3.3 Operation preparation and planning
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.981 – Guidelines for the Design, Construction and Operation of Passenger Submersible Craft – (29 January 2001)Amended by MSC/Circ.1125 - Annex - Guidelines for the Design, Construction and Operation of Passenger Submersible Craft - Chapter 3 - Passenger Submersible Craft Operation - 3.3 Operation preparation and planning

3.3 Operation preparation and planning

  3.3.1 An operating manual, describing normal and emergency operational procedures, should be prepared and be available on board and to others as deemed necessary. This manual should include the following, as applicable:

  • .1 operation check-off lists, including pre and post dive check-off lists;

  • .2 emergency procedures for situations such as power failure, break in umbilical cord, deballasting/jettisoning, loss of communications, life support system malfunction, fire, entanglement, high hydrogen level, high oxygen level, internal and external oxygen leaks, stranded on bottom, minor flooding and specific emergency conditions characteristics of special types of systems;

  • .3 operational mission/ time and depth capabilities;

  • .4 sea state capabilities;

  • .5 geographical dive site limitations;

  • .6 launch and recovery operation procedures;

  • .7 liaison with support vessels;

  • .8 special restrictions based on uniqueness of design and operating conditions; and

  • .9 manning levels.

  3.3.2 A written emergency response plan for each operating passenger submersible craft should be prepared and be available on board and to others as deemed necessary.

  3.3.3 Emergency drills should be performed on a regular basis. These drills should clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedures.

  3.3.4 A maintenance manual containing procedures for periodic inspections and preventative maintenance techniques should be readily available for inspection. The manual is to include the expected service life of the pressure hull and of other vital components/equipment (e.g. viewports, batteries, etc.) along with particular instructions for the maintenance of items requiring special attention. The manual, together with operational and maintenance records should be readily available at the operation site.

  3.3.5 Procedures for normal and emergency operations and essential drawings should be carried on board the unit.


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