Safety Flash
Dive bell gas loss during internal bell checks
Dive bell gas loss during internal bell checks
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 03/09
- DivingHuman Factors
- Human factorsLoss of containmentPressure systems
- Diving operations
- Diver umbilicalDiving bellValve
- Competence and trainingEmergency responsePositive retention and reliable securingPre-use checks
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A diver’s umbilical accidentally opened a flooding valve during internal pre-dive checks aboard a dive support vessel, releasing gas and reducing bell pressure. The flash describes emergency re-pressurisation, cramped access and ergonomic problems, dual closed valves and securing mechanisms. It stresses correct checklists and recommends more structured, vessel-specific familiarisation.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Diver umbilical; diving umbilical.
Classifications: Diving bell; closed bell; wet bell.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
A member has reported that the aft dive bell onboard a dive support vessel suffered a gas loss while pre-dive bell internal checks were being carried out.
IMCA SF 03/09. Themes: diving, human factors.