SAR: Search & Rescue Ops
BP Amoco has announced it is looking at basing 4 Super Puma helicopters offshore as SAR cover to replace standby boats. 2 Pumas will also be based onshore. Where are they going to get the approx 24 crews from to give 24hr 365 a day cover? Is the Puma the right helio? Is there a 4 axis coupled auto hover/letdown version of the Puma. The Puma is French therefore rotors go the wrong way round hence winch is on the wrong side and exacerbates the right wing low hover when loaded. I would be surprised if the RAF has more than 26 operational SAR crews at the moment so the problem is huge. The average N Sea pilot with no SAR or Pinger service would find it a difficult transition to night hovering in still wind on a black night. So experienced crews should be able to hold out for big pay packets if this goes ahead £75,000+ plus offshore allowance of at least £100 per night etc.