"Can offshore helicopters become as safe as commercial airlines? "
Probably .......when the charterer (oil and gas companies) stick their heads above the parapet , smell the coffee and stop whining about operating costs for newer types !
If you want to make it safer you need to operate types that are up to date with technology and innovation.
Things need to evolve and unfortunately operators are somewhat tied by the
charterers who are happy to operate "old aircraft" on the cheap ..... you pays your money and takes your choice ......
Dont forget the big oil and gas boys dont make any profits do they ?????