Norwegian operator Aker BP is loosening restrictions over the use of mobile phones offshore.
From the start of next month all employees traveling offshore for the Fornebu headquartered firm can bring a cell phone, reports say.
The company has allowed the use of mobiles only in the living areas of the Ivar Aasen and Alvheim fields for some time.
However the practice will now extend across the firm’s remaining assets.
Small electronic devices will be allowed inside the cabin of helicopters as long as they are turned off and placed inside the survival suit.
It comes after the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association’s Aviation forum mapped and risk assessed possible consequences of bringing mobile phones in helicopters during flights.
This included carrying out electromagnetic tests for helicopters and fire hazards tests for lithium batteries.
The risk assessment concluded that mobile phones in helicopters are safe.
Following these studies, Aker BP has decided to allow staff to bring their mobile phones to any of the firm’s operated installations offshore, including Ula, Valhall, Ivar Aasen, Alvheim and Skarv.
A spokesman for the company added: “During heli flights, the mobile phone must be turned off.
“At the installations mobile phones can be used in living quarters and other “recreation and leisure” areas.”
UK aviation watchdog the CAA said it would be up to UK helicopter operators to present a safety case for use of mobile phones during flights, as is the case with commercial passenger aeroplane flights.
Passengers on some flights are allowed to use mobile phones and other small electronic devices as long as they are put in ‘flight mode’ which essentially isolates the device by cutting off external communications.
A CAA spokesman added: “The obligation is ultimately on the operator to show it can be done safely.”