A helideck that passes the Brazilian inspection the first time.
Documentation, physical adequacy, procedures and support during the inspection — as part of the vessel readiness or as a stand-alone service. Our preparation method cuts both the cost and the time of the adequacy.
- Brazilian Navy / DPC
- ANAC
- ICAO Annex 14 · CAP 437
- Helideck manual
- Inspection
The helideck is where international practice and Brazilian requirements most often diverge.
A helideck built to international references — ICAO Annex 14 Volume II, UK CAP 437 — is the starting point, not the finish line. Brazilian rules add their own requirements and an inspection by the Brazilian authorities before helicopter operations can begin.
Markings, lighting, friction, drainage, fire-fighting, obstacle environment, the helideck manual and the supporting air-operation procedures: each item is a potential finding, and a finding on the helideck stops crew changes and medevac from day one. We prepare every item before the inspection — and our method reduces the cost and the time of the adequacy: desk review first, works specified while the vessel is still abroad, documentation and training closed before arrival, one inspection instead of two.
From the drawings to the inspection report.
Contract the full helideck readiness or the fronts you are missing.
Gap against Brazilian requirements
Review of drawings, certificates and the helideck as built against the Brazilian Navy and ANAC requirements, with a prioritised list of non-conformities.
Physical adequacy
Markings, perimeter lighting and floodlighting, friction surface, drainage, safety net, obstacle-free sectors and wind-direction indicator — specified, coordinated with the yard or contractor, and verified.
Fire-fighting and rescue
Foam system, extinguishers, rescue equipment and the trained helideck team, with records the inspector will ask for.
Helideck manual and procedures
Helideck operations manual, refuelling, helicopter landing officer duties, emergency procedures and interfaces with the operator's air-operations rules.
Training and drills
Helideck team training and drills, with competency evidence and records.
Inspection support
Submission of the documentation, scheduling, our team on board during the inspection and closure of any findings.
Two authorities, one helideck.
Requirements and inspections belong to the authorities; readiness is ours.
| Brazilian Navy / DPC | NORMAM | Helideck requirements for vessels and platforms in Brazilian waters and the inspection before operation. |
|---|---|---|
| ANAC | Civil aviation rules | Requirements for helicopter operations to and from the helideck. |
| Helicopter operator | Operations manual | The operator's own acceptance of the helideck for its aircraft and crews. |
Honest about the limit.
Approval of the helideck is an act of the competent authority. We make sure there is nothing left to find.
What GRICCO takes on
- Gap analysis of the helideck against Brazilian requirements.
- Specification and verification of the physical adequacy, with your yard or contractor.
- Helideck manual, procedures, training and records.
- Preparation of the submission and support during the inspection.
What only the authority does
- Approve the helideck for operation.
- Set the date and the scope of its own inspection.
- Replace the helicopter operator's own acceptance.
- Issue aviation certificates.
Four steps, ideally before the vessel sails.
This sequence is what makes the adequacy cheaper and faster: works done abroad cost less, nothing is discovered on arrival, and the item leaves the arrival timeline.
- 01
Desk review
Drawings, certificates, manuals and photographs reviewed against Brazilian requirements.
- 02
On-board survey
Physical verification of the helideck, equipment and team wherever the vessel is.
- 03
Adequacy and documentation
Works, equipment, manual, procedures and training closed before arrival.
- 04
Inspection
Submission, inspection with our team on board, and closure of findings.
Any vessel or platform with a helideck that will operate in Brazil.
FPSOs, drilling units, flotels, PSVs and AHTS with helidecks, newbuilds and conversions — and units already in Brazil whose helideck needs to be brought back into compliance.
Also contracted stand-alone, by owners who have the rest of the readiness covered.
Questions about helidecks in Brazil.
My helideck is CAP 437 compliant. Is that enough for Brazil?
It is the right starting point, but not enough on its own. Brazilian rules build on the international references and add requirements of their own, and the helideck is inspected by the Brazilian authorities before helicopter operations start. The gap between CAP 437 and the Brazilian requirement is exactly what we map and close.
What does the inspection look at?
Dimensions and markings, lighting, surface and friction, drainage and safety net, obstacle environment, fire-fighting and rescue equipment, the helideck team and its training, and the helideck manual and procedures. We prepare each item with the records the inspector expects.
Can the helideck works be done before arrival?
Yes, and it is the best case: works abroad cost less and remove the item from the arrival timeline. We survey the helideck wherever the vessel is and specify the works for your yard or contractor.
Do you approve the helideck?
No. Approval is an act of the competent authority. We make sure the helideck, the documentation, the team and the procedures are ready, and we are on board during the inspection to answer and close any findings.
Send us the helideck drawings and certificates.
We respond with a first gap read — before any site visit.