News in English

Ensuring Safe and Efficient Marine Pilot Transfers by Helicopter

In this article, first appearing in the Issue 59 of The International Pilot, ICS Technical Content Development Manager Sarah Lovell explains the development of the ICS Academy training module Helicopter Operation Procedures for Ships: Managing Marine Pilot Transfers.

Most ship’s crews are familiar with pilot transfers by boat, however, many won’t have experienced helicopter transfers for marine pilots to the bridge wing. When helicopter operations are needed on board, these are often for medical evacuations which may not demand as much involvement from the ship’s crew. Due to their infrequency and necessary coordinated effort, marine pilot transfers require careful planning between ship’s crews, helicopter pilots and marine pilots themselves. To ensure the safety of everyone involved, it is vital that ship’s crews are prepared for the unique operational challenges that could arise.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Academy has launched a new micro-learning module on managing marine pilot transfers with support from the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA). This partnership ensures the training is based on the realities at sea and reflects the practical insights of marine pilots alongside ship operational procedures. When designing this module, engaging visuals and interactive scenarios were top priorities to ensure crew understand their responsibilities within the full scope of these transfers. Thanks to videos provided by IMPA, ship’s crews can immerse themselves deeper into these complex operations by viewing both the ship’s and the marine pilot’s perspectives.

The training’s content comes from the ICS publication Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, which was also developed in collaboration with IMPA and has provided guidance on marine pilot transfers to the bridge wing for years. The new e-learning module builds on this trusted guidance, providing ship’s crews a safe environment to test their knowledge and better grasp their role before an actual helicopter transfers occurs. When used together, these resources provide ship’s crews the choice to prepare for marine pilot transfers in their own preferred style, whether reading detailed procedures or working through interactive scenarios.

The e-learning module explores the team work and essential communications between the ship’s crew, the helicopter pilot and the marine pilot at all stages of the operation. The marine pilots’ role is emphasised throughout as they bring specialist knowledge on the appropriate rendezvous for the helicopter. Other key aspects covered in the course include proper briefing of ship’s crews, specific preparations needed for nighttime operations and mitigation of risks including static discharge.

Helicopter Operation Procedures for Ships: Managing Marine Pilot Transfers is available now through the ICS Academy, priced at £15 for a year’s access. The e-learning module is self-lead and can be completed in just 10 minutes, making it an efficient and practical tool for crew preparation and refresher training. The ICS Academy can be accessed via a mobile app for offline learning, as well as being available on desktop and tablet.

As helicopter pilot transfers become more common, having standardised, expert-validated training available helps ensure that best practices are consistently applied across the industry, supporting the maritime community’s ongoing commitment to operational safety and, crucially, the safety of marine pilots.