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Regulators announced major safety improvements to North Sea helicopter operations yesterday in the wake of a series of fatal North Sea helicopter crashes over recent years.
The Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) decision follows the August 2013 Super Puma tragedy in which four people died and the April 2009 Super Puma disaster which claimed 16 lives and a series of North Sea helicopter crashes over recent years.
Among the measures announced are amendments to the seating of passengers and equipment improvements.
Changes will also be made to the way pilots are trained and checked.
The CAA will assume the role of approving each offshore helideck, ensuring they meet strict safety standards.
Its comprehensive review was undertaken in conjunction with the Norwegian CAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and was advised by a panel of independent experts.
CAA chair Dame Deirdre Hutton said: "The safety of those who rely on offshore helicopter flights is our absolute priority."
She added that the steps would "result in significant improvements in safety for those flying to and from offshore sites in the UK and potentially worldwide."
In gathering evidence for the review the CAA team engaged with trade unions representing industry workers and pilots, the oil and gas industry, helicopter operators, manufacturers, government, regulatory bodies and other experts in the field, as well as analysing available data and reports.
Labour MP for Aberdeen North Frank Doran welcomed the report, particularly the comparison with the Norwegian system, but said: "The action suggested by the report raises other questions.
"The Norwegian system has a direct link to the transport ministry as well the Norwegian CAA. That gives much more muscle to the reporting system," he said.
Transport union RMT general secretary Bob Crow also welcomed the review as "a step in the right direction" but queried how the changes would be enforced.
"We support the recommendations as far as they go, but cannot see how they are going to be enforced when the number of CAA helicopter inspectors is being cut," he said.
