Is Your Helideck Operations Manual (HOM) Up to Date?

In the yacht and shipbuilding process, a Helicopter Operations Manual (HOM) is often a required component, whether the helideck complies with CAP437 or not.

Unfortunately, many HOMs are created as generic, copy-paste documents by a maritime aviation provider and often derived from oil and gas helideck operations and lack customization for the specific needs of the yacht or its operations. These manuals are typically completed during the build process to tick a regulatory box and then filed away, never to be referenced again.

The result? Manuals that quickly become outdated and irrelevant. Without alignment between the actual crew procedures and the HOM, the risk of operational errors increases significantly. In the event of an accident, legal scrutiny may reveal that crew members failed to follow their manual regardless of its shortcomings, leading to potential negligence claims.

In maritime aviation, an effective HOM is more than a legal requirement; it’s the foundation of safe, efficient helicopter operations. It should be tailored to reflect your vessel’s unique procedures and updated at least annually to ensure alignment with current practices.

At HOY, we specialize in crafting HOMs that are purpose-built for your yacht, providing operational clarity and reducing risk.

When was the last time you reviewed or updated yours?