6.0 General Precautions

  6.1 Whenever a helicopter is stationary on board a vessel with its rotors turning, no person should, except in case of emergency, enter upon or move about the helicopter landing area other than within view of a crew member or the officer(s) in charge of helicopter landing area operations team(s) and at a safe distance from the engine exhausts and tail rotor of the helicopter. It may be dangerous to pass close to the front of those helicopters which have a low main rotor profile.

  6.2 The practical implementation of paragraph 6.1 above is best served through consultation with the helicopter pilot/operator for a clear understanding of the approach paths approved for personnel and danger areas associated with a rotors-running helicopter. These areas are type-specific but, in general, the approved routes to and from the helicopter are at the 2–4 o'clock and 8–10 o'clock positions. Avoidance of the 12 o'clock (low rotor profile helicopters) and 6 o'clock (tail rotor danger areas) positions should be maintained.

  6.3 Where anti-collison lights are utilised, the helicopter landing operations team will ensure they are switched off before the movement of passengers and/or freight takes place. The helicopter landing area should be kept clear of all personnel while anti-collision lights are on.