high-pressure scenarios.

It also supports insurance compliance and improves operational safety.

Course Content: Helideck Safety Training

Our Helideck Safety Training combines theoretical instruction, practical drills, and formal assessment to ensure yacht crew are fully prepared for helicopter operations onboard.
Included in the training:
Theoretical Module

Delivered onboard or shore-based, this module covers key knowledge areas drawn from the MCA’s Large Commercial Yacht Code syllabus for HLOs and HDAs. Topics include:

• Roles and responsibilities of HLO, HDA, HRO
• Standard operating procedures and communications
• Hazards, safety zones, and landing limitations
• Weather, deck movement, and emergency decision-making
• Aircraft types and handling limitations
• First aid, firefighting, and foam deployment restrictions (MARPOL)
• Emergency procedures, incident response, and casualty management
• Aeronautical signals and standard hand gestures

Practical Module

• Helideck inspection and equipment checks
• Update of Helicopter Operations Manual (HOM) and audit report
• Communication protocol rehearsal and coordination
• On-deck serials (day and night)
• Firefighting and emergency response simulations

Optional module

• Helicopter refuelling procedures (+ 1/2 day) 

Price List

• Helideck Safety Training (up to 12 participants, without refuelling module): €8,000 + Travel Expenses
• Helideck Safety Training + Refuelling Module (up to 12 participants): €9,500 + Travel Expenses
• Dangerous Goods Online Course: €180 per person