1.3 Definitions
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - DS Code - Code of Safety for Diving Systems, 1995 – Resolution A.831(19) - Chapter 1 - General - 1.3 Definitions

1.3 Definitions

 For the purpose of this Code the terms used have the meanings defined in the following paragraphs unless expressly provided otherwise.

  • 1.3.1 Administration means the Government of the State whose flag a ship or floating structure which carries a diving system is entitled to fly or in which the ship or floating structure is registered.

  • 1.3.2 Bottle means a pressure container for the storage and transport of gases under pressure.

  • 1.3.3 Breathing gas/breathing mixture means all gases/mixtures of gases which are used for breathing during diving operations.

  • 1.3.4 Certificate means Diving System Safety Certificate.

  • 1.3.5 Surface compression chamber means a pressure vessel for human occupancy with means of controlling the pressure inside the chamber.

  • 1.3.6 Depth means the water depth or equivalent pressure to which the diver is exposed at any time during a dive or inside a surface compression chamber or a diving bell.

  • 1.3.7 Diving bell means a submersible compression chamber, including its fitted equipment, for transfer of diving personnel under pressure between the work location and the surface compression chamber.

  • 1.3.8 Diving system means the whole plant and equipment necessary for the conduct of diving operations.

  • 1.3.8.1 Fixed system means a diving system installed permanently on ships or floating structures.

  • 1.3.8.2 Temporary system means a diving system installed on ships or floating structures for a period not exceeding one year.

  • 1.3.9 Evacuation system means a system whereby divers under pressure can be safely evacuated from a ship or floating structure to a position where decompression can be carried out.

  • 1.3.10 Handling system means the plant and equipment necessary for raising, lowering and transporting the diving bell between the work location and the surface compression chamber.

  • 1.3.11 Hazardous areas are those locations in which an explosive gas-air mixture is continuously present, or present for long periods (zone 0); in which an explosive gas-air mixture is likely to occur in normal operation (zone 1); in which an explosive gas-air mixture it not likely to occur, and if it does it will only exist for a short time (zone 2).

  • 1.3.12 Life support system means the gas supply, breathing gas system, decompression equipment, environmental control system and equipment required to provide a safe environment for the diving crew in the diving bell and the surface compression chamber under all ranges of pressure and conditions they may be exposed to during diving operations.

  • 1.3.13 Living compartment means the part of the surface compression chamber which is intended to be used as the main habitation for the divers during diving operations and which is equipped for such purpose.

  • 1.3.14 Main components of a diving system include the surface compression chamber, diving bell, handling system and fixed gas storage facilities.

  • 1.3.15 Mating device means the equipment necessary for the connection and disconnection of a diving bell to a surface compression chamber.

  • 1.3.16 Maximum operating depth of the diving system is the depth in metres or feet of seawater equivalent to the maximum pressure for which the diving system is designed to operate.

  • 1.3.17 Organization means the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

  • 1.3.18 Pressure vessel means a container capable of withstanding an internal maximum working pressure greater than or equal to 1 bar.

  • 1.3.19 Umbilical means the link between the diving support unit and the diving bell and may contain surveillance, communication and power supply cables, breathing gas and hot water hoses. The hoisting and lowering strength member may be part of the umbilical.

  • 1.3.20 Category A machinery spaces are those spaces and trunks to such spaces as defined in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

Parent topic: Chapter 1 - General
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