Superyacht Helipads on Charter: What You Need to Know

A commercially-certified helipad is a must

This code sets out the basic rules governing the design, construction and operation of a helipad, which includes important factors such as a yacht’s load bearing capacity, obstacle clearance, consideration of airflow, safe access points, lighting, permanent deck markings and relevant crew training on helicopter operations. 

The responsibility for the survey and certification process for a helipad intended for commercial use is shared between the yacht’s registered flag state, the classification society and an aviation inspection body, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

All in all, it doesn’t leave much wiggle room for winging it.  

Can you use a non-certified helipad on a yacht charter?

A helipad or helideck is considered a commercial operation if used to either;

• Receive commercial charter helicopters, or
• Transport charter guests 

Therefore, even a yacht being used privately by its owner cannot receive a commercial charter helicopter if the helideck is not certified.

Private helipads

We find many owners are keen to incorporate a helideck, so long as it doesn't compromise the overall aesthetic of the yacht

That's not to say that non-certified helipads aren’t safe, as for the most part they will have been designed with the regulations in mind. However, more often a yacht’s visual appeal is advocated over the practicalities of helipad design. Chris Wood, a helidecks operations manager with Safeguard Helidecks Certification agrees: “We find many owner's are keen to incorporate a helideck, so long as it doesn't compromise the overall aethestic of the yacht."

‘Touch and go’ helipad

This can cause some confusion, especially as these types of helipads are often highlighted as a stand-out feature when marketing a yacht for charter.

Charter guest benefits

We are seeing huge demand from yacht owners wanting to get their private helipads commercially certified for yacht charters

As for non-commercial helipads, it can also be used for medical emergencies.

In conclusion, a fully operational helideck is an increasingly desirable feature onboard a charter yacht, which has led to a growing demand for helipad certification. Chris Woods at Safeguard Helidecks Certification confirms this is one of their biggest growth areas: "We are seeing huge demand from yacht owners wanting to get their private helipads commercially certified for yacht charters". 

So, although there are currently only a handful of charter yachts offering certified helipads right now, the future looks bright.

6 stand-out superyachts with a fully-certified helipad

1. La Datcha

Located on her main deck aft, La Datcha’s helipad provides the perfect launching base for her two commercially-registered B3 Squirrel helicopters, designed by her adrenaline junkie owner with heli-skiing adventures and heli-ops in mind.

As well as an autonomous capability of up to 40 days at sea, she also boasts a raft of technology-rich gadgets, extensive wellness area, luxurious interiors and a toy chest overflowing with water-based and onshore exploration gear, including 2 snow scooters and a 3-person submarine.

2. Cloudbreak

CLOUDBREAK offers an array of superlative amenities from her glass-enclosed winter garden to her fantastic alfresco cinema which converts into a nightclub, complete with DJ booth, lighting and state-of-the-art sound system! She also boasts a vast wellness centre with sauna, plunge pool, gym and massage area, as well as a qualified onboard beautician and personal trainer for the ultimate onboard luxury experience.

3. Madsummer

MADSUMMER has a large helipad platform on her foredeck, fully-certified for helicopter operations and bunkering. She also houses a fully-equipped hangar in her bow for helicopter storage. On top of this, guests keen to explore their destination can do so on the yacht's very own Husky seaplane and 11-meter limo tender.

With exquisite Laura Sessa interiors showcasing a colour palette of primary hues, vast alfresco social areas, dedicated cinema suite and extensive wellness facilities, this spectacular charter yacht is an eternal crowd pleaser.

4. Naia

NAIA is uniquely both a luxury yacht and a state-of-the-art research vessel, boasting a submarine hangar for deep exploration, high-tech research facilities and an onboard laboratory.

For those looking for a little indulgence, she also offers a fully-equipped glass-panelled gym and swimming pool, huge penthouse-style Owner’s deck offering sensational views, main salon that converts to a cinema suite and an impressive array of toys, including a 5-person submarine capable of depths of up to 525 feet.

5. Flying Fox

At 136 meters (446 ft) FLYING FOX is also the largest superyacht available for charter, and the most expensive!

Her stand-out features are endless; a stunning mezzanine-style salon, 12-meter swimming pool, lavish cinema suite, 400 m2 multi-level wellness spa – featuring a cryo-sauna, extensive Owner’s deck and observation lounge, to name a few of her onboard highlights.

6. Kismet

This sleek 95m/312ft luxury yacht is assuredly masculine, both outside and in. From the sculpted jaguar on her bow to her luxuriant Art Deco-inspired black and gold interiors – based on a brief of ‘champagne and caviar’, she exudes glamour and style everywhere you turn.

Stand-out features include a stunning mosaic-tiled swimming pool with an adjacent elevated Jacuzzi offering sweeping vistas, aft deck fire pit with an integrated waterfall feature, double-height main salon and sports bar with full-height video walls so there’s no need to miss the game, plus innovative green features for environmentally-conscious charterers.

Interested in booking a luxury yacht charter?