A New Horizon in Offshore Emergency Aviation: Full-Service Capability, and Strengthened Industry Partnerships.
Cape Town Helicopters is pleased to announce a landmark achievement in the evolution of our operations: official approval for Part 138 offshore helicopter operations, now fully enabled through our AS 365 Dauphin aircraft equipped with a certified rescue hoist system. This strategic advancement positions us at the forefront of offshore medical and emergency aviation across the Western Cape and beyond. Activations throughout South Africa are easily accessible with dispatch notice, and up to 100nm offshore operational from dispatch.
Our ability to respond quickly, safely, and professionally to emergencies at sea is a capability we are fully ready to commence. From maritime distress calls to offshore medical extractions, Cape Town Helicopters is now equipped and authorised to deliver a world-class, fully integrated emergency response solution to clients throughout the region.
Rigorous Training & Elevated Operational Standards
In preparation for our expanded operational mandate, our flight crews, rescue specialists, and medical teams have undergone extensive, scenario-based training—both by day and at night—designed to mirror the demands of real-world offshore emergency operations.
These advanced training sessions included:
Day and Night Hoist Exercises: Conducted using our experienced and specially certified hoist operators, ensuring precision in complex recovery environments.
Integrated Medical Training: Joint drills with our exceptional partner medical crew from GMSRS / Medevac Africa, focusing on high-acuity patient care during hoist extractions and in-flight stabilisation.
Maritime Approach and Deck-Level Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication and safe helicopter-vessel interaction during offshore missions.
Our hoist operators and medical personnel have now reached full operational readiness, capable of undertaking rapid-response rescue assignments as and when required. This high standard of preparation reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, precision, and professionalism.
Showcasing Our Strength: Successful Open Day for Industry Stakeholders
To mark our readiness and reaffirm our commitment to the broader maritime and offshore sectors, Cape Town Helicopters recently hosted an Open Day at our hangar in Cape Town. The event welcomed shipping agents, offshore operators, maritime logistics companies, and industry partners, offering them an exclusive first-hand look at our capabilities.
Highlights of the event included:
Static displays of our Dauphin aircraft configured for emergency medical response, with hoist and rescue equipment
Interactive discussions detailing our operational procedures, safety standards, and coordination with medical teams.
Engagement session where stakeholders could meet our pilots, hoist operators, medical rescue personnel, and operations leadership.
Future open day’s will be planned bi-annually going forward for any stakeholders wishing to understand our partnerships and operational capabilities.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback received from guests confirmed the ever growing demand for reliable, certified offshore medical and rescue services along the Cape coast. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the clarity, professionalism, and readiness demonstrated by our team.
This event also strengthened our relationships with key organisations whose operations depend on dependable emergency aviation support.
Introducing a Comprehensive Suite of Offshore Services
Cape Town Helicopters is now positioned to offer a full portfolio of specialised offshore aviation services, all supported by our trained crews, sophisticated equipment, and newly acquired regulatory approval.
Offshore Medical Evacuations (Medevac)
Provision of rapid medical retrievals for ill or injured personnel on vessels, cruise liners, fishing vessels or remote offshore locations, supported by advanced medical intervention capabilities. Our partners at GMSRS / Medevac Africa are fully ready and integrated to handle any emergency that may arise, and plan onward patient logistics. Offshore operations up to 100nm are possible with the AS365.
Rescue Hoisting Operations
Precision hoist extraction performed by our skilled operators—ideal for situations where landing is not feasible due to sea conditions, vessel configuration, or emergency urgency.
Sling Load & External Cargo Transport
Provision of material transport for offshore operations, enabling the delivery of essential equipment, supplies, and mission-critical cargo, particularly when se conditions aren’t favourable for sea based transport delivery.
Maritime Search & Rescue Support
Deployment for marine distress scenarios and collaborative rescue efforts alongside maritime partners and emergency authorities. Our Kingair B200 Aircraft complement our ability to take on more complex search and rescue operations further offshore. The aircraft can travel up to 1000nm offshore in search operations or initial salvage operations.
24/7 Availability
Thanks night training operations, rigorous scenario training, and robust planning, our teams can respond to emergencies day or night, ensuring continuous support to the region’s maritime community. In instances we are required to dispatch we will clearly communicate our capabilities on initial contact once all factors have been taken into consideration.
This holistic offering allows Cape Town Helicopters to function not only as an aerial service provider, but as a strategic safety partner for shipping companies, offshore installations, research missions, and marine agencies.
Strengthening Offshore Safety for the Future
The successful launch of our Part 138 offshore operations marks a defining moment for Cape Town Helicopters. With our hoist-equipped Dauphin, fully trained crews, and strategic partnerships with GMSRS / Medevac Africa, we are now ready to provide a level of emergency aviation support previously unavail able at this scale in the region.
As the maritime and offshore sectors evolve—driven by increased vessel traffic, offshore projects, and new safety expectations—our goal is clear:
To deliver dependable, professional, and life-saving capability where and when it is needed most.
Connect With Us
To learn more about our offshore services or to discuss service agreements, standby arrangements, or operational support, please contact our team:
Cape Town Helicopters – Sales Team
sales@helicopterscapetown.co.za
Colette May +27 82 553 7229
Peter Hammond +27 78 648 9350
We look forward to supporting you, your crew, and your operations at sea—safely, efficiently, and professionally.
