In response to RotorFix - I personally haven't seen any reduction in safety standards on the North Sea - Investment in new aircraft, investment in training and simulators. Investment in Courses (CRM / Safety Programs) etc, Investment in new personnel.
I accept that this has been during a boom time over the last 5 years, and my concerns are that the current economic climate seem to have the oil companies squeezing the helicopter operators, who in turn want to cut back on pilots and engineers. The last few years and immediate situation I see as having been quite positive, it is the imminent future that I worry about.