In helicopter operations safety is the prime consideration

On 12-15 May, the Finnish Boarder Guard and other special forces, including the Police Rapid Response Unit Karhu, the Utti Jaeger Regiment, as well as special units from Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Denmark, drilled in Santahamina and at sea outside Helsinki. Around 200 people were involved. Finnlines’ freight-passenger vessel Finnlady also participated soon after departure from Vuosaari on 15 May .

For sea-going crew, drills with authorities, like border guards, police rapid response unit and other special units,  have become more and more international and offer “lessons learned” for all parties as mariners and aviators have qualifications and experience, but may not be familiar with each other’s profession.

Safety and security drills are a mandatory part of crew members’ duties as they must always be fully alert to the unexpected, whether it is a fire, chemical leakage or a medical emergency. The drill schedule covers a wide range of topics, like abandon ship, first aid, evacuation, and fire-fighting. Ropax-vessels must drill with authorities every 18^th month.

Helicopters serve many purposes

Helicopter operations to ships are infrequent, but take place once in a while, mostly to transport patients with an acute illness or to bring supplies, but helicopters are also used for search and rescue purposes or bringing in ship inspectors.  During the past few years there has been an increasing focus on ensuring safe merchant shipping in the Baltic Sea. Consequently, it has become more and more important to be prepared to respond to breaches of security, i.e. unlawful acts against the ship.

Multiple crew duties

The helicopter landing and winching area is on the uppermost deck. All crew members have dedicated duties during the operation. Fire groups prepare fire-fighting equipment, including fire hoses and extinguishers. One group clears the deck from loose objects and obstructions. Another makes a rescue boat ready for launching.

The bridge is manned at least with the Master, Chief Engineer and navigators. The Master always bears the overall responsibility and the Chief Engineer is in charge of fire groups. Deck officers concentrate on steering the ship and communicating with the helicopter, instructing of ship’s course, speed, and relative wind direction.

If the helicopter is coming to transport a patient, the first-aid group prepares the patient.

The catering crew normally makes sure that passengers do not go out on decks, but stay inside, if the operation takes place during daytime.