A retired master mariner is calling on the Scottish Government to pass legislation to make helicopters seaworthy following the Super Puma tragedy.
Bill Sturrock was a ship’s captain before operating three sea schools in Argyll running training courses for people working at sea.
Mr Sturrock, of Sionascaig, Tralee Bay, near Oban, said that if helicopters travelling at low heights to and from rigs were re-classified as vessels, manufacturers would be forced to make them seaworthy.
He said: “Any helicopter that flies 100ft above the water should be classed as a vessel. All vessels that are used commercially have to pass a stability test.
“They would be tested for stability to make sure they wouldn’t turn over when they enter the water.
“As far as I can see, making the bottom half of a helicopter floatable wouldn’t take that much more material than they are using now.
“I don’t think it would increase the manufacturing costs much more.
“I reckon it is not as difficult as they seem to make out, and it would save lives.
“The aircraft industry already makes flying boats that can land on the land, I don’t see why they can’t do it with helicopters.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The safety of our offshore workers is of paramount importance, and it is therefore entirely appropriate that, on recommendations of the Helicopter Safety Steering Group, Super Puma flights are suspended while the Air Accidents Investigation Branch takes forward its inquiry into this tragedy.
“It is important that the AAIB are given the time and space to pursue their inquiry and reach a determination.”
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