Old Man Rotor
I think what MaxNg meant was that we accept an a/c signed as being "S" by a responsible engineer. The a/c is refuelled by a responsible refueller. Firecover is provided by responsible firecrew.
These "responsible" people are all checked by the CAA/BAA or other agencies controlled by the UK government. The a/c Captain has no influence on these people so has to assume they are doing their job.
His point is that when operating to a deck/rig you assume a certain level of expertise which is there with a UK deck crew .
I agree with him that any HLO working in the UK sector must have a valid UK qualification. With only one pair of eyes out of the cockpit it is essential you have an element of trust in the deck crew.
While checking the fuel sample on one semi I looked round to see the deck crew crawling under the tail with the fuel hose - this was a Dauphin!! A time out was called and the "foreign" deck crew were briefed on UK practises!!
HF