Section 5 Helicopter landing areas

5.1.1 Where it is proposed to construct helicopter landing areas in FRP composite materials, each case will be subject to individual consideration.

5.1.2 Attention is drawn to the requirements and guidance of National and other Authorities concerning the construction of helicopter landing platforms and the operation of helicopters as they affect the ship. These include SOLAS Reg.II-2/18 and Reg.III/28 as applicable as well as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations and the International Aeronautical Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR) and CAP437 Standards for Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas.

5.1.3 Attention is drawn to the requirements of National and other Authorities concerning the construction of helicopter landing platforms and the operation of helicopters as they affect the craft.

5.1.4 Plans are to be submitted showing the proposed scantlings and arrangements of the structure. The type, size and weight of helicopters to be used are also to be indicated. Details of the helicopter types to be used are to be included in the craft`s documentation, and be contained in a notice displayed on the helicopter landing deck.

5.1.5 Where the landing area forms part of a weather or erection deck, the scantlings are to be not less than those required for decks in the same position.

5.1.6 The requirements for fire protection, detection and extinction are outside the scope of classification and are therefore to comply with requirements of the National Authority.

5.1.7 It is recommended that single skin laminate construction incorporating longitudinal or transverse stiffening is to be adopted. Where it is proposed to use sandwich skin construction, particular care is to be given to the selection of the core material; such proposals will require to be specially considered, and testing may be required to demonstrate the suitability of the panels.

5.2.1 The symbols in this Section are as defined in Pt 8, Ch 3, 1.5 Symbols and definitions 1.5.1 and in the appropriate sub-Section.

5.3.1 The landing area is to be sufficiently large to allow for the landing and manoeuvring of the helicopter, and is to be approached by a clear landing and take-off sector complying in extent with the applicable regulations.

5.3.2 The landing area is to be free of any projections above the level of the deck. Projections in the zone surrounding the landing area are to be kept below the heights permitted by the regulations.

5.3.3 Suitable arrangements are to be made to minimise the risk of personnel or machinery sliding off the landing area. A non-slip surface and anchoring devices are to be provided.

5.3.4 Arrangements are to be made for drainage of the platform, including drainage of spilt fuel.

5.3.5 Details of the connections to the hull of helicopter securing arrangements are to be submitted for approval.

5.3.6 Engine uptake arrangements are to be sited such that exhaust gases cannot be drawn into helicopter engine intakes during helicopter take off or landing operations.

5.4.1 The load cases to be investigated are to be not less than those required by Pt 7, Ch 5, 6 Helicopter landing areas for helicopter landing areas of aluminium alloy construction.

5.4.2 The proposed loadings are to be agreed with LR prior to scantling analysis and submission of structural plans for appraisal.

5.4.3 Details of the deck loading resulting from the proposed stowage arrangements of helicopters are to be supplied by the Builder. These details are to include the axle and wheel spacing, the wheel load, type of tyre and tyre print dimensions for the helicopter. For design purposes the wheel loading is to be taken as not less than 3,0 kN (0,3 tonne-f).

5.4.4 Where it is proposed also to use the decks for general cargo or other alternative use, the design loadings are to be submitted for consideration.

5.5.1 The scantlings and arrangements of helicopter landing areas are to be not less than those required by the Rules for the supporting structure in which the helicopter landing areas are fitted. In general the end fixity of primary stiffening members is to be taken as simply supported. Local and secondary stiffening members may be either partially or fully fixed at their end connections dependent upon the proposed arrangement.