Section 1 General Requirements

1.1.2 The lifting appliance is to be designed for the same operating conditions as the submersible with which it is associated and where these exceed that given above will be subject to special consideration.

1.1.4 To remain in class the lifting appliance is to be surveyed by LR’s Surveyor’s in accordance with Pt 5, Ch 7, 1.3 Survey during manufacture and installation and Pt 5, Ch 7, 1.5 Damage Surveys.

1.1.5 Where the submersible is not classed by LR the lifting appliance may still be certified by LR and the procedure given in this Chapter will also apply.

1.2.1 The lifting appliance is to be designed in accordance with the requirements given in Ch 4, 4 Submersible handling systems of LR’s Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 , and any additional requirements listed in these Rules.

1.2.2 Plans and calculations are to be submitted for approval as specified in Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 Ch 1, 3.3 Crane systems and Ch 1, 3.7 Mechanical, electrical and control aspects, Ch 9, 2.1 Plans and information to be submitted and Ch 10, 2.2 Documentation 2.2.1.

1.2.3 The operating conditions for which the submersible and lifting appliance are designed are to be clearly stated in the plan submission and final documentation.

1.3.1 The lifting appliance is to be surveyed during manufacture and installation on the ship, mobile offshore unit or platform on which it is mounted in accordance with LR’s Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022, Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Fixed Offshore Installations, these Rules and Regulations and Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 as appropriate.

1.3.2 The lifting appliance is to be tested in accordance with the requirements given in Ch 12, 1.7 Manned submersible handling systems of Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 before being taken into use and subsequent to any repair, modification, or relocation, and the tests are to be witnessed by LR’s Surveyor.

1.4.1 The lifting appliance is to be subjected to periodic surveys by LR’s Surveyor in accordance with the requirements given in Ch 12, 3 Survey requirements and Table 12.3.6 Annual Thorough Examination of cranes (incuding derrick cranes) and launch and recovery systems for diving operations of Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. See also Ch 12, 2.4 Derricks, cranes and launch and recovery systems for diving operations.

1.5.1 Damage surveys, the after damage repairs and re-testing of the lifting appliance shell be implemented according to Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 Ch 12, 3.6 Damage surveys.

1.6.1 A diving system should be equipped with a main handling and transfer equipment to ensure safe transportation of the diving bell between the work location and the surface compression chamber.

1.6.2 The handling system is to be designed with adequate safety factors considering the environmental and operating conditions, including the dynamic loads which are encountered while handling the diving bell through the air-water interface as specified in Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 Ch 4, 4 Submersible handling systems.

1.6.3 The handling system is to enable smooth and easily controllable handling of the diving bell.

1.6.4 The lowering of diving bells under normal conditions is not to be controlled by brakes, but by the drive system of the winches.

1.6.5 If the energy supply to the handling system fails, brakes are to be engaged automatically.

1.6.6 In the event of single component failure of the main handling system, an alternative means is to enable the divers to be brought back to the surface compression chamber. This alternative system must be supplied with power independently of the main handling system. In addition, provision is to be made for emergency retrieval of the bell should both the main and alternative systems fail. Diving bells whose emergency ascent is initiated by the release of ballast must be equipped with devices for releasing the hoisting and lowering strength member/ umbilical and the ballast weight. The equipment shall be so designed that two mutually independent operating actions have to be performed inside the chamber to initiate the release of ballast.

1.6.7 Handling systems and mating devices should enable easy and firm connection or disconnection of a diving bell to a surface compression chamber, even under conditions where the support ship or floating structure is rolling, pitching or listing to predetermined degrees.

1.6.8 Where a power actuating system is used for mating operations, an auxiliary power actuating system or an appropriate means is to be provided to connect a diving bell to a surface compression chamber, in the event of failure of the normal power actuating system.

1.6.9 The guide weight wires may be used for emergency recovery.

1.6.10 The mating system is to be provided with a safety interlock between the diving bell and the surface compression chamber.

1.6.11 Unless otherwise stated in the following sections, the mechanical, control and electrical equipment of the handling system is to conform to LR Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.

1.7.1 In order to assist in emergency recovery, quick attachment gear is to be provided on the support ship for hoisting the submersible without assistance from within. When a tethered buoy is employed for emergency communications, it is recommended that the attachment gear be designed so that it may be guided down the tether to engage in an emergency lifting lug on the submersible.

1.7.2 If emergency retrieval of the bell involves buoyant ascent, umbilicals, suspension lines or towlines are to be fitted with an emergency quick-release device operated by the crew. The release control is to have a suitable guard fitted.

1.7.3 If emergency retrieval of the divers involves bell to bell transfer, detailed arrangements and relevant FMEA are to be submitted for LR approval.