Offshore route guide
Rio to Campos Basin Helicopter: Offshore Visits and Crew Logistics
Rio de Janeiro to Campos Basin offshore platforms by helicopter: where flights stage, estimated flight times, offshore survival training, deck approvals and price factors for one-off executive visits.
Reviewed 22 October 2026 · SkyMatch guidance
Short answer: regular crew changes to Campos Basin platforms are flown under the asset owner's contracts, mainly from Macaé. A one-off executive, audit or inspection flight is possible only with the asset owner's approval, trained passengers and an operator approved for offshore work.
How offshore flying works here
The Campos and Santos basins are Brazil's main offshore oil regions, and people reach the platforms and FPSOs by helicopter. Most of that flying is scheduled crew change. Visitors such as executives, regulators or inspectors need a separate, approved flight.
Planning tips
- Start with the asset owner. No flight can land on a deck without their approval of the slot and passenger list.
- Check training certificates early. Passengers without valid offshore survival training are not boarded.
- Expect the deck window to move. Weather, cargo and other operations change slot times.
- Decide the departure point. Macaé is closer to many fields; Rio may suit executive travellers.
On the day
Expect check-in well ahead of departure, weighing of passengers and bags, an ID and certificate check and a safety briefing. On deck, follow the deck crew's instructions at all times. The operator and asset owner send the exact reporting time and rules.
What sets the price
- Scheduled crew seats are allocated by the asset owner and are not sold to the public.
- For an approved one-off flight: aircraft size, distance offshore, positioning, deck fees, waiting time and weather margins.
SkyMatch does not publish prices; the licensed operator confirms the price in writing.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where do Campos Basin crew-change flights depart from?
- Most Campos Basin crew-change flying is based at Macaé, north-east of Rio. Executive or one-off flights may position from Rio de Janeiro. Regular crew changes are run under the asset owner's own contracts, not sold to the public.
- How long is the flight to the Campos Basin platforms?
- It depends on the platform. As a planning estimate, central Campos fields are around an hour from Macaé; Santos Basin pre-salt fields are further and need longer-range aircraft. The operator confirms the actual time.
- What safety training is required?
- Offshore passengers normally need valid helicopter underwater escape and offshore survival training, plus a medical, as required by the asset owner and the operator. Requirements vary, so they are confirmed for each flight.
- Which aircraft fly Campos Basin routes?
- Medium and heavy twin-engine helicopters approved for offshore work. The operator must hold the required ANAC approvals and meet the asset owner's safety standards.
- Can I charter a helicopter privately to an FPSO or platform?
- Sometimes, for visits such as inspections, audits or executive trips — but only with the asset owner's approval of the deck slot and passenger list, and under the same safety rules as crew changes.
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SkyMatch is an independent helicopter charter concierge and sourcing platform. SkyMatch does not operate aircraft. Flights are performed by licensed third-party operators, subject to availability, operator approval, permits, weather and local aviation regulations. Prices are indicative until confirmed by an operator.