< Previous | Contents | Next >
Section 2 Performance of Survey
201. Intermediate Survey
The Intermediate Survey of the submersible is to include at least the following tests and checks:
(1) Examination of the documents relating to the submersible and scrutiny of the operational records.
(2) The pressure hull and external structure including all fixtures, penetrations, viewports, doors and covers, seals, locking systems etc. are to be inspected for visible damage, cracks, deformation, corrosion attacks and fouling.
(3) All other pressure vessels and apparatus, as well as valves, fittings and safety equipment are to be subjected to external inspection.
(4) The entire machinery installation including the electrical equipment is to be subjected to external inspection.
(5) Switching from the main to the emergency electricity supply is to be tested.
(6) Insulation measurements are to be performed on the electrical equipment.
(7) The accuracy of all important instrument readings is to be checked (e.g. depth gauge, gas ana- lyzer, etc.).
(8) Wherever appropriate, all emergency and safety systems are to undergo a functional test.
(9) The handling and retrieval system, if installed, is to be checked for visible damage, cracks, de- formations and corrosion attacks and is to undergo a functional test including a brake test
(power failure).
(10) High pressure hoses are to be checked for visible damage and tightness.
(11) The communication system is to be subjected to a functional test.
(12) The functional efficiency of the total system is to be checked by means a trial dive.
(13) Performance of a tightness test on pressure hull penetrations and closing appliances by applica-
Pt 1 Submersibles
Ch 3 Periodical and Other Survey Pt 1, Ch 3
tion of a vacuum of at least 0.2 bar below normal pressure.
(14) Pressure chambers/diver's lockouts are to undergo a tightness test at maximum permissible op- erating pressure using air.
(15) Tightness test on diving tanks using air at a test pressure of approximately 0.2 bar at the com- pletely immersed submersible.
(16) Tightness test on life support systems and ballast system at maximum permissible pressure.
(17) Verification of the set pressures of relief valves and of safety and warning systems.
(18) Functional
(19) Functional
test on mechanical and electrical equipment. test on life support systems.
(20) Functional test on fire warning and extinguishing systems.
(21) Functional
test on all alarm systems.
(22) Functional test and purity check on all breathing gas compressors.
(23)
After ten years, all compression chambers and all pressure vessels which cannot be subjected
to satisfactory internal inspection are to undergo a hydrostatic internal pressure test.
(24) Acrylic viewport windows are to be checked. (Maximum service period: to be observed).
202. Special Survey
The following tests and examinations are to be carried out in addition to the items specified in
201.
(1) A tightness test is to be performed on the pressure hull at an under pressure of at least 0.8 bar below normal pressure.
(2) Dimensional checks and non-destructive wall thickness tests are to be performed on the pressure hull and the diver's lockout. Where necessary, buoyancy aids, cladding and layers of thermal in-
sulation are to be removed for this purpose.
(3) Emergency ballast release and buoyancy tests are to be performed.
(4) In the case of pressure vessels and apparatus which cannot be satisfactorily inspected internally and those whose satisfactory condition cannot be fully verified by internal inspection, another
non-destructive test method is to be used or a hydraulic pressure test is to be additionally
performed.
(5) When deemed necessary by the surveyor, acrylic viewport windows are to be dismounted and examined for cracks.
(6) The window seatings are to be checked for corrosion attacks.
203. Postponement of Special Survey
If a submersible at the time of the Special Survey is not in a port in which it is to be surveyed or if a submersible is in transit to another port to be surveyed, the due date of Special Survey may be postponed within the period of 3 months at the request of the Owner through the approval of the Society.
204. Damage Survey
1. When the damage causing the affection to safety operation of submersible is occurred, damage sur- vey is to be completed.
2. When the damage is occurred, the extent of the survey will be determined by the Society in each individual case.
205. Commission of Survey
If it is impossible to prepare equipments for internal survey or due to excess cost, those tests at the request of Owners, may be accomplished in other site or company under supervision of surveyors.
Pt 1 Submersibles
Ch 4 Design Requirements Pt 1, Ch 4