CHC operates one of the world's largest civilian networks of Search and Rescue, Emergency Medical Service and humanitarian helicopter services, providing essential services on six continents. Our aircraft are among the most modern in the world, our crews trained to the highest international standards. Our goal is constant improvement - in safety, reliability, performance, and service - so we can continue to improve the services that save lives. For detailed information on the search and rescue services CHC provids to various regions, please visit the European or Global Operations sections of the website. For additional general information on search and rescue, please visit:

 

   www.chcsar.com

UK Coastguard

CHC was awarded a five-year contract by the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in December 2005; CHC began this service in July 2007. In July 2008, CHC wrapped up a yearlong transition period having successfully introduced new SAR technology platforms featuring the latest, new technology rescue equipment available. The transition to two new aircraft types, Sikorsky S92s in Stornoway and Sumburgh (Scotland), and AgustaWestland AW139s at Lee-On-Solent and Portland (England), was completed on time, without interruption to the high quality SAR service CHC is known for. The service operates on a 24/7 basis at Stornoway, Sumburgh and Lee-On-Solent, and on a daytime basis at Portland.

 

The introduction of the S-92 and the AW139 aircraft types has meant an increase in the coastguard's operating range and speed, so aircraft can arrive ‘on scene’ quicker. The many new technological improvements on the aircraft include: the latest Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) and low-light cameras, a ‘Nightsun’ searchlight, and high-speed dual hoists. The helicopters are also equipped with a satellite communications system featuring a flight following tracking facility, which is available to HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs) and the RAF Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC).

UK SAR-H

CHC, The Royal Bank of Scotland, and Thales have formed the consortium, SOTERIA, to bid for the SAR-H programme. Soteria is the Greek goddess of safety, and of deliverance and preservation from harm - a mission statement that fits well with the role of delivering a successful SAR service. SAR-H is a joint MCA and Ministry of Defence (MOD) programme – assembling the existing UK SAR helicopter capability into one harmonised service, under a single contract to run from 2012.

 

  www.soteriasar.com

Irish Coast Guard

As the sole provider of Search and Rescue helicopter services to the Irish Coast Guard, we have extensive experience in the stormy North Atlantic Sea, as well as Irish and Celtic Seas. Maintaining and operating a fleet of Sikorsky S-61N autohover helicopters at bases in Dublin, Shannon, Waterford, and Sligo in 24/7 opertions, we set the standards for safe, efficient helicopter rescue service.

Australia

In Australia, we're the largest provider of emergency medical helicopter services. Operating Air Ambulance and Search and Rescue services across the continent, we are dedicated to the communities we serve. CHC also supports the Royal Australian Air Force and Victoria Police, providing advanced helicopter solutions in demanding situations.

Norway

CHC operates a number of offshore-based helicopters to provide a combined search and rescue (SAR) and inter-rig shuttle service for oil companies. Currently CHC operate two AS332Ls (one AWSAR and one LIMSAR) at Ekofisk field for ConocoPhillips, one AS332L1 (AWSAR) at Oseberg field for Norsk Hydro (which will be replaced by one EC225 AWSAR in 2010), one Bell214ST (AWSAR) at Statfjord field for Statoil, and one AS332L1 (AWSAR) at Heidrun for Statoil. The helicopters are either permanently equipped for SAR duty 24 hours a day, or can be converted from their inter-rig shuttle role to SAR duty role within 15 minutes.

 

CHC provides 24-hour preparedness for SAR, ambulance and oil pollution response in accordance with pre-defined emergency situations. CHC crews act in concert with government SAR operations and can be called upon by the Norwegian Search and Rescue Service to offer assistance in emergency situations within their area of operation.

Contact

CHC Search & Rescue, European Operations

CHC House, Howe Moss Drive, Kirkhill Industrial Estate

Dyce, Aberdeen

UK AB21 0GL

Telephone: +44 1224 846000

info@chcsar.com

CHC Global Operations

Michael Nagel, Director, Marketing

4740 Agar Drive

Richmond, BC

CANADA V7B 1A3

Telephone: (604) 276-7500

businessdevelopment@chc.ca