A new video has been released explaining how crew and staff onboard Arctic expedition vessels can assist in a helicopter rescue operation, with the aim of enhancing preparedness in the Arctic expedition cruise industry.

The video is the result of a collaboration between the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), the Governor of Svalbard and Lufttransport AS, a provider of search and rescue (SAR) emergency preparedness and services in the Arctic.

The video contains instructions on how the person on deck should prepare the hoisting area, receive the guideline that is lowered from the rescue helicopter, follow the instructions of the rescuer and assist the rescuer in hoisting people from the deck.

Helirescue training video by AECO, Lufttransport and Governor of Svalbard from AECO on Vimeo.

According to AECO’s executive director Frigg Jørgensen, the video can be used by cruise operators for training purposes.

“We know that expedition cruise vessels can be a valuable resource in search and rescue operations in the Arctic. These vessels have capable and highly trained staff that can assist rescuers in the field. We hope that this video can help educate and train ship crew and staff and other interested parties,” said Jørgensen in a press statement.

Lufttransport’s chief pilot, Snorre Hagen, is happy that the cruise industry and SAR services are working together.

“Collaborations like this are contributing to improved and more efficient rescue operations in the Arctic”, said Hagen.

The video was filmed on Hurtigruten Svalbard operated vessel Nordstjernen during the summer of 2019.