Proposed changes to DNV rules for diving support vessels

We have just received a notification from DNV regarding a proposed change to DNV rule for DSVs. A copy of the DNV proposal can be downloaded from this page. The reason for the change is that DNV replaced the old ‘DNV Rules for Certification of Diving Systems’ (1988) – the ‘Blue book’ – with offshore codes in 2004:

• DNV-OSS-305 – Rules for Certification and Verification of Diving Systems; and
• ♦ DNV-OS-E402 – Offshore Standards for Diving Systems;

thereby affecting the ship rules. DNV is now proposing making further changes to its roles, the scope of the changes being:

• deleting redundant text;
• rewording present text and correcting errata;
• changing location of relevant text from DNV-OSS-305 and DNV-OS-E402 to Rules for Classification of Ships Pt 5 Ch 16 (new).

Changes will also be needed to other sections. The main changes identified by DNV are that newbuilding requirements are to be sectioned out for the shipyards to more readily see the scope of the rules for ships. The following changes are proposed:

• Relevant text is to move from DNV-OS-E402 and DNV-OSS-305 to ships rules Pt 5 Ch 16 (new);
• DSV class notation DSV-BOUNCE nomenclature is to be deleted;
• Text from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Code of Safety for Diving Systems is to be included, as this proved necessary in the previously issued recommended practice on hyperbaric evacuation. This inclusion is intended to avoid explanation during approval and survey;
• References to other sections in the DNV Rules for Classification of Ships are to be included;
• Requirements for hyperbaric evacuation systems are to be edited to better explain their statutory nature, tied to Maritime Administrations and the IMO Regulations.

DNV is seeking feedback on these proposed changes by 28 January 2010. IMCA intends to provide a consolidated response incorporating members’ comments. Could you please send any comments you have on the attached changes to Jane Bugler by 21 January 2010 for incorporation in the IMCA response.

Originally issued with the following reference(s): IMCA D 15/9