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Section 2 Design Principles
201. Launch and recovery equipment
1. The design of the launch and recovery equipment is to be based on the 'working load' and the 'dead load' as defined in Sec 5.
2. The launch and recovery equipment is to be capable of safely launch and recovering the sub- mersible in the seaway conditions stated in Ch 3, Sec 2.
3. The launch and recovery equipment should be fitted with devices for reducing the dynamic loads during launch and recovery operations in a seaway.
4. A coupling system is to be provided to enable the submersible to be safely and smoothly couples to, and uncoupled from the launch and recovery system.
5. Devices are to be provided to stabilize the submersible during launch and recovery.
6. In addition to the launch and recovery equipment, an emergency recovery and towing system are to be provided which, in an emergency, enables the submersible to be raised to the surface and towed.
7. Launch and recovery equipment for submersibles with a diver's lockout are to be in addition com-
plied with the requirements set out in Pt 9, Ch 7, Sec Steel Ships.
8. Unless otherwise specified in the following 202. to 204.
14 of Rules for the Classification of
the mechanical equipment of launch and
recovery systems for lifting gear is to conform to the Pt 9 of Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships for Lifting Gear.
202. Power supply, mechanical drives
1. The launch and recovery system are to be provided with at least two mutually independent power sources, each of which are to be capable of supplying all the power needed to launch and recover the submersible.
2. The power sources, together with their feed lines and switchgear, are to be so arranged that a fail- ure or burn-out of one system cannot lead to the failure of the standby system.
3. The launch and recovery system is to be equipped with auxiliary drives enabling a launch or re- covery manoeuvre which has already been started to be safely concluded, should the winches or hydraulic pumps fail.
4. Launch and recovery systems using an “A” frame are to be equipped with two hydraulic cylinders which are to be so designed and arranged that each is fully capable of performing the launch and
recovery operation under load. In addition, they are to be connected to
the hydraulic system in
such a way that a single fault in the hydraulic system cannot lead to the failure of both hydraulic cylinders.
203 Control equipment
1. Launch and recovery systems are to be fitted with control equipment enabling the system to be op- erated intermittently with smooth accelerations. In addition, the controls are to be designed and ar- ranged in such a way that the operator has the submersible in view throughout launch and recovery and is fully able to perform all the necessary actions.
2. The controls are to be fitted with blocking devices which ensure that only those commands can be performed simultaneously which do not produce a dangerous or unintended condition.
3. Control systems are to be provided with an EMERGENCY OFF button.
4. Wherever possible, control units are to operate on the fail safe principle.
5. Control units with remote control are to be additionally equipped with a direct control override. In the event of failure or malfunction of the remote control, all operating sequences which have been initiated are to be automatically STOPPED.
6. All control units are to be clearly and permanently marked and are to be adequately illuminated.
204. Mating equipment
1. Where submersibles with a diver's lockout are equipped for mating with a surface compression chamber, the mating devices shall comply with the requirements stated in Pt 9, Ch 7, Sec 14 of Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships.
2. Where submersibles are equipped to transfer human beings at atmospheric pressure, the design and construction parameters for the mating devices are to be agreed with the Society