DNV DNV-RP-E403 PDF

Application, scope and assumptions

The guidelines and specifications apply to new hyperbaric evacuation units which are constructed more than twelve months after the date on which the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization adopts these guidelines and specifications for units which can be mated to a surface compression pression chamber. However, any existing system which, complies with the provisions of these Guidelines and Specifications may be considered for endorsement of the safety equipment certificate in accordance with 4.2. (Sec.11 B101 in this RP))[IMO Guidelines Res. A.692(17): 2]

This RP is applicable to all geographical areas.

In addition to this RP, applicable national regulations shall be adhered to.

It is assumed that the most recent revisions of documents are applied, when the contract for building is signed. (Ref. DNV Rules for Classification of Ships Pt.1 Ch.1 Sec.1 B300)

This recommended practice applies to hyperbaric evacuation systems. The hyperbaric evacuation system may thus be located on and operated from a ship, barge, mobile platform, fixed installation or an onshore site (in the latter case e.g. for training and research purposes).

Requirements for support vessels are included such as the requirements for stability, floatation and positioning ability.

The design of arrangements, systems and individual components may alternatively or supplementary to the recommended practice be based on recognized standards, codes, national regulations and other methods of safety and strength evaluation than specified in the recommended practice. The basis shall be equivalent to the requirements given in this recommended practice.

This recommended practice applies to hyperbaric evacuation systems used in diving activities. For application in other activities, special considerations may need to be agreed by the parties to the contract and or involved statutory regulators.

The requirements also apply to the sub-systems dedicated to the support of hyperbaric evacuation. This includes the hyperbaric evacuation units, the escape trunks, the launching appliance, the life support systems including life support packages (LSP) mobilised in the field, power systems supporting evacuation and fire protection systems supporting evacuation.

The scope is defined in each section for the various disciplines and may refer to standards that apply to the discipline in general, such as for electrical systems. In these cases this recommended practice only contains requirements that are particular to hyperbaric evacuation systems, whereas the generic requirements are given in the referred standard or code. The combined requirements shall then constitute the scope.

This section bears impact on all other sections.

Verification is based on the assumption that the hyperbaric evacuation system will be properly maintained and operated by competent personnel, and that a pre check procedure is followed to ensure that all systems and components function properly before start of each operation, and that current, wave and wind conditions will be within the design limits. The assumed operational procedures shall be stated in the approved extract of the operations philosophy.