A global leader in the world of superyacht and cruise ship heliports has been appointed an ‘Aviation Inspection Body’ within the industry on behalf of the flag state administration of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).

Maritime Aviation are already well known for their shipboard heliport design & safety consultancy, heliport equipment & lighting supply and MCA accredited heliport crew training and manage a client portfolio that includes some of the most iconic superyachts at sea today.

The company have been engaged in a two-year development plan which has included an objective to improve the safety and efficiency of shipboard heliport operations on superyachts and cruise ships by engaging with industry bodies and stakeholders to establish a collective viewpoint and proposed actions.

Managing Director, Jonathan Turner states “The number of aviation-capable superyachts at sea is increasing each year and both owner behaviour and commercial demand has created an obvious increase in helicopter movements to and from their heliports. Additionally, as yachts continue to explore all areas of the globe, the variety of roles for which owners choose to use their helicopters is also expanding, thanks to the true flexibility that helicopters can offer, if they are operated and managed appropriately. There is no reason that shipboard heliport operations should not be safe and efficient, provided that maritime and aviation regulatory standards and best practice are adhered to.

As a global leader in facilitating safe, efficient and regulatory compliant helicopter operations from aviation-capable vessels, Maritime Aviation is delighted to have been appointed as an Aviation Inspection Body by The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator. We are very excited to be working on behalf of the forward-looking Administrator, to enable owners of RMI flagged yachts to operate their helicopters safely and commercially, in accordance with the new RMI Yacht Code 2021. We also look forward to collaborating with clients and other organisations to ensure we achieve this by providing a seamless, efficient and professional service.”

“Helicopters are increasingly popular, especially since the pandemic. Today’s yachts go around the world exploring remote regions of the globe,” commented Marc Verburg, Fleet Operations Manager, Yachts. “The Administrator must constantly adapt to ensure proper compliance of equipment on board and stay ahead of what our clients need, wherever they are.”

Anticipating the needs of the market, the RMI Yacht Code was updated earlier this year to enhance the safety of RMI flagged yachts and to include innovative new design features and technology. These updates have already found their way to the shipyards, who are increasingly interested in building yachts and vessels to meet specific flag State requirements.

“The RMI Yacht Code 2021 includes specific regulations and guidance regarding HLAs,” noted Mr. Verburg. “This has allowed shipyards to incorporate these requirements into the build process. At present, we have six yachts under construction that have incorporated these amended requirements, underscoring how popular helicopters aboard yachts are becoming,” he concluded.

Maritime Aviation’s appointment as an ‘Aviation Inspection Body’ becomes effective from 1st November 2021.