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.

• From: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Published: 24 September 2021
• Last updated: 4 February 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 4 February 2026

     The contact details for Green Deck Operations (GDO) and HeliOperations (HeliOps) are no longer required and have been removed.

  2. 26 March 2024

     Updated the guidance to include the latest approved aviation inspection bodies.

  3. 8 July 2022

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

  4. 24 September 2021

     First published.

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)

• E-mail: Info@helidecks.org
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1224 704048
• Website: www.helidecks.org

Safeguard Helideck Certification (SHC)

• E-mail: admin@safeguardengineering.co.uk
• Telephone: +44 (0) 333 577 1244
• Website: www.helideckcertification.co.uk

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