This is an interesting thread as it raises two distinct concepts:
1. Can full OEI accountability occur offshore? The answer would go something like unless you are are taking off and landing offshore to a floating runway long enough and wide enough to simulate PC1 onshore you are then left with a situation of being PC 2 or PC 2 with exposure or PC 2 enhanced, I.e. you do not have full OEI accountability offshore (bring your own floating runway sufficient to cope with an OEI situation at the weight and temperature corresponding to your respective CAT A chart from your respective RFM) and,
2. As 212 man has correctly stated,
5.3.3 A multi-engine helicopter engaged in passenger carrying charter or regular public transport operations over water and which is not operated in accordance with one-engine-inoperative accountability procedures shall be equipped with an approved flotation system.
It seems then that Passenger carrying charter operations are a no go unless OEI accountability is assured unless an approved equipped flotation system is available.......
So that leaves no floats fitted to a multi engine helicopter must be a private operation where the operator owns its own aircraft and transports its own employees etc. given what has been discussed in the thread about the cost of safety and the significant layer of safety that a flotation system provides offshore for all sorts of contingencies (not just OEI).....transmission, tail rotor, fire, electrical fire, primary servos etc....
The real question is who or what operator would entertain an operation where operating offshore flotation equipment was not considered as standard kit for this type of operation? Considering that a ditching scenario without floats affords limited or no ability to extricate ones self from a downed helicopter.
100 nm from land, night, swollen sea, limited or no SAR aircraft on line that can adequately reach the crash site ( a sunken crash site?). I think the BOI would ask some serious questions about the level of risk management applied to this scenario.
IMHO, just some thoughts....
