Offshore Pilots May Refuse To Fly

Offshore pilots could refuse to fly in severe weather conditions after warnings from the union.

 Pilots said they have concerns over a new net safety device designed to rescue casualties from water.

 The Dacoon Scoop system is to be used as a last resort where fast flying rescue copters cannot reach the location in time. 

The system includes a hydraulic arm which is used to scoop victims out of the freezing water. However, the union said all flying should be suspended if conditions become so extreme.

Robert Paterson, health and safety director at Oil & Gas UK, said: “Both the Health and Safety Executive and Oil & Gas UK support the use of dacoon scoops as an effective and safe means of rescuing people from the sea as part of an offshore emergency response.

"The industry’s priority is ensuring the safety of its workforce and Oil & Gas UK helps in that endeavour by disseminating best practice in a range of emergency response methods offshore to stakeholders.”

This warning comes from the British Air Line Pilots’ Association following the 20th anniversary of the Cormorant Alpha helicopter crash.

By Danielle O'Donnell