Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations - 6th Edition 2025

The new and improved edition of ICS Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations provides up-to-date and practical guidance for shipping companies and crew based on the latest feedback from maritime and aviation experts. For almost 50 years the guide has served as industry standard best practice and is a carriage requirement by some flag states. For today’s technologically advanced and ever-growing shipping fleet, the goal remains the same: a safe and efficient operation for all involved.

The sixth edition has been reorganised to make it more user-friendly for crew to find relevant information quickly, and adds new ready-to-use content including:

• An enhanced shipboard safety checklist for helicopter operations, with tasks presented in chronological order;
• A new, industry standard risk assessment for landing and winching;
• An aide memoire for the responsible officer;
• An example toolbox talk before a helicopter operation;
• Further clarifications on roles and responsibilities; and
• Updated terminology.

The Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations can be used by ships’ masters, officers and crew, and is also useful reading for helicopter operators and marine pilots. This guide will help shoreside teams develop shipboard operating procedures and requirements for the full range of helicopter operations that may be undertaken on board.

The Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations is an essential publication to have on board and its recommendations are reinforced by the new e-learning course, Helicopter Operation Procedures for Ships, available from the ICS Academy. Shipowners can use this course alongside the publication to assess crew’s knowledge and competence on safe helicopter operations.