Dear Partners in Safety,
Effective October 1, 2025, new restrictions on the transportation of personal electronic devices (PEDs) by aircraft will be implemented to minimize the risks associated with lithium battery fires. Lithium battery fires/ thermal runaway while onboard an aircraft has been identified by the FAA and IOGP members as a most likely credible scenario. Numerous lithium battery fire/thermal runaway incidents have occurred across the aviation industry over the last several years. The frequency of these occurrences is increasing.
The restrictions listed below apply to all passengers traveling on Shell-contracted helicopters in the Americas (PHI, Bristow, Omni, etc.).
- Effective October 1, 2025, e-cigarettes/vapes and power banks will not be permitted on helicopter flights.
- Power bank – a portable battery-powered device designed to store and transfer electrical energy to charge or operate electronic equipment (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops). It typically includes internal lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells.
- Laptops and tablets shall be completely switched OFF to avoid the battery overheating or catching fire while stored in the back of the aircraft’s cargo compartment.
- Switched OFF – means that the device is powered OFF and is not able to run background processes or allow receiving and transmitting functions such as “find my device” or dwell in a sleep or hibernate mode.
- Laptops and tablets shall be transported in a protective case or packaging. Devices with physical damage shall not be transported because a damaged battery is more likely to catch fire.
- Passengers shall pack their laptop computers, cameras, and/or large electronic devices in impact resistant cases designed for air transport, or suitably protected in other type baggage to prevent damage. The placement of “Fragile” or other such tags on baggage is the responsibility of the passenger. Note: This requirement has been in effect since July 1, 2024.
- Mobile phones, earbuds, fitness trackers, and smart watches shall be switched OFF (if possible) and carried in a protective case on the passenger.
- Smart watches may be worn on the passengers (no protective case needed if worn)
See the attached brief for amplifying information. [Link to PowerPoint Brief]
Please reach out to your Shell Logistics Coordinator if you have any questions.
Click to Enlarge
Dear Partners in Safety,
An update from our aircraft operators regarding passenger identity verification:
Effective May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require passengers traveling by air to identify themselves using a REAL ID. This applies to all passengers traveling on Shell-contracted aircraft in the United States (PHI, Bristow, Wing Aviation, etc.).
Acceptable REAL IDs:
- State Driver’s License with REAL ID designation, such as a star or flag in the upper right-hand corner. The word “enhanced” may also indicate REAL ID compliance on a state license. (For help determining if your license is REAL ID compliant, see TSA’s website.)
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Foreign government-issued passport
NOTE: Paper copies and digital IDs, including mobile driver’s licenses, are NOT an accepted form of REAL ID. For a full list of REAL ID-compliant identification options, visit: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
Please reach out to your Shell Logistics Coordinator if you have any questions.
Passengers who do not present an acceptable form of REAL ID-compliant identification will be denied air transport.
Dear Partners in Safety,
The health and safety of our offshore workforce is our number one priority. Having the offshore workforce fit to work is essential in preventing accidents, injuries, and incidents that could compromise safety. To this end, we are introducing more rigorous monitoring of our long-standing fitness to work requirements through the Helipass and ISNetworld Training Qualification (ISN TQ) systems.
New enhanced measures will be used for:
- Validity of Fitness to Work Assessments in Helipass/ISN TQ
- Medications Taken Offshore
Please CLICK HERE to learn more.
Protection of both the health and well-being of all employees and contractors and protection of the environment are of utmost concern to Shell. To effectively manage contractor HSE performance, Shell utilizes the Contractor HSE Management Process (CSMP).
This process describes the identification, assessment, and control of HSE-related risk incurred by using contractors to provide services. Shell includes contractor HSE performance in its reported progress toward targets and expects all Shell and contractor employees to participate equally in achieving HSE objectives.
In addition, we are committed to following the HSSE Commitment and Policy.