Section 5 Evacuation Systems
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Construction & Classification of Submersibles & Diving Systems, July 2022 - Part 7 Hyperbaric Rescue Facilities - Chapter 1 Hyperbaric Evacuation Systems - Section 5 Evacuation Systems

Section 5 Evacuation Systems

Parent topic: Chapter 1 Hyperbaric Evacuation Systems

5.1 General

5.1.1 With reference to the "Guidelines and Specifications for Hyperbaric Evacuation Systems", Resolution A.692 (17) of 6 November 1991, the IMO Code of Safety for Diving Systems, Resolution A.831 (19) of 23 November 1995 and IMCA D 052 stipulates for diving systems installed on board ships or offshore platforms an evacuation system enabling divers in saturation to be rescued in the event of them needing to abandon the ship or the platform.

5.1.2 Depending on the local, geographical and other service conditions, different kinds of evacuation systems are conceivable, including:
  1. Hyperbaric self-propelled lifeboats;
  2. Towable hyperbaric evacuation units;
  3. Hyperbaric evacuation units, which may or may not be towable, suitable for offloading onto an attendant vessel;
  4. Transfer of the diving bell to another facility;
  5. Transfer of the divers from one diving bell to another when in the water and under pressure;
  6. Negatively buoyant unit with inherent reserves of buoyancy, stability and life support capable of returning to the surface to await independent recovery.

5.1.3 Where a self-propelled or towable hyperbaric evacuation system permanently connected to the diving systems is provided, the requirements of Pt 7, Ch 1, 8 Design and Construction are to be complied with.

5.1.4 The means provided for access into the compression chamber should be such as to allow safe access to or from the surface compression chambers. Interlocks should be provided to prevent the inadvertent release of the hyperbaric evacuation unit from the surface compression chamber whilst the access trunking is pressurised. The mating flange should be adequately protected from damage at all times, including during the launch and recovery stages.

5.1.5 Arrangements should be provided to enable an unconscious diver to be taken into the unit.

5.1.6 Compression chamber doors should be so designed as to prevent accidental opening while pressurised. All doors should be so designed that, where fitted, the locking mechanisms can be operated from both sides.

5.1.7 Arrangements should be provided to allow the occupants to be observed. If viewports are provided they should be situated so that risk of damage is minimised.

5.1.8 Where decompression of the divers after hyperbaric evacuation is intended to be carried out in another surface compression chamber, then consideration must be given to the suitability of the mating arrangements on that surface compression chamber. Where necessary a suitable adapter and clamping arrangements should be provided.

5.1.9 A medical lock should be provided and be so designed as to prevent accidental opening while the compression chamber is pressurised. Where necessary, interlock arrangements should be provided for this purpose. The dimensions of the medical lock should be adequate to enable essential supplies, including CO2 scrubber canister to be transferred into the compression chamber, and be of such dimensions as to minimise the loss of gas when the lock is being used.

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