New size restrictions for Offshore Helicopter Travel (mobilising from the UK).
There has been a lot of media coverage recently outlining the new passenger sizing restrictions that will affect offshore travel from April 1st 2015 – But what do they mean for Wellwise Group contractors?
- From 1st April 2015, the CAA will prohibit helicopter operators from carrying passengers on offshore flights, whose body size is incompatible with the nearest authorised underwater escape exit.
- This basically means your body size MUST be recorded on your vantage so that when your offshore helicopter flight is booked the helicrew can match you to a suitable seat.
- There are several ways to get measured – medics on most North Sea platforms have had training to measure and record your size. However if you are not offshore in the North Sea prior to April 1st, Wellwise advise you to get yourself measured at a suitable medical centre.
- Contractors with a shoulder width of more than 22” (55.9cm) will be classed as Extra Broad (XBR) while those with a width less than this will be classed as ‘regular’.
- From April 1st if your body size has not been recorded on your vantage then you will automatically be classed as XBR – and with only 30% of seats on most choppers being fit for XBR passengers you may find yourself unable to fly.
For further information please see the FAQ sheet on the ‘Step Change In Safety’ Website which is very informative: https://www.stepchangeinsafety.net/safety-resources/helicopter-safety/helicopter-safety-resources
Alternatively feel free to contact our QHSE Department at: qhse@wellwisegroup.com