Shore-Based Helideck Safety Training (HLO/HDA)

Helideck Safety Training – Shore-Based Course

MCA-accredited training for safe and effective helicopter operations on large yachts.

Whether you’re joining a yacht mid-season, missed onboard training, or looking to enhance your CV, this course gives you the certification and confidence you need.

Delivered in Cannes (France), the course is led by two expert instructors.
HeliRiviera’s team is composed of commercial, ex-Navy and yacht-based helicopter pilots, all currently active in the superyacht industry. With over 20 years of experience, they have successfully trained hundreds of crew members over the past decade.

The course and instructors are fully accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and follow the official MGN 695(M) syllabus.

Who is this course for?

• Yacht crew involved in helideck and helicopter operations
• New crew members joining yachts with helicopter capability
• Candidates preparing for a yachting career and seeking recognised certification
• Crew requiring refresher training or formal assessment

Course Details

• Location: Cannes Mandelieu Airport, South of France
• Format: Shore‑based training – classroom & practical exercises
• Language: English (French support available)
• Duration:
  • 2 days – Modules 1 to 3
  • Optional Day 3 (1/2 day) – Refuelling Module
• Group size: Small groups (up to 6 participants)
• Instructors: 2 qualified, MCA‑approved 

Course Content – Helideck Safety Training

The training combines theory and practical exercises across the two days, covering the following modules:

Module 1 – Normal & Emergency Procedures

• Standard operating procedures and communications
• Helideck hazards, safety zones and limitations
• Weather, deck movement and decision‑making
• Emergency response, incident management and casualty handling
• Aeronautical signals and hand gestures

Module 2 – Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) / HDA

• Roles and responsibilities of HLO, HDA and HRO
• Crew coordination and on‑deck communications
• Helideck inspections and equipment checks
• Interaction with flight crew and aircraft limitations

Module 3 – Helicopter Firefighting

• Fire prevention and response
• Use of firefighting equipment and foam systems
• Practical emergency scenarios and drills
• MARPOL considerations and operational constraints
• Aeronautical signals and hand gestures

Optional Module – Day 3 (1/2 day)

Module 4 – Helicopter Refuelling Operations

• Refuelling procedures and safety zones
• Fuel types, risks and PPE
• Communication, checklists and emergency response during refuelling

Prerequisites

Required for all participants

• STCW Basic Safety Training
  • Personal Survival Techniques (A‑VI/1‑1)
  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (A‑VI/1‑2)
  • Elementary First Aid (A‑VI/1‑3)
  • Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (A‑VI/1‑4)

Additional requirement for HLO certification

• Advanced Fire Fighting – STCW A‑VI/3

Dates & Enquiries

Shore‑based sessions are scheduled throughout the year.
For upcoming dates, pricing and availability, please contact HeliRiviera.