ROYAL NAVAL APPROACH TO CREW SAFETY FOLLOWING DITCHING
Lieutenant Commander Phil Hudson
Naval Air Command helicopters fly from a variety of warships and auxiliaries, either as a single deployment or as part of an amphibious group. Operating helicopters at sea, often at extreme range, throws up many challenges. Changing weather conditions effect sea state, visibility and aircraft endurance. A lack of fuel, a fire or a mechanical mishap will result in a helicopter ditching at sea.
Violent impact with the sea will invariably lead to the helicopter inverting and sinking rapidly. The requirement to complete an underwater escape and survive on the surface until rescued has led to the provision of a comprehensive range of Survival Equipment and the development of specialised training. A series of briefs and repetitive practical drills in both underwater escape and sea survival has been designed to equip aircrew with the skills to survive in the most challenging circumstances.
After impact with the sea it is not unusual for aircrew to recall only reaching the surface and therefore training is specifically designed to instil an instinctive reaction to escape. An inverted and sinking helicopter is cold, dark and hostile environment. Barriers to escape include cold shock, lack of vision, disorientation, injury and snagging. A delayed escape attempt will invariably lead to the use of the Short Term Air Supply System (STASS) and undoubtedly STASS saves lives.
Once on the surface aircrew board either single or multi-seat life rafts and enter a survival phase, utilising the survival and location aids contained within. In peacetime, rescue should be achieved within a few hours.
Future developments in the field of survival concentrate on improved emergency location and homing, STASS equipment for both crews and passengers, fire-retardant clothing with improved comfort and water resistance and improved training facilities. Funding is limited and it is therefore essential that spending is the subject of risk assessment and targeted efficiently.
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