Guidance

UK recognised aviation inspection bodies

The MCA recognises organisations to act as aviation inspection bodies to assess and certify shipboard heliports onboard UK yachts.

An aviation inspection body (AIB) is a body delegated the responsibility of inspecting helicopter landing areas by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

As detailed within the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code, the AIB verification process shall include inspection, certification and, where necessary, the application of appropriate operational limitations.

You can find the process on how to apply to become an aviation inspection body in MIN 681, as amended.

Current aviation inspection bodies

Helideck Certification Agency (HCA)

Safeguard Helideck Certification (SHC)

Green Deck Operations (GDO)

HeliOperations (HeliOps)

These organisations are recognised in accordance with applicable UK requirements.

More information

External Monitoring and Assurance
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 3/07 Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

E-mail: externalmonitoring@mcga.gov.uk

Published 24 September 2021
Last updated 26 March 2024 + show all updates
  1. Updated the guidance to include the latest approved aviation inspection bodies.

  2. A major change to include link to MIN 681- Approval of aviation inspection bodies for inspection and certification of helicopter landing areas (HLA’S)

  3. First published.