ICS: Updated Guide on Helicopter-Ship Operations

The maritime landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. With the global fleet expanding from approximately 1.7 billion deadweight tonnage in 2014 to roughly 2.4 billion today, a remarkable 40 per cent increase, helicopter-ship operations have similarly escalated in both frequency and complexity.

This growth, coupled with evolving operational procedures and safety protocols, has necessitated fresh guidance for maritime professionals. It's why we recently updated the International Chamber of Shipping’s Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, ensuring it continues to serve the industry well into the future. The growing trend of ports utilizing helicopter pilot transfers due to increasing vessel sizes exemplifies how operational realities continue to evolve at sea.

While no shipowner wants to contemplate medical evacuations, as they indicate a crew member in distress, these operations remain an unavoidable reality of maritime life. Addressing these challenging scenarios requires protocols built on real-world experience and continuous improvement.

Through our involvement in marine investigations and best practice development, one truth consistently emerges: communication excellence during critical operations is non-negotiable. This principle has driven the development of improved toolbox talk templates and communication frameworks designed to prevent potentially hazardous information gaps.

This focus on communication isn't merely theoretical, we've witnessed numerous