The UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) has published an update to CAP 437 – Standards for Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas. The latest release is Edition 9, Amendment 1 (January 2026).
CAP 437 is the CAA standard for offshore helicopter landing areas, used globally as a reference for helideck safety and operational requirements.
What’s new in CAP 437 Amendment 1 (January 2026)?
The CAA states that this first amendment to the ninth edition contains minor updates throughout the document and adds a significant operational enhancement with a new Appendix:
Master Minimum Helideck Equipment List (MMHEL)
The update presents the Master Minimum Helideck Equipment List (MMHEL) in a new Appendix.
The MMHEL delivers a framework for managing situations when safety-critical helideck equipment is temporarily unserviceable, enabling safe operations within controlled limitations.
The standardised approach enhances clarity for operators by defining acceptable equipment downtime, reducing ambiguity, supporting consistent decision-making, and helping ensure regulatory compliance and continuous safe operations.
Why this update matters to offshore operators
Offshore helideck operations depend on reliable access to accurate, timely data and systems, especially during safety-critical conditions.
An updated CAP 437 release is therefore relevant to:
- Offshore installation duty holders and marine operators
- Aviation managers and helideck operational teams
- Helideck inspection / verification organisations
- Equipment manufacturers and service providers
Complying with CAP 437 supports safe flight operations and strong risk management for offshore assets.
HCA Implementation Standards: “Rev 9b” and “Rev 9c.”
It is important to note that “Rev 9b” and “Rev 9c” refer to HCA implementation standards, not revisions of CAP 437 itself.
These documents describe how CAP 437 requirements are applied in practice, particularly for moving helidecks, supporting consistent implementation across the UK Continental Shelf and other regions that follow CAP 437-aligned best practice.
WISE Group support for CAP 437-aligned operations
At WISE Group, we monitor changes in offshore aviation procedures and standards to ensure our solutions stay in line with current requirements and functional expectations.
We support customers with:
- Helideck Monitoring Systems (HMS) solutions and upgrades
- Offshore meteorological sensor packages
- Calibration and field support services
- Project and compliance-driven system improvement initiatives
Speak to our team about CAP 437 compliance support.
