Course Syllabus
The course is structured around a series of modules designed to deliver both the theoretical knowledge and practical competencies required for safe helideck operations on large yachts.
All content is developed in direct alignment with Section 1 – Large Yacht Helideck Safety Training Qualification from the MCA Large Yacht Helideck Safety Training Syllabuses.
MCA - Large Yacht Safety Training Syllabuses See moreHelideck Procedure & Emergency Response
- Deck preparation & guest movement coordination
- Standard Operating Procedures for helicopter landings and departures
- Emergency evacuation protocols
- Role of the Helideck Assistant (HDA)
- Full-scale onboard drills
Helicopter Landing Officer
- Supervisory responsibilities, leadership & decision-making during flight ops
- Briefings, checklists, & helideck team coordination
- Integration with the vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS)
Helideck Fire Fighting
- Helideck-specific fire suppression systems
- High-risk scenario management
- Deck / Hangar Fire Response
- Realistic fire simulations, including crash deck and refuelling fire scenarios
Helicopter Refuelling
Optional – only if suitable installations are present
- Fuel safety standards and risk mitigation
- Grounding, bonding, and fuel quality control
- Emergency response protocols specific to refuelling operations
Pre-Requisites
The course prerequisites must be verified prior to the training date to ensure participants are adequately prepared and legally qualified to engage in practical components
⚠️ Training cannot commence without verification of eligibility.
Required for All Participants
All candidates must hold valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificates, including the following modules:
- Personal Survival Techniques - STCW Table A-VI/1-1
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting - STCW Table A-VI/1-2
- Elementary First Aid - STCW Table A-VI/1-3
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities - STCW Table A-VI/1-4
These certifications are foundational to safe maritime and emergency procedures and are internationally recognised as baseline qualifications for all seafarers.
Additional Requirement for HLO Candidates
Participants pursuing qualification as a Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) must also hold:
- Advanced Fire Fighting - STCW Table A-VI/3
This advanced module is mandatory for all HLO roles, given the elevated responsibilities in emergency response and helideck leadership.
Language Proficiency
A good working knowledge of English is required to participate effectively in both theoretical and practical sessions. All instruction, materials, and assessments are delivered in English.
Participant Fitness
Participants must be fit to participate in all aspects of the training. If there is any doubt as to an individual’s ability to participate in any practical exercises, an appropriate risk assessment will be carried out to determine what is required in order to proceed in a safe manner.
Preparing for the Course
A simple, secure registration process ensures all participants are verified, compliant, and ready to access their personalised training portal ahead of the course.
Participant Registration
To ensure a smooth and compliant start to your training, all participants must complete the enrolment form and send their required prerequisites and passport. This enables the HeliRiviera training team to create Bluewater profiles and manage the registration process in full compliance with MCA requirements.
Before training begins, each student is required to:
Complete the Enrolment Form
Includes personal details, emergency contact, and confirmation of course participation.
Provide Photo ID
A passport or national ID card is required to set up airside access on the airfield and meet regulatory compliance standards on the day.
Submit All Required Prerequisites
This includes STCW prerequisites or any course-specific certifications needed for eligibility.
Your Personal Training Portal
HeliRiviera will create a personal login for you within the Bluewater Training Database — the secure online platform used to manage training records and resources.
Through your account, you will be able to:
- Access and complete your personal profile
- Complete your Registration and Health Declaration Forms
- Review your course notes and supporting materials
- Access your training history
- Complete training feedback
This system provides secure, 24/7 access to your training journey and ensures all documentation is logged and accessible for audit, compliance, or future course planning.
Course Delivery
Flexible, hands-on training delivered at our Cannes facility, combining theory, practical exercises, and formal assessment for full operational readiness.
Shore-Based Course Delivery
All training is delivered at our dedicated facility within Cannes–Mandelieu Airport, providing a focused and immersive learning environment.
Participants are welcomed at the airport terminal and escorted to the training location. Access badges are issued on Day 1 in accordance with airport security procedures.
Courses are scheduled on fixed dates throughout the year and are designed for individual participants or small groups, allowing for a high level of interaction and personalised instruction.
Ideal for crew members between rotations or looking to upgrade their qualifications.
Also available as Onboard sessions for your vessel. See moreCourse Structure and Assessment
The training combines theoretical modules with practical, scenario-based exercises covering all key aspects of helideck operations and emergency response.
Participants will be continuously assessed throughout the course and will complete a final multiple-choice exam to validate both knowledge retention and practical competency.
Successful completion ensures participants meet the required standards to operate safely and effectively in helideck environments onboard yachts.
Course Completion
Comprehensive documentation and continued access to course materials ensure participants remain compliant, confident, and operationally prepared well beyond the training itself.
Participant Course Materials
All participants retain ongoing access to their student profiles via the Bluewater training platform. This ensures that course materials, training records, and certification details remain available for future reference, review, or audit. Students can revisit key learning content at any time, supporting continued professional development and operational readiness long after the course is completed.
Participant Certification
You’ll receive your official certificate — digitally and in print — recognising your successful completion of the course.
Following the successful completion of the helideck operations training, each participant will be awarded a HeliRiviera Certificate of Completion, formally accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This certificate serves as official recognition of your competence in helideck safety, emergency response, and operational best practices — and can be presented to employers as part of your professional qualifications.
Certification Validity
The HeliRiviera certificate is valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of issue. This duration is in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory expectations, ensuring that knowledge and skills remain current in a high-risk, safety-critical environment.
Delivery Format
To ensure flexibility and accessibility, certificates are delivered in two formats:
- Electronic Copy: A digital certificate is sent directly to each participant’s registered email address for immediate access and easy sharing with employers or agencies.
- Physical Copy: A printed, signed certificate is provided to each participant, suitable for inclusion in personal records or professional documentation.
Feedback
We’ll invite you to share feedback on your experience. Your insights help us continuously improve and ensure high-quality training for all participants.
To continuously improve the quality and relevance of our training, we invite all participants to complete a short feedback survey. This allows us to gather insights on the training experience, instructor delivery, course content, and any opportunities for enhancement.
Your feedback is invaluable — it helps us:
- Maintain high training standards across all our courses
- Ensure course content remains aligned with evolving industry regulations
- Continuously improve the learning experience for future participants
We also encourage open discussion at the end of each course, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, clarify key concepts, and reflect on how the skills learned can be applied in real onboard operations.
