Thanks for the reply Crab.
I know the trial team came up with solutions to a lot of the "issues" that arise when you base an aircraft offshore without protection, but I don't suppose they will be too forthcoming with any of them now.
I have to agree with Night Watchman, the offshore workforce must be wondering what they have agreed to.
The Jigsaw trial guys were used to literally "sell" the concept to the people offshore. A lot of the trial flights were done next to BP platforms, often with that platform's safety rep on board to observe how things were done, and I understand that the crews were then expected to shut down on the deck and give a presentation on what they had just achieved.
As for the 30 minute standard, I do know that all the backseat crew on the trial were qualified and experienced winch operators. I beleave the idea was that they could swap roles halfway through the evolution if the acting winchman became tired, but I'll stop now in case I am accused of nurse bashing again.
