Enhanced Safety helideck - Legislation

UKCAA (UK Civil Aviation Authority) CAP437 is an extensively referred-to standard for offshore and marine helidecks. The 5th edition, 2005, contains several amendments relating to fire fighting provisions for helidecks. In essence:

The traditional Foam Monitor System (FMS) is now allowed to be replaced by a DIFFS (Deck Integrated Fire Fighting System). DIFFS is a system of nozzles installed at regular intervals on the helideck, which ‘pop-up’ and spray foam or water in case of a fire.

Helidecks can fit either foam DIFFS or water DIFFS depending on their situation.

An unmanned helideck can install a water DIFFS if it has adequate power supply and only when used in conjunction with an Enhanced Safety Helideck.

Manned decks shall only install a foam DIFFS.

Download and view Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas - Guidance on Standards