This document discusses commercial and private helidecks. Commercial helidecks are built to strict standards and must meet requirements set by the vessel's flag state, including size, markings, equipment, and crew training. They must be inspected annually and certified. It is best to design a commercial helideck into new yacht builds. Private helidecks have no regulations but most yachts do have safety standards and procedures. The main difference is commercial helidecks can be used for financial gain while private helidecks are solely for owner and guest use.

1. PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL
Large Yacht Helidecks Helidecks SA Ltd.

2. COMMERCIAL HELIDECKS
Commercial helidecks are built to strict
commercial standards for strength and
crash worthiness. These types of helideck
are generally designed to operate a certain
size and weight of helicopter.
Commercial helidecks must meet the
requirements issued by the vessels flag
state for commercial helicopter operations.
These requirements will include but not
limited to -
• Helideck Size & Shape
• Free from Obstructions
• Helideck Markings
• Equipment & Facilities
• Crew Training
• Operating Procedures

3. The standards for Commercial Helidecks are contained within ICAO ANNEX 14 Volume II, although there can
be variations based on national aviation standards of the flag state. Commercial Helidecks are required to be
inspected and certified annually or bi-annually by a authorised flag state Aviation Inspection Body (AIB).

4. A commercial yacht helideck needs to be incorporated into the
design stage of a yacht as it can be very problematic to convert
a helideck built to private standards to gain commercial
certification.
It has become increasingly common for new build projects to
incorporate a commercially compliant helideck even if the
helideck will be used for private use only. This can be for
reasons such as possible charter or re-sale of the vessel.

5. A term often quoted but meaningless is
Touch and Go. A helideck is either a private
operation or meets the criteria for commercial
standard. In either case, it should be suitably
manned with trained personnel, have suitable
safety equipment and procedures in place. If
the deck area has been designed to be used
by a helicopter it is a helideck!
PRIVATE HELIDECKS
By far the most numerous helideck type
currently in the industry is a privately
operated helideck. There are currently no
regulations regarding the standards or
operation of privately operated helidecks.
However most yachts do have standards,
equipment and procedures in place for the
safety of the guests, to meet hull insurance
and safety management purposes.

6. COMMERCIAL HELIDECK PRIVATE HELIDECK
• Helideck can be used for commercial
charter helicopters.
• Guests chartering the yacht can use the
helideck.
• Any use of the helideck for financial
remuneration.
• Helideck can be used for a privately
registered helicopter for the sole use of
the owner and his guests.