At Hykk Solutions, we don’t just provide products—we offer expertise and consultancy, bringing real-world solutions to complex industry challenges. Working across industries, we find ourselves involved with some interesting applications and we wanted to share “just a glimpse” of a recent Offshore Tagging application with you, our customers, partners, and wider business community.
This blog isn’t about selling, it’s about real experiences, challenges, and learnings from working offshore. From the early morning preparations to landing on the Offshore Installation, here’s a first-hand look at what it takes to work in one of the most demanding environments.
The Offshore Journey: From Land to Sea
The offshore world is a place of precision, routine, and resilience. Each journey begins long before setting foot on an Offshore Installation. It starts in the early hours of the morning, with the hum of an alarm clock and the anticipation of a day unlike any other. This is not just a job; it’s an adventure—one that demands preparation, patience, and a keen sense of responsibility.
The Early Start: A Frosty Morning
Our day begins before sunrise. At 05:30, the alarm rings, and by 06:30, after a quick breakfast and de-icing the windscreen, it’s time to hit the road. The journey to Humberside Airport is a familiar one—90 minutes on the M62 and M180, navigating the early morning traffic.
Parking is pre-arranged at Car Park 2, just a short 200-yard walk from the helicopter check-in desk. Here, each passenger is weighed along with their luggage—two precisely packed 11kg bags. Any medications, including basic painkillers, must be handed over for checking, these are handed back by the medic when you arrive offshore.
Security and Pre-Flight Preparations
Once checked in, it’s time to wait for security clearance. With a warm latte in hand, emails are answered, and final checks are made before the 09:15 call. Security at the CHC terminal is thorough yet personal, with a smooth process ensuring every item is scanned and prepared for the journey ahead.
Next comes the safety briefing, a vital step before every offshore flight. The AW139 helicopter, a trusted workhorse in offshore transport, is reviewed in detail. The safety video covers emergency escape procedures, the mandatory survival suit, and the Emergency Breathing System (EBS)device.
Suited Up for Safety The survival suit, a crucial piece of offshore gear, is pre-packed and sized. The process of putting it on is precise: shoes off, feet in, arms through, and the snug neck seal secured in one firm motion. The zip is closed with a sturdy diagonal pull, followed by securing the Velcro flap.
The integrated sock boots make trainers the footwear of choice. With air expelled from the suit and the EBS life jacket on, final strap checks ensure everything is secure.
Boarding the Helicopter: The Ride Begins
Guided by ground staff, the group moves towards the helicopter. The deafening rotor blades make earplugs essential. Inside, seatbelts are secured in a specific sequence—lap straps first, then shoulder harnesses. Once ready, the flight begins.
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The helicopter taxis on its wheels to the point of takeoff, when all pre-flight checks are completed, in a swift movement, the aircraft lifts off. The morning view over Humberside is breathtaking. The 25-minute flight to Centrica’s Rough 47/3b Offshore Installation offers glimpses of offshore wind farms and the endless horizon. As the Offshore Installation nears, the helicopter’s shadow merges with it, leading to a seamless landing.
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Arriving at the Offshore Installation
Strict protocols are followed upon landing. Seatbelts stay fastened until instructed otherwise. Ground crew efficiently unload luggage while passengers collect their bags and descend metal stairways into the Offshore Installation’s reception—also known as “Heli Admin.”
The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) provides a welcome briefing, assigning bunk accommodation and emergency muster stations. With survival suits stowed away, the transition from traveler to offshore worker is complete.
Life Offshore: What to Expect: Living offshore is a unique experience, blending work with a structured routine. Here are some key tips for adapting to offshore life:
Pack Light: Most first-timers bring more than needed. A 50% reduction in packing helps, especially with same-day laundry services available.
Structured Meals: Three hot meals are served daily at designated times—breakfast (05:00-06:00), lunch (12:00-13:00), and dinner (17:00-18:00). It is important to keep a balanced diet which is easy as food is great!!
Stay Hydrated: The dry air from the HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) system makes hydration essential. Keeping a bottle of drinking water in the room at night is a great idea.
Recreation Matters: Offshore installations offer facilities like a cinema, gym, sauna, and Sky TV in rooms, ensuring downtime is well spent, and there is time to refresh between long 12 hour working shifts.
Essential Offshore Travel Notes
Baggage Limits: Passengers are allowed up to three bags (11kg each). However, keeping it to two makes the helicopter offshore disembarkation much easier.
Documentation: A passport and Vantage card (linked to offshore training certifications) are mandatory.
Electronics: Mobile phones are allowed but must remain switched off under the survival suit.
Winter Wear: Offshore regulations require three upper layers—hooded tops are not allowed as they interfere with survival suits.
Recommended Outfit: Trainers, thin tracksuit bottoms, a t-shirt, a thin fleece, and a fleece jacket (without a hood) ensure comfort and compliance.
The Offshore Experience: A Journey Worth Taking
Working offshore is more than just a job—it’s an adventure that requires discipline, adaptability, and teamwork. Every trip offers a new challenge, but with the Offshore Installation preparation and mindset, it’s an experience like no other. From the first step on the helicopter to settling into the offshore routine, each moment is part of a larger journey—one that defines the resilience and dedication of those working beyond the shoreline.