CAP437
Offshore helidecks are essential to offshore safety and are important in getting crews and items to site in a fast and efficient way. Although the speed of helicopter transport is unparalleled, there are also downsides to this method of transportation. Flying with clear skies and low winds is a breeze, but offshore pilots can often be confronted with bad weather, high winds and poor visibility. These situations can be especially challenging when encountered during helicopter night flights.
In May 2012 the CAA (UK) introduced new standards for assets that facilitate night flights. This prescribed a revolutionary new lighting scheme. In this new lighting scheme, the Touchdown/Positioning Marking Circle and Heliport Identification Marking ‘H’ (TD/PM Circle-H) themselves are lit. This makes it much easier for pilots to perform safe touchdowns in poor visibility conditions.
In addition to the above, new requirements for the HMS system, including repeater lights, now have a confirmed compliance date of the 1st April 2021.This up-date is mandatory for all moving helidecks operating in European waters. You can read more about this specific update of the CAP437 on our HMS repeater light system page .
Orga has a complete helideck lighting system solution which complies fully with CAP437 standards. With over 300 successful installations on multiple deck types, we can deliver a first-time right solution for your specific situation.
What is in the CAP437 helideck regulations?
CAP437 standards prescribe a revolutionary new lighting scheme in which the Circle & H (Touchdown/Positioning Marking Circle and Heliport Identification Marking ‘H’) on the helideck are lit. This new way of illuminating the helideck eliminates the ‘black hole effect’ and glare from previous lighting solutions such as floodlights. It is much easier for pilots to perform safe touchdowns in poor visibility conditions.
CAP437 standards in your specific region
CAP437 has been written by the CAA (UK) for the UK continental shelf, for assets with helidecks that facilitate night flights. However, CAP437 is seen around the world as best practice. Many countries, owners and operators are enthusiastic about the improved safety that the Circle-H system provides and are adopting CAP437 in their region. Contact our helideck specialists to get specific information on helideck lighting requirements in your region.
Checklist: main products needed for compliance:
- Illuminated Circle-H
- Perimeter lights
- Illuminated windsock
- Status light system
- HMS Repeater light system
