Pilonrock,
Something has gone terribly wrong if one reason or another running out fuel threats. Running out of fuel activates “Fuel emergency” and fuel emergency radio call is needed.
There are reasons to think there is any there sense to fly IMC conditions using VMC planning and reserves?
If the case is a helicopter mechanical failure then should Mayday, Mayday message to be sent to the ATC and to inform the nearest Deck/HLO that helicopter X is going make emergency landing on your deck at xx minutes from now.
Wrong deck landing is most likely happen when crew is not following SOP’s to verify deck or vessel name before making committing call out. This is the most likely this root cause for Wrong deck landings what should be taken account company SMS and recurrent training (following SOP and usage of check lists).
You have to remember that there may be a defect that is not the company or technician known, but will lead to unpredictably situation where helicopter will come unflyable.
FAR 29 requires a Transportation Category helicopter as follows:
FAR 29.695 Power boost and power-operated control system.
(a) If a power boost or power-operated control system is used, an alternate system must be immediately available that allows continued safe flight and landing in the event of-
(1) Any single failure in the power portion of the system; or
(2) The failure of all engines.
(b) Each alternate system may be a duplicate power portion or a manually operated mechanical system. The power portion includes the power source (such as hydraulic pumps), and such items as valves, lines, and actuators.
(c) The failure of mechanical parts (such as piston rods and links), and the jamming of power cylinders must be considered unless they are extremely improbable
FAR 29.181 Dynamic stability: Category A rotorcraft.
Any short-period oscillation occurring at any speed from VY to VNE must be positively damped with the primary flight controls free and in a fixed position.
I know what I’m writing!