ClassNK releases the Rules for Diving Systems

The Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has released the Rules for Diving Systems/Guidance.

This document has been published on 28 June 2023 and is in force from 1 July 2023.

Scope

These Rules are applicable to the survey and construction of diving systems on ships classified with ClassNK (the "Society") and intended for registration in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Regulations for the Classification and Registry of Ships.

Unless specified otherwise in the Rules, the relevant requirements in the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships apply to the materials, equipment, installation, and workmanship of the diving systems.

Equivalency

Diving systems that do not comply with the requirements of the Rules may be accepted if the Society considers them to be equivalent to the specified requirements.

Modification of Requirements

The Society has the authority to modify certain requirements in the Rules, taking into account the national requirements of the ship's flag state, the type of ship, and the intended service area.

Diving Systems with Novel Design Features

For diving systems with innovative design features, the Society may apply relevant requirements from the Rules, as practical, along with additional design and testing procedures not specified in the Rules.

General Requirements

1. The design of a diving system should aim to minimize human error and ensure that the failure of any single component does not pose a dangerous situation for the divers, as far as reasonable and practicable.
2. All components within a diving system should be designed, constructed, and arranged to facilitate easy cleaning, disinfection, inspection, and maintenance.
3. The diving system should enable the safe transfer of a diver under pressure between the diving bell and the deck decompression chamber.
4. The diving system and breathing gas cylinders should not be located in machinery spaces unless they are associated with the diving system.
5. The diving system should not be situated in hazardous areas designated as zone 0.
6. The arrangement of the diving system should ensure that centralized control of its safe operation can be maintained under all weather conditions.
7. The installation of the diving system should adhere to the following requirements:
   (1) The diving system should be securely fastened to the attendant ship.
   (2) Adjacent equipment to the diving system should also be securely fastened.
   (3) Consideration should be given to the relative movement between the system's components.
   (4) The fastening arrangements should be capable of meeting any required survival conditions of the attendant ship.
8. The spaces or locations where the diving system and breathing gas cylinders are situated should be adequately ventilated and equipped with suitable electric lighting.
9. When any part of the diving system is located on the deck, measures should be taken to provide reasonable protection against the sea, icing, or any damage that may result from other activities on board the attendant ship.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Rules for Diving Systems/Guidance