THE ADVENT OF NORTH SEA OIL has wrought tremendous changes in almost every sphere among the various areas involved. None has been so significantly affected as that of the sea rescue services, this being amply reflected in the RNLI's current re-equipment and expansion programme in the north and north-east of Scotland. However, the advent of the offshore oil industry has also brought about a completely new and unique long range civil rescue capability in the shape of British Airways Helicopters Search and Rescue Unit. This unit, based at Aberdeen's Dyce Airport, has now been operational for well over four years, and during this time has achieved a fine record of distress calls answered and lives saved.

The unit's beginnings stem from increasing disquiet in the late 1960's over the UK'S long-range rescue helicopter facilities, spotlighted by a number of incidents which had to be covered by foreign aircraft but which occurred just off the east coast. The Inspector of HM Coastguard (East Scotland Division), Commander M. L. Woollcombe, QBE RN, went to Norway to assess their rescue capabilities, and on his return serious planning began for a somewhat similar UK-based organisation. Planning for this organisation brought together operational personnel from British Airways Helicopters, their engineers, HM Coastguard, the Department of Trade and Industry and Rescue Co-ordination Centre staff from Pitreavie.

The only aircraft then, as now, capable of undertaking the long-range SAR task was the Sikorsky S61N helicopter, already well proven in the oil support role, and with this in mind plans for the design and manufacture of equipment went ahead. During 1971 BAH engineers produced a revolutionary The assistance of British Airways Helicopters in compiling this article is much appreciated.

James Ferguson is an aviation journalist with a special interest in oil-related and SAR activity; he is also a member of Aberdeen ILBportable winch for the aircraft: portable so that it would not interfere with normal commercial activity, and airdriven, from an engine compressor stage, so that it would not suffer from the hoisting limitations inherent in most other types.

The unit became operational on November 1, 1971. Six rescue crewmembers are employed—when not flying their task is to service and repair company safety equipment—and most Dyce-based BAH aircrew are trained in the role. Calls originate from either Aberdeen Coastguard or RCC Pitreavie, and are normally limited to afloat incidents occurring beyond the range of RAF Whirlwinds. Each SAR aircraft is normally manned by two pilots and two rescue crew. Medical assistance is immediately available if required, but the crew have thorough first aid training.

On arrival at the scene of the incident one of the crew is lowered to the most suitable deck area; as the pilot cannot see the lead of the winch cable, the aircraft has to be 'talked' into position by the winch operator. With perhaps a fishing boat rolling and pitching in a heavy sea and high winds, this is obviously no mean task and calls for continual training.

If necessary, a doctor is also lowered to the boat and injured people are recovered in a modified Neil Robertson stretcher. A portable pump can be lowered to combat fire or flooding and a very full first aid outfit is carried. A new 12-language medical questionnaire is available to help when the rescued are non-English-speaking seamen. On completion of the mission the helicopter flies to the nearest suitable airfield, or, if necessary, direct to hospital.

To maintain this very high operational standard requires thorough training and both pilots and rescue crews go through a comprehensive programme. Many of the pilots have, in fact, military SAR experience, and all the rescue crewshave either Fleet Air Arm or RAF backgrounds. Training includes the recovery of barrels thrown into the water, using only a grapple on the end of the winch cable, and every opportunity is taken to work with fishing boats and oil rig supply vessels. Lifeboats are also much involved, and during a recent exercise the author found himself in an ILB underneath the S61 while winching was practised. Liaison between the unit and the local RNLI is very close.

The unit has already achieved some notable rescues, often working with lifeboats. One memorable incident was the recovery of the crew of the trawler Navena, aground off Copinsay in the Orkneys in a full storm. Another was the night operation, in another storm of wind, rain and flying sand, to the aid of the Polish trawler Nurzec, aground on the sands near Aberdeen in January, 1974.

The unit's gallantry has been recognised by the award of HM Coastguard's Rescue Shield and a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. Of great significance, too, is the trust and respect accorded to the unit and its personnel by the local seafaring community..