DSV SHADDAD

Hyperbaric Evacuation and Rescue

Page 1 of 30

Contents
1

Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 3

GLOSSARY........................................................................................................................................ 4

Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat ................................................................................................. 6

Mobile Life Support Package (MLSP) .............................................................................................. 6

Manufacturer, Description and Specifications ............................................................................... 6

Procedure of Transferring Divers to SPHL....................................................................................... 8

Transfer unconscious diver from Saturation Living Chambers to SPHL .......................................... 9

SPHL Launching and Recovery Procedures ..................................................................................... 9

SPHL Recovery............................................................................................................................... 10

10

Procedures for SPHL Connection to Mobile Life Support Package on Halul Island .................. 11

11

SPHL As a self-sufficient unit once landed. ............................................................................... 13

11.1

Electric chiller .................................................................................................................... 14

11.2

Hydraulic chiller ................................................................................................................ 14

11.3

Heaters and pumps ........................................................................................................... 14

11.4

Onboard chiller controls ................................................................................................... 15

11.5

Climate control board ....................................................................................................... 16

11.6

Climate control panel ........................................................................................................ 17

11.7

Main engine and emergency generator start procedures. ............................................... 18

11.8

Main engine start procedure. ........................................................................................... 18

11.1

Emergency generator start procedure. ............................................................................ 19

12

SPHL Photographs ..................................................................................................................... 20

13

General Arrangement of Hyperbaric Lifeboat .......................................................................... 21

14

BOAT HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREW. SEE DIAGRAM BELOW ...................................... 23

15

Towing Arrangement ................................................................................................................ 25

16

Single Point Lifting Arrangement .............................................................................................. 26

17

Diving Bell and Living Chambers Technical Overview ............................................................... 27

Page 2 of 30

1 Summary
Diving work, by its very nature, can sometimes place the diver in situations that have
inherent and unavoidable dangers. Even when using the best diving system, vessel and
equipment manned by properly trained and competent personnel, the possibility of an
emergency still exists. Emergencies require prompt, corrective action to rectify and prevent
further worsening of the situation.
Halul Offshore Services Company has emergency procedures in place for both
Surface Supplied and Saturation Diving Operations. These procedures describe the
fundamental steps required to be taken during emergencies and the personnel responsible
for the corrective actions.
This document goes past what can be termed as foreseeable emergencies to extreme
circumstances where emergency procedures and operations for launching the
Self Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat (SPHL) or Diving Bell have not been possible due to
massive structural damage, fire, massive flooding or capsizing of the DSV Shaddad, or
where the designated personnel are unable to carry out the emergency procedures in time.
During such emergencies, the Diving Bell or the SPHL are recoverable. The Bell and the
SPHL have a gas supply to preserve life for a minimum of 72 hours. There are many known
cases in the diving industry where rescue by the diving team or even another vessel have
been carried out successfully.
The purpose of this document is to provide the relevant information for a diving intervention
team or vessel to plan and execute a successful rescue.

Page 3 of 30

2 GLOSSARY
BIBS

Built in Breathing System

CFM

Cubic Feet per Minute

CO2

Carbon Dioxide

CO

Carbon Monoxide

CV

Control Valve

DDC

Deck/Diver Decompression Chamber

DP

Dynamic Positioning

DSV

Diving Support Vessel

EPIRB

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

ECS

Environmental Control System

EL

Entry Lock

He

Helium

HeO2

Mixture of Helium and Oxygen

HP

High Pressure

HOSC

Halul Offshore Services Company

HW

Hot Water

ID

Internal Diameter

IMCA

International Marine Contractors Association

JSA

Job Safety Analysis

LARS

Launch and Recovery System

LP

Low Pressure

LPM

Litres per Minute

LSS

Life Support Supervisor

LST

Life Support Technician

MSW

Metres of Seawater

NDT

Non Destructive Testing

OBG

Onboard Gas

O2

Oxygen

OD

Outside Diameter

PP

Partial Pressure
Page 4 of 30

PRR

Pressure Reducing Regulator

QP

Qatar Petroleum

REV

Revision

ROV

Remote Operated Vehicle

S/B

Stand-by

SCM

Standard Cubic Metres

SCMH

Standard Cubic Metres per Hour

SDC

Submersible Decompression Chamber (Diving Bell)

SPHL

Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat

SPT

Sound Powered Telephone

SWL

Safe Working Load

TWC

Through Water Communications

U/W

Underwater

The DSV Shaddad is a class 2 dynamically positioned multi-purpose dive support vessel.
The Shaddad is currently working offshore in Qatar. Owned by Halul Offshore Services Co.
and leased by Qatar Petroleum.
The vessel offers the following Services:
a. Saturation dive support capable of supporting divers up to 300 metres
water depth
b. Air dive support for shallow dive work (Max 50m)
c. Subsea Construction, Inspection and Survey
d. ROV support

Page 5 of 30

3 Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat

The SPHL is located on the Port side of the vessel, secured on a davit between the
Accomodation-1 and Upper Forecastle Deck. The SPHL is used to evacuate the
divers under pressure from the Saturation Chambers and maintain all life support
functions for a maximum of eighteen divers for a duration of 72 hours. The SPHL is
connected to entry lock-3 via trunking. All other Saturation Chambers are connected
via transfer trunkings. The divers can simultaneously transfer into the SPHL when the
saturation diving living chambers are held at the same pressure. The SPHL is
launched by the use of a davit.

4 Mobile Life Support Package (MLSP)

The SPHL is supported by a Mobile Life Support Package (MLSP) that is held on
Halul 41. The MLSP provides extended life support over the 72 hour built-in
capability of the SPHL.
The MLSP is containerized with the following facilities:
(1) Gas management manifold for the distribution of gases from quads held with
the package to the SPHL.
(2) Power supply management system for the provision of mains power to the
MLSP and transformed down power to the SPHL.
(3) Chilling and heating systems including circulation pump, to compliment and
supplement the onboard SPHL systems.
(4) Storage of soda sorb and other consumables inside the SPHL required to
support an extended saturation decompression.

5 Manufacturer, Description and Specifications

Manufacturer
(1)
Hull. Oceanwide S.a.S. "Rotterdam, The Netherlands
(2)
Hyperbaric Chamber. Hyperbaric Manufacturing BV
"Raamsdonksveer, The Netherlands"
(3)
Year of Manufacture: 2010
(4)

(HYTECH)

Design Codes:
(a)
Chapter III of the International Convention for the Safety of Life
at Sea, 1974, as amended."
(b)

The International Life Saving Appliance (LSA) code, MSC

48(66), Chapter IV, Section 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, & 4.9 and Chapter V."

(c)

Resolution MSC.81(70) revised recommendation on testing of

Life Saving Appliances Part 1, Chapter 6."

Page 6 of 30

(d)

IMO Resolution A.692(17) ""Guidelines and specifications for

hyperbaric evacuation systems"

(e)

NORSOK standard for "Manned Underwater Operations"

(f)
Description
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

NMD red book requirements.

Totally enclosed hyperbaric lifeboat.

Fire protected with self-contained air support system.
DNV ID Number:
P10657
DNV Certificate Number:
ROT-09-6041-1. Issued 10/09/2010.

Specifications
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)

Hull Designation:
HLB1050/18
Hull Serial Number:
Hull No. 80
Length:
10.50 m
Breadth:
3.35 m
Depth:
1.28 m
Weight of boat, fully equipped:
16150 kg
Weight of boat, fully manned 75 kg:
17800 kg
Hook manufacturer & type MadRock:
LockRoc 12"
Hook SWL:
12000 kg
Hull material:
GRP
Propulsion system:
Inboard engine
Engine manufacturer and type:
Steyr MO144M38 106kW
Bollard pull:
5.2 kN
Approved engine power:
106 kW
Maximum number of persons 75 kg:
18 divers and 4 crew
Maximum load of persons 75 kg:
1650 kg
Emergency beacon EPIRB - McMurdo E5 Serial No. 100-22654
(a)
Frequencies:
121.5 MHz and 406 MHz

(18)

Hyperbaric Chamber Diver Decompression Vessel 2009082-01

(a)
Volume:
12.0 m
(b)
Design pressure:
31.4 Bar
(c)
Test pressure:
47.1 Bar
(d)
Hyperbaric Fire Extinguisher:
80 Litres.
Serial No. 09.020
Design ambient temperatures:
(a)
Inner system:
From -10 C to +55 C
(b)
Outer system:
From -10 C to +55 C

(19)

(20)

(21)

(22)

6 x Nos. Heliox 50 litre cylinders:

(a)
Maximum working pressure:
(b)
Test pressure:

200 Bar
450 Bar

5 x Nos. Oxygen 50 litre cylinders:

(a)
Maximum working pressure:
(b)
Test pressure:

200 Bar
450 Bar

1 x No. FIFI cylinder 30 Litres:

Serial No. 08330

Page 7 of 30

The SPHL is located on the port side of the vessel on the Accomodation-01 and Upper
Forecastle Deck. The SPHL is connected to a davit with the RocLoc 12TM Release
Mechanism system. The SPHL is connected to entry lock-3 via trunking.

6 Procedure of Transferring Divers to SPHL

a.

DDC-4 occupants (if occupied) must preferably be the first to transfer to EL-3
as Top Door 17 lowers against door 16, impeding access to EL-3 for DDC-4
occupants, securing door 16 behind them. (IF NOT AT DEEPEST DEPTH
DIVERS WILL BE BLOWN DOWN AT A RATE NOT TO EXCEED 40FSW
PER MINUTE USING BOTTOM MIX TO DEPTH OF EL-3).

b.

DDC-4 occupants on hearing call to make way through to SPHL for Vessel
Abandonment, transfer into EL-3, securing door 20 behind them and setting
equalization valves as per markings on door. i.e. NC normally closed, NO
normally open

c.

Inform Sat Control ready to lower top door 17. LSS will establish that
hydraulic pressure is on door 17 and instruct divers to take the dogs off door
17. When divers have confirmed dogs off, door 17 will be lowered and ladder
put in place. First man (Dedicated Internal Supervisor) climbs up trunk and
enters SPHL and commences checks that lights, scrubbers are working and
scrubber canisters in place. Confirm communications working with LSS in Sat
Control.

d.

DDC-3 occupants make their way through to EL-3, closing door 14 behind
them and setting equalization valves as per markings on them.

e.

DDC-1 and DDC-2 occupants will follow as soon as instructed to by LSS that
EL-3 is clear, closing doors as above behind them.

f.

Last man leaving EL-3 to climb into SPHL trunk must lower the ladder to EL-3
and instruct the LSS to raise door 17, informs LSS in Sat Control when closed
and dogged. LSS will over-pressurise EL-3 10 FSW over trunk depth. (If
waiting for the Bell to return then this may be delayed). Last man then climbs
up and into SPHL and the bottom door is secured in closed position.

g.

SPHL Internal Supervisor will then inform Sat Control Bottom door closed
and ready to go for seal. LSS will then over pressurise the SPHL by 5fsw
and confirm seal with SPHL Internal Supervisor. LSS will then decompress
the SPHL trunk 10 fsw and observe that seal is good. At this point all
occupants of SPHL must strap into their seats and prepare for launch.

h.

After LSS in Sat Control is content that the seal is good between the trunk
and the SPHL he will open the SPHL trunk exhaust fully and he will inform
Launch Supervisor that seal is good and the trunk may be surfaced through
the local exhaust at the clamp. Control of launch is then handed over to the
launch supervisor. Communications will then be taken over by the LSS
stationed in the cabin, between SPHL occupants and the SPHL cabin.

i.

Control of SPHL Chamber gas, depth and temperature parameters is then

controlled by the LSS in the SPHL cabin.

Page 8 of 30

7 Transfer unconscious diver from Saturation Living Chambers to SPHL

a.

When notice is given that an evacuation of the Saturation system to the SPHL
is imminent and there is an unconscious diver in the system, that diver must
be transferred to the nearest chamber to EL-3 i.e. EL-2, DDC-3, but not DDC4 as when door 16 is lowered access to EL-3 from EL-4 is limited by this door
being in the way. If already in DDC-4 then he will be moved to EL-3.

b.

In the meantime the SPHL trunk will be equalized with El-3 and the top door
lowered. At least 2 divers, called Diver 1+2 (dependent on the amount in the
system at the time) shall climb up into the SPHL and secure the SPHL lower
hatch open with the latch.

c.

Diver 3 will climb up to the first bend in the SPHL trunk to assist with guiding
the rope down to EL-3 and then guiding up with the stretcher.

d.

Remaining divers will transport the unconscious diver onto the dedicated
stretcher and strap him in also ensuring that the head and neck are
immobilized.

e.

Divers 1+2 in SPHL will lower the Masdam rope down through the trunk to
EL3 where diver 4 will attached this securely to the head end of the stretcher.

f.

Unconscious diver will now be raised up into and through the trunk assisted
by diver 4 at his feet and diver 3 in front who will guide the front end of the
stretcher so as to avoid the stretcher becoming fouled on a trunk ladder.

g.

Unconscious diver on stretcher will then be placed on the port seats and held
in place there while the remaining divers exit EL3 to the SPHL.

h.

When the final diver is in the SPHL the SPHL bottom door will be secured and
a seal obtained.

i.

Unconscious diver on stretcher will be placed on the floor of the SPHL

between port and starboard seats while the vessel is launched.

j.

After launch the Patient will be attended to by the onboard DMT as required.

8 SPHL Launching and Recovery Procedures

SPHL Launching
SPHL launch to be conducted on instruction from Master or Superintendent.
Note: The Off-shift dive team is designated as the SPHL Launch team. Their muster station
is to be on the Upper forecastle deck around the SPHL.
a.

Automatic Launch Procedure

(1)

Once all divers are in the SPHL and over pressured from the trunking
then the trunk may be vented to surface. This will be conducted under
the supervision of the on shift LSS.

(2)

SPHL Coxswain and Deputy will prepare the vessel for launch. The
off-shift LSS and one other will board the SPHL and prepare for
launch.

Page 9 of 30

b.

(3)

1 x diver will disconnect the SPHL to vessel connections.

(4)

1 x diver will remove the securing wires by releasing the pelican clip
under the SPHL.

Automatic Launch Procedure

(1)

On confirmation that the mating clamp is completely vented; Open the

clamp fully.

(2)

Confirm that the interlock lever has been fully activated allowing the
hydraulic pump to be started.

(3)

The Coxswain can start the engine as soon as possible to confirm

operational. The engine can run for 5 minutes without cooling water.

(4)

On the instruction to launch and confirmation from the deck crew that
the SPHL is clear to launch the Coxswain may begin to manually
launch using the two cables.

(5)

PULL CABLE 1 (RED) and hold down. This activates the accumulator
hydraulics, lifts the SPHL from its cradle and booms it out clear of the
port side of the vessel.

(6)

Once the booms are fully extended the coxswain will PULL CABLE 2
(YELLOW). This will activate the controlled decent and allow the
SPHL to lower itself to the water.

(7)

The Hydrostatic release mechanism can be activated and the SPHL is

to be driven away from the vessel to a clear and safe distance.

(8)

Once the SPHL is launched then the Launch team is to report to their
designated Life boat muster station.

9 SPHL Recovery
Note: The SPHL is designed to be lifted on its bridle lifting points in a swell less than 2m.
a.

The bowman & stern man to confirm that the lifting hooks are in position.
Insert the safety pins (Blue Pins)

b.

Winch driver to switch on power to the pump and then switch on the pump
itself.

c.

Lower the wires to allow the tenders to attach the lifting rings.

d.

Confirm that both rings are in and secured.

e.

Winch operator to slowly take the weight of the SPHL.

f.

Lift the SPHL clear of the water and stop.

g.

Crews inside the SPHL Cabin are to open the drain plugs and allow any water
in the bilges to drain. Re-secure drain plugs.

h.

All personnel should exit the SPHL before it is lifted to the deck.

i.

Winch operator to lift the SPHL to its cradle and land it into its cradle.
Page 10 of 30

j.

Winch operator is to ensure that the rope tension pistons are fully extended
before turning off the hydraulics, making the system ready for the next launch.

k.

Once in position and instructed to do so, dive crew to close clamp and secure
the sea fastenings.

l.

LST will attach all the vessel feed lines to the SPHL.

m.

Control of the SPHL is then handed over to the LSS.

10 Procedures for SPHL Connection to Mobile Life Support Package on

Halul Island
a.

The designated personnel on Halul Island/Halul 41 to ensure that the Life

Support Container is in a state of readiness and good order to connect to
SPHL in case of an emergency. Also ensure all the quads are in good order
and pressure readings taken once every week.

b.

Ensure power is connected to the life support container and to chiller

compressor unit for the cooling system of the SPHL. Start the chiller unit,
check all the parameters and ensure it is running correctly and standby for the
imminent arrival of the Shaddad SPHL

c.

Once the Shaddad SPHL arrives at Halul Island/Halul 41, it will be lifted and
placed on a supporting cradle close to the life support container. (this will
require a crane that can lift 20 ton and a cradle that will clear the bottom of
the SPHL from the ground/deck by 1.5 meters) Ensure that the SPHL is
secure using strong points and then connect all the umbilical hoses to the
respective connectors on the outside of the life support container. The end
fittings are quick-connect for easy operation and connection. (Please see
attached Flypack Control Package)

d.

The LSS will attach the helium and oxygen HP hoses stored in container and
connect the following:
(1)
16% quad to the panel on the life support container
(2)
2% quad to the panel on the life support container
(3)
O2 quad to panel on the life support container
(4)
Should the need of commencing a deco arise, the therapeutic quads
should be ready for immediate connection to the panel.
(5)
Blowdown line to left hand side panel in life support container
(6)
Exhaust line to left hand side panel in life support container
(7)
Pneumo/Depth line to left hand side panel in life support container
(8)
Analysis line to left hand side panel in life support container
(9)
Power line to local power mains
(10) Cooling water hoses to local chiller compressor
(11) Connect comms box to the local power mains
(12) Connect O2 analyzer to local power mains
(13) Connect CO2 analyzer to local power mains

e.

Connect all hoses to the external penetrator fixing panel on the SPHL

f.

Ensure that all is on line, all analyzers, communications, chillers are working
correctly and pressure gauges reading correctly
Page 11 of 30

g.

Dive Tech will ensure the power source reaching the life support container is
kept constant.

h.

Dive Tech will look after the chiller compressor unit and ensure it is running
smoothly for the SPHL cooling.

i.

The designated personnel on Halul Island should start the chiller compressor
at least once every two months to make sure it is kept in good working order.

Page 12 of 30

11 SPHL As a self-sufficient unit once landed.

The SPHL supports the Chamber well when it is in the water. Once arrived at a safe
haven then the LSP should be prepped to take the SPHL and then simply supply the
necessary delivery to enable the unit to continue working when on the stand.

This is achieved by simply supplying the SPHL with a constant water supply to its intakes,
allowing all onboard systems to remain functioning.
In order for the electric controls, the chamber scrubbers and lights, and electric onboard
chiller/heaters to remain functioning, either the onboard emergency generator must be
running, or an external 230Vac, 50/60Hz, 16Amp electrical supply must be provided,
plugged in to the SPHL penetrator plate (fig1 & 2).
The 230Vac change-over switch will have to be set to the correct powersource. (fig 3.)
This 230Vac needs to remain switched on as long as there are occupants inside the
living chamber of the SPHL as its also supplying the battery chargers for the onboard
CO2 scrubbers and other life support equipment!

Fig 1. SPHL penetrator plate.

Fig 2. SPHL penetrator plate 230VAC

connection.

Fig 3. 230Vac change-over switch.

Two x Blue water drums are kept in the LSP shack. These are to act as header tanks for the
water supply. Kept inside the SPHL (along the port side) are the hoses and fittings for the
intake connections.
Using a fire hose from Halul 41 to constantly feed the header tanks this will allow all onboard
systems to be run as if the unit were still in the water.
Generator, Main engine, Hydraulic chiller and electrical chiller can all then be run as normal.
Page 13 of 30

The Top side unit can be connected as a back up to these, Note: The LSP chiller unit can
only be run as an independent unit, as the onboard systems are open circuit and will drain
the system through the SPHL overboard dumps.
The Gas supply can be connected as above and used either directly or as a top up to the
onboard bottles. This will be at the discretion of the LSS.
Do not lift the SPHL out of the water until all services are ready.
11.1 Electric chiller

Under normal circumstances the electric chiller would be used for the supply of chilled water
to the chamber. For the electrical supply to this chiller either a shore supply can be used,
which plugs into a 3 pin female connector(fig 2.) on the penetrator plate of the SPHL (fig 1.),
or the SPHL onboard emergency generator can be used to supply the electrical power.
The required supply is 220-240Vac 50/60Hz, 16Amp.
A cooling water hose needs to be connected to the generator cooling water supply
connection when the generator is used.
The electric chiller will require a cooling water hose to be connected to its condenser inlet
water connector.
11.2 Hydraulic chiller

When the electrical chiller is not available, the hydraulic chiller can be used to supply chilled
water to the chamber.
In order to be able to run the hydraulic chiller, the main engine needs to be started in order
to supply the hydraulic power to the hydraulic chiller.
A cooling water hose needs to be connected to the main engine cooling water supply
connection when the main engine is used.
The hydraulic chiller will require a cooling water hose to be connected to its condenser inlet
water connector.
11.3 Heaters and pumps

The heaters can be switched on from the climate control board (Fig. 9)
The chilled water and hot water circulating pumps can be switched on from the 12 & 24Vdc
distribution board

Page 14 of 30

SPHL external cooling water connections;

Electric chiller
condenser inlet

Hydraulic chiller
condenser inlet

Main engine
cooling water
inlet

Fig 5. Starboard stern cooling water connections.

Fig 4. Port stern cooling water connections

Emergency
generator cooling
water inlet

Fig 6. Starboard bow cooling water connection.

11.4 Onboard chiller controls

When an external heater/chiller is connected, the 4 change-over valves on the aft starboard
bulkhead will all need to be in the horizontal position, when using the onboard electric or hydraulic
chiller, theses valves need to be in the vertical position.

Internal / external change-over valves

(Shown in the external chiller
position) Change to horizontal
position when internal chillers are
used!

Chiller / heater
control solenoid
valves

Fig 7. Heating/cooling change-over valves (shown in external heater/chiller configuration).

Page 15 of 30

The chiller/heaters supply circuitbreakers need to be switched on in the 12/24Vdc distribution board
situated on the port aft bulkhead inside the SPHL. (Fig. 8), the essential breakers to switch on are;
Main switch 24Vdc, heating system circ. Pump, control panel, electric chiller, hydraulic chiller.

Fig 8. 12 & 24Vdc distribution board.

11.5 Climate control board

Once 24Vdc power is supplied to the control circuit, the climate control board (Fig. 9) becomes
active, and chillers and heaters can then be switched on from there.
There are manual override switches which can be used to individually switch on equipment in case
of a climate control board failure

Manual override
switches

Fig 9. Climate control board.

Page 16 of 30

11.6 Climate control panel

The actual temperature of the living chamber of the SPHL is controlled from the climate control
panel (Fig. 10).
Under normal circumstances the temperature control selectorswitch is set to the auto position.
In this position the chiller and heater solenoid valves (Fig. 7) are automatically controlled to maintain
the inside temperature to the desired setpoint, as set on the temperature controller.
Temperature control
selectorswitch

Temperature
controller

Fig 10. Climate control panel.

The temperature control setpoint can be adjusted on the temperature controller (Fig 11.)

To access the setpoint press

once, then modify the setpoint with the

Once the desired setpoint is set, press the

main screen again.

and

keys.

again to enter the new setpoint, and return to the

Fig 11. Temperature controller.

Page 17 of 30

11.7 Main engine and emergency generator start procedures.

Fig 12. Cockpit dashboard.

11.8 Main engine start procedure.

When the hydraulic chiller is to be used, the main engine needs to be run in order to supply the
hydraulic power to the chiller.
A cooling water hose needs to be connected to the main engine cooling water supply connection.

To start the main engine, depress the

button on the main engine control panel (Fig 13)

which is situated on the Cockpit dashboard, and then press

switch is engaged!

. Ensure the safety lanyard

Safety lanyard switch.

Fig 13. Main engine control panel.

Page 18 of 30

11.1 Emergency generator start procedure.

When the electric chiller is to be used, the emergency generator needs to be run in order to supply
the electrical power, unless a shore power is supplied through the penetrator plate, see Fig. 2

Emergency generator
battery isolator switch

Emergency generator

Fig 14. Emergency generator.

To be able to start the generator, first ensure that the battery isolator switch is on, this switch is
located on the forward starboard bulkhead near the emergency generator.

Fig 15. Emergency generator control panel.

To start the generator, briefly press the

which is situated on the Cockpit dashboard.

button on the emergency generator control panel

Page 19 of 30

12 SPHL Photographs

Towing Bridle

Centre Lifting Bridle

Emergency Gas, Water and Electrical Connection Panel

Page 20 of 30

13 General Arrangement of Hyperbaric Lifeboat

Page 21 of 30

Saturation Diving System and SPHL

Page 22 of 30

14 BOAT HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREW. SEE DIAGRAM BELOW

a.

Procedure for tanker lifeboats in case of fire.

(1)
Check remote control of brake wire is fed through
(2)
Be sure hanging off-pendant is disconnected
(3)
Check painter is connected to the painter release hook
(4)
Enter the lifeboat, close entrance hatches and fasten the seat belts
(5)
Check starting of the engine (Batt 1 & Batt 2). Stop the engine
(6)
Open the compressed air bottle valves
(7)
Be sure the sea inlet valves is always open
(8)
Open valve of the waterspray system
(9)
Close ventilation hatch
(10) Lower the boat by pulling the remote control wire of the brake
When the boat is waterborn.
(11) Open the main valve of the air supply
(12) Start engine using Batt 1 or Batt 2
(13) Release lifting hooks
(14) Release painter

b.

Procedure for lifeboats in case there is no fire.

(1)
Check remote control of brake wire is fed through
(2)
Be sure hanging off-painter is disconnected
(3)
Check painter is connected to the painter release hook
(4)
Enter the lifeboat, close entrance hatches and fasten the seat belts
(5)
Check starting of the engine (Batt 1 or Batt 2). Stop the engine
(6)
Lower the boat by pulling the remote control wire of the brake
When the boat is waterborn.
(7)
Release lifting hooks
(8)
Release painter

Page 23 of 30

Boat Handling Instructions

Page 24 of 30

15 Towing Arrangement
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

75m Dynema Line 12T SWL stored inside the boat

Release the steel wire from the attachment on deck
Attach the aft end of the Dynema Line at the shackle of the steel wire
Attach the Orange Buoy at the fwd end of the Dynema Line OR make contact
with the towing vessel by means of a line throwing device
Give the 75m Dynema Line in a controlled way

Page 25 of 30

16 Single Point Lifting Arrangement

The diagram below describes the various components of the Single Point Lifting
arrangement for the SPHL.
a.

1 x Hoisting ring for chain, dia. 22mm, SWL 21.2t. TWN 0831 size 22-8

b.

2 x Chain shackle for chain dia. 20mm, SWL 12.5t. TWN 0829 size 20-8

c.

2 x Chain dia. 20mm, L = 4.0m, SWL 12.5t. Make Thiel size 20

d.

2 x Chain shackle for chain dia. 20mm, SWL 12.5t. TWN 0829 size 20-8

e.

2 x H-Shackle, green pin SWL 17t

Page 26 of 30

17 Diving Bell and Living Chambers Technical Overview

General
The vessel is equipped with a saturation dive system designed for use in water
depths up to 300 metres and supporting up to 18 divers in saturation. The system is
comprised of:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)

Combined Air and Sat Diving Control Room

Surface Compression Chambers, DDC 1 to 4
Bell Launch and Recovery System
Diving Bell
Bell Handling System
Life Support Control
Diver Heating System
Diver Gas Reclaim
Chamber Gas Reclaim and Purification
Gas Management System
Air Dive Decompression System

Diving System
The Saturation Chambers and Saturation Control Room are situated on the
Tween deck of the vessel. The Diving Bell handling system is located on the main
deck and the SPHL is located on the port side between the Accomodation-01 and
Upper Forecastle Deck.
The saturation system is comprised of four twin lock Decompression Chambers and
a Diving Bell. The Diving Bell is deployed through the moon pool which is situated in
the after part of the diving area amidships on the centre line of the vessel. The
Saturation system is designed to accommodate eighteen divers under compression
at any one time. Hyperbaric rescue facilities are provided to evacuate two teams of
six divers and two teams of three divers at the same pressure level.
The Diving Bell is handled by an overhead trolley arrangement and deployed through
the moon pool. The operating system is designed to handle the Bell up to a
maximum heave of 3 meters.

Diving Bell
The Submersible Diving Chamber (SDC) or more commonly known as the Diving
Bell has an internal volume of 6.30m3 and is capable of supporting 3 divers. The
purpose of the Diving Bell is to transfer the divers to and from the worksite while
under pressure. The Diving Bell also provides onboard gas and life support
equipment in case of a diving emergency.

Page 27 of 30

Bell Winch
The Bell Winch is located in the moon pool area and is capable of raising the
combined mass of the Bell and the cursor, and deploying the Bell through the moon
pool, leaving the cursor on the stops at the bottom of the cursor rails. The Bell can
be deployed and recovered to a maximum depth of 300msw.

Clump Weight and Guide Wire System

The purpose of the clump weight is to allow the bell to be lowered to the correct
working position and preventing it from rotating. In an emergency it is possible to
recover the bell into the cursor by using the Clump Weight as a secondary recovery
system.

Umbilical Winch
The umbilical winch is used to deploy and recover the main umbilical. The winch
maintains a constant tension during launch and recovery operations

Transfer Trolley and Cursor

The transfer trolley runs on an overhead gantry system and is used to traverse the
bell to the moon-pool from the entry lock-3 trunking. The cursor is a frame work
which fits closely around the Bell. It guides the Bell through the moon-pool during
launch and recovery.
Air Dive Stations
The Air Dive Control is located in a common room with Saturation Dive Control on
the starboard side amidships. The system consists of four dive baskets, two on the
port side and two on the starboard side, along with their respective Launch and
Recovery Systems. There are two twin lock chambers located in a compartment on
the port side of the vessel on the main deck.

Page 28 of 30

Diving Bell Specifications

MANUFACTURER
LEXMAR ENGINEERING
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE
2009
SERIAL NUMBER
LME-00-530
TYPE
300M
WEIGHT ON SURFACE

11.74 TONNES

BELL ON BOARD GAS

8 X 50L HEO2 BOTTLES

1X 50L O2 BOTTLE

EMERGENCY TRANSPONDER

SONAR DYNE AODC

THROUGH WATER COMMS

OCEAN TECHNOLOGY STX-1015B

POWER SUPPLY
BELL EMERGENCY LIFTING POINTS

24V BATTERY
2 x 40mm DIAMETER HOLES

BOTTOM DOOR MATING FACE

800mm INSIDE DIAMETER

Diving Bell Manufacturers Plate

Diving Bell Emergency Lifting Points

Diving Bell Mating Clamp

Emergency Gas, Water and Electrical Connection Panel

Page 29 of 30

Bell External General Arrangement

Page 30 of 30