Article

Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations


published on 13 July 2021 208 -

The ICS Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations is the industry standard best practice guide for shipping companies, ships’ crew and helicopter operators. Written for both those in the air and those at sea, this important interface document helps all those involved in helicopter/ship operations become familiar with the important technical aspects of these complex operations.

The fifth edition provides the latest guidance on standardised procedures and facilities for helicopter/ship operations worldwide, and encourages safe and efficient performance in the field. The Guide has been fully updated to reflect the most up-to-date advice from industry experts in both the maritime and aviation sectors. For ships to which the International Safety Management (ISM) Code applies, this Guide may also help in developing shipboard operating procedures and requirements for the various helicopter operations that may be undertaken on board.
New in the fifth edition:
  • Updated guidance on transferring marine pilots directly to the bridge wing by winch, including associated risk assessments.
  • A detailed list of abbreviations and definitions from the maritime and aviation industry.
  • Expanded information on the requirements specific to different ship types.
  • Revised layout and checklists to better reflect human factors.
The Guide should be carried on board every ship and should be accessible to ships’ Masters, officers and crew, helicopter pilots and operators.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Opinion Hybrid War at Sea

by Frank Diegel - published on 25 March 2025

Electronic warfare in the Baltic Sea is escalating rapidly, with GPS and AIS disruptions posing growing risks to maritime navigation. Russia’s hybrid strategy is targeting both safety and stability in one of Europe’s most critical shipping regions. Pilots and crews now face a new reality: navigating under threat.

0

Video Port Ash Australia: Ship Handling Training & Research Centre

published on 28 January 2022

RINA ACT Technical Meeting
23 November 2021
Port Ash Australia: Ship Handling Training & Research Centre
By A. Beazley, Port Ash, Australia

1

Article Study on European maritime pilots: Working unusual hours and its relationship to job satisfaction

published on 1 October 2025

This article was published some time ago but is still up to date: The study focuses on maritime pilotage in seven European countries and analyzes the level of job satisfaction and its predictors.

5

Video How AIS Works - Operation of AIS

published on 30 June 2020

This section should give a short introduction to: Operational aspects of AIS Functions and features Human aspects Key Points The AIS transponder unit. Automatic communication. SOLAS requirements. AIS Information sent by ships. Static information update. MMSI Dynamic information update. Voyage related information update. Checking AIS data. BIIT Display Of AIS data. Recommended AIS symbols. Sleeping target symbol. Activated target symbol. Selected target symbol. Dangerous target...

0

Opinion Pilot safety: a crucial component of navigation safety

by MS Amlin Marine - published on 22 October 2024

The latest MS Amlin Marine circular, compiled by theTechnical Loss Prevention Consultant Peter van der Kroft, focuses on the importance of pilot safety in marine navigation.

0

Article Port Canaveral to Add New Patrol and Pilot Boats

by MarineLink - published on 30 August 2022

Port Canaveral will add a new security patrol vessel and a pilot boat after receiving federal grant funding for several projects to protect against terrorism and other security threats.

1

Video Maritime Pilot - Signal flags - Episode 7

by Dr. Captain Ahmed Sati - published on 2 September 2024

Is #ships still use #flags for #communication ?

1

Video Pilot Boat "Pacific Scout" in Victoria, BC

published on 30 May 2024

Found on YouTube. Created by "Capt Larry ". Originally published on 2024-05-24.

0

Video Disembarking in Australia - Flinders Ports

published on 31 August 2022

Australian Pilot Disembarking Ship Using Pilot Ladder With Man Ropes

0

Video Storm Bert, Rough & calm, 'Murshid' Interceptor Pilot 60

published on 5 December 2024

We get to take the rough with the smooth on sea trials, 'Murshid'- Interceptor Pilot 60, lovely looking pilot boat.

0