HDA (Helideck Assistant)

Course Content

HDA Course Content

• Understand key parts of relevant helideck operation regulations and guidelines
• Understand helideck physical characteristics
• Understand helideck obstacle-free requirements
• Understand helideck equipment and systems
• Understand meteorological requirements for offshore helicopter operations
• Understand typical hazards associated with offshore helideck operations.
• Understand how dangerous goods are identified, packaged and labelled according to IATA and ICAO regulations
• Define the role of the offshore HDA.
• Understand typical HDA duties on an NUI
• Explain the responsibilities of an HDA during helicopter operations
• State typical routine helideck and helicopter operational procedures prior to landing, helicopter on deck and helicopter take off.
• Use handheld radios correctly, complying with radio communications protocol.
• Assist HLO with communication checks, checking helideck equipment status, safety nets, security and stowage of helideck equipment.
• Ensure they [HDAs] are in the required locations during helicopter operations
• Wear appropriate HDA PPE during helicopter operations
• Under direction from the HLO:

a) Load and unload passenger baggage correctly

b) Load and unload helicopter freight correctly – using correct manual handling techniques and within helicopter freight loading limitations and requirements.

• Comply with helideck protocols and procedures during helicopter operations
• Comply with helicopter danger areas rules.
• Assist with passenger safe egress and access on the helideck, to and from the helicopter.
• Identify dangerous goods during helicopter loading and unloading

HERTM Course Content – (at some places it is also known by OEHTM – Offshore Emergency Helideck Team Member)

• Define the key role and key responsibilities of the HDA HERTM.
• State the main elements of helideck emergency response plan.
• Identify types of potential offshore helideck emergencies.
• State the general firefighting safety goals and objectives.
• Explain the purpose of typical helideck emergency systems and controls.
• Explain the main differences between helideck emergency response on a main fixed or floating installation and a normally unattended installation (NUI).
• Communicate effectively with HLO and team members.
• Respond appropriately to HLO direction in emergencies.
• Under direction from the HLO: approach the incident area in a controlled manner – continually assessing how the changes in the emergency could impact on the safety of other HERT members.
• Conduct BA operations in accordance with HLO directions and safe practices.
• Conduct firefighting operations effectively using fixed and mobile equipment.
• Update HLO on progress against the plan at appropriate times.
• Under direction from the HLO: respond to non-fire helideck emergencies.
• Conduct effective search and rescue for missing persons and casualties during the emergency.
• Use correct casualty handling techniques
• Work with ER back-up team when required to do so.
• Report to HLO any human factors that may affect individual or team performance during the emergency (Team Learning Objective).

HDA / HERTM Refresher Course Content

• Techniques for keeping calm during an emergency response.
• Asking for assistance if overwhelmed by the emergency situation.
• Effective communications with HLO and other team members – clear and concise communication.
• Updating HLO on progress against the plan.
• Responding appropriately to HLO direction during a helideck emergency
• Effective execution of emergency response tasks.
• Conducting helicopter incident firefighting operations.
• Correct use of breathing apparatus (BA) when instructed by HLO.
• Conducting effective Helicopter/helideck SAR techniques.
• Responding to non-firefighting operations during a helicopter incident.
• Effective use of fixed and mobile firefighting systems.
• Correct casualty handling techniques.