NOTICE TO LESSEES AND OPERATORS OF
FEDERAL OIL AND GAS LEASES
         IN THE PACIFIC OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF REGION

 Helideck Closures

This notice supersedes NTL 98-07. 

There have been some incidents involving helicopters landing on temporarily closed helidecks on platforms in the Pacific OCS Region.  In the interest of safety, we recommend that the following corrective actions be taken to remedy this situation.  We  recommend implementation of these procedures pursuant to Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 250.107, Safe and workmanlike operations, (b) "The lessee shall immediately take all necessary precautions to control, remove, or otherwise correct any hazardous oil and gas accumulation or other health, safety, or fire hazard."

In addition, as stated in Title 30 CFR Section 250.132, "The lessee shall make available for inspection by MMS representatives, all platforms....  For installations equipped with helicopter landing sites...the lessee shall provide the use of those facilities...."  The following recommended procedures will help ensure safe access.

To show that a helideck is temporarily closed, for any reason, and that helicopter landings are not permitted during the closure, a uniform visual indicator is needed.  As specified in the Helicopter Safety Advisory Conference Recommended Practices Nos. 92‑3 and ‑4, a red rotating beacon or red high‑intensity strobe light adjacent to the primary helideck stairwell should be activated to provide visible warning of any hazard that warrants the temporary closing of a facility's helideck.  Placement of the red rotating beacon or red high‑intensity strobe light should be reviewed to prevent obstructions and ensure proper clearance.  The beacon or light should be turned off when the hazard no longer exists.

The duration, time, location, and nature of the temporary closure should be discussed as necessary with company aviation departments, nearby helicopter bases, and helicopter pilots supporting the area.

These recommended measures should be implemented through the MMS's District offices and will remain in effect until superseded.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Statement:  This NTL does not impose information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding this NTL, please contact the undersigned (805) 389-7777.