Sea World Helicopters did not have documented procedures or guidance on the correct fitment of aircraft seatbelts in conjunction with constant wear lifejackets. As a result, on the job training provided to ground crew included incorrect fitting practices, leading to passengers being routinely incorrectly restrained. This increased the risk of injury to passengers in the event of an accident.
The operator has developed procedures and included these in its training.
Sea World Helicopters advised in September 2024 that a notice was issued to crew in April 2023, with the intent that details of the notice would be incorporated into the operator’s exposition. The notice stated:
It is imperative that seat belts are fitted correctly to all passengers onboard our aircraft.
The SWH Exposition states that a briefing or demonstration is provided including information on ‘The use of seat belts and the appropriate method of fastening and adjustment; and that passengers MUST keep their seat belt fastened at all times.’ The SWH safety video shows the correct fitment of seatbelts specifically with regard to the position of constant wear lifejackets.
We stress the importance of Loaders and Pilots checking that seatbelts are fastened correctly once passengers have been loaded prior to closing the doors.
By fastening and adjustment it means:
The seatbelt is:
• Fastened low and tight
• Not twisted
• Positioned below the tummy
• With lifejackets over the top of the seatbelt (not underneath)
In the EC130 aircraft – lifejackets should be positioned to the left-hand side of the passenger.
In addition, training paperwork provided to the ATSB showed the incorporation of a specific requirement to address the correct fitment of seatbelts with lifejackets for ground staff and pilots.
The ATSB acknowledges that the operator has had to develop procedures without any guidance about how lifejackets and multipoint restraints should be fitted. The ATSB encourages the operator to review its practices if/when any research or guidance becomes available.
