What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- HLO certificate to the OPITO standard (Helicopter Landing Officer), periodically revalidated (as a guide: two-yearly refresher).
- Helideck technical framework: UK CAA CAP 437 (the world reference standard for offshore landing areas) and ICAO Annex 14, Volume II; on floating units, HMS monitoring per the HCA scheme (region-dependent).
- For the radio operator function: GMDSS General Operator's Certificate (GOC, STCW IV/2) and, depending on the aviation administration, an aeronautical radiotelephony certificate for the installation's aeronautical station (verify by country).
Basic STCW
- OPITO BOSIET/FOET with HUET and CA-EBS, and a valid offshore medical (OEUK or equivalent).
- Depending on the unit's flag, STCW A-VI/1 basic training (verify).
Specific courses
- OPITO Helideck Emergency Response Team Member and Team Leader (HERTM/HERTL): fire fighting and rescue in a helicopter accident on deck.
- Helicopter refuelling and aviation fuel handling (sampling, filtration, static).
- CRM (Crew Resource Management) applied to offshore air operations.
- Aeronautical radiotelephony and standard ICAO phraseology.
- POB management and personnel tracking systems (operator's vantage/tracking).
Indicative experience
As a guide: 2-3 years on the unit (radio, marine or deck crew) before taking over the helideck; experienced HDAs (Helideck Assistants) with the HLO course are the position's natural feeder.
Observations
The HLO certificate is a condition of the position and its periodic recertification is mandatory (OPITO scheme — verify validity periods). During the flight window his authority over the helideck is absolute: he can refuse the operation even with the helicopter on approach. The HLO+radio combination is common on MODUs but not universal — large units separate the positions. CAP 437 and the air operator's guidance (wind and motion limits per aircraft type) are the operational bible.
What this role does
The helicopter is the usual crew-change transport on MODUs, and the helideck concentrates the installation's greatest aviation risk into a few minutes. The HLO commands that space: decides whether the deck is fit, briefs the pilots on wind and unit motion, and leads the response if something goes wrong. On many units the position is combined with that of radio operator, chaining the flight window to the rest of the external communications.
Typical watches
- 12 hour shifts / Activation during air operations
Key responsibilities
- Direct the safety of every landing and take-off: helideck inspection, clear deck, emergency team ready and wind/motion within limits.
- Pass weather and helideck motion to the pilots (HMS system on floating units: pitch, roll and heave).
- Manage the unit's external communications (aeronautical and marine VHF/HF, satellite) and GMDSS distress communications.
- Control the POB (Personnel on Board), flight manifests and weights, and the passenger briefing with suits and EBS.
- Supervise helicopter refuelling: fuel quality and sampling, bonding and permits.
- Command the helideck emergency response team in the event of an aircraft accident on deck.
Operational scope
- Radio Cabin / Bridge
- Heliport (during air operations)
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.