Helicopter beacon use put on hold

Operators will try to find a solution to the beacon situation

Offshore operators have decided personal locator beacons will not be issued to workers flying to platforms.

The decision was made after the beacons were found to interfere with emergency equipment on helicopters.

Their use was earlier suspended after concerns were raised by the Civil Aviation Authority following the Super Puma crash in the North sea last month.

Operators and the Health and Safety Executive have decided not to issue the beacons until a solution can be found.

Chris Allen, health and safety director with industry body Oil and Gas UK, told BBC Scotland: "We had a very constructive meeting. It's likely to take a little time to find a proper technical solution."

Beacons will still be used on platforms themselves.

The Super Puma shuttle with 18 on board came down near the platform in the Etap field, 125 miles east of Aberdeen. All those on board were rescued.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version