DIVER LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS, SUBMARINE RESCUE CHAMBER AND
DRY DECK SHELTER MAINTENANCE AND CERTIFICATION
REFERENCES.
(a) NAVSEA SS521-AA-MAN-010 - U.S. Navy Diving and Manned Hyperbaric Systems Safety Certification Manual
(b) OPNAVINST 3150.27 - Navy Diving Program
(c) NAVSEAINST 3151.1 - Diving and Manned Hyperbaric Systems Certification Program
(d) NAVSEA SS500-AQ-MMO-010 - Operation and Maintenance Manual for U.S. Navy Two-Man Open Diving Bell
(e) NAVSEA 0994-LP-001-9010 - U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Volume 1 (Air Diving)
(f) NAVSEA 0994-LP-001-9020 - U.S. Navy Diving Manual, Volume 2 (Mixed Gas Diving)
(g) COMSUBPACINST 4855.3 - Deep Submergence Systems, Quality Assurance Manual for
(h) NAVSEA S9594-AE-GTP-010 - Disabled Submarine/Requirements for Employment of U.S. Navy Submarine Rescue Systems
(i) NAVSEA SS750-AA-MMA-010 - Submarine Rescue Chamber (SRC), Modernized 850 Ft
(j) NAVSEA SS800-AG-MAN-010/P-9290 - System Certification Procedures and Criteria Manual for Deep Submergence Systems
LISTING OF APPENDICES.
A System Certification Requirements
B Submarine Rescue Chamber Scope of Certification Items
12.1 PURPOSE. To provide guidance for the proper administration of a uniform maintenance program in support of the certification requirements for Diver Life Support Systems (DLSS), SRCs and Dry Deck Shelters (DDS).
12.2 DIVER LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND CERTIFICATION.
12.2.1 General. The DLSS maintenance program includes, but is not limited to, maintenance, repair, and modification of a certified DLSS. For the purpose of DLSSs the term "System" will apply to DLSS, Surface Supported Dive Systems, Decompression Chambers, and Fly Away Dive Systems. Manned Deep Submergence Vehicles and DSRVs are addressed in Volume II, Chapter 5 of this manual.
12.2.2 Objective. The objective of the certification process is to verify that all dive systems provide acceptable levels of personnel safety throughout the specified operating range when used with approved operating and maintenance procedures. This chapter provides procedures by which repairs, maintenance, and alterations can be accomplished to those systems within the Scope Of Certification (SOC) and in compliance with reference (a).
12.2.3 United States Navy Diving and Manned Hyperbaric Systems Safety Certification. The requirements, procedures, and guidance for the administration of the certification program shall be in accordance with references (a) through (f). Reference (c) provides a single document which:
a. Identifies the administrative and technical requirements leading to the initial dive system material and system certification.
b. Documents the requirements for maintaining satisfactory material and operability conditions to support continued URO to design depth or SOC depth.
c. Identifies the responsibilities for implementing and executing the material certification program policies and procedures.
d. Provides procedures for requesting waivers to approved operating and maintenance procedures and for alterations to system design.
12.2.4 System Certification.
a. System certification is a procedure for ensuring the adequacy of the dive system to safely operate over its intended mission range. This certification is accomplished through technical reviews and periodic on-site inspections. QA provides support for the system through documented maintenance and repair procedures.
b. System certification is required for any dive system used by the U.S. Navy. System certification procedures and criteria shall be in accordance with reference (a). Deep submergence systems and equipment, as well as Surface Support Dive Systems requiring certification are listed in references (a) and (b). Appendix A of this chapter provides a listing of system certification requirements for diving systems and equipment.
c. The system SOC is a list of those subsystems, including emergency and backup systems, required to ensure diver safety. The SOC also includes system operating, maintenance, and emergency procedures.
12.2.5 Maintenance Guidelines.
a. Once a need for maintenance has been identified, QA requirements must be considered concurrent with planning and execution of the maintenance. Due to the technical complexity of the dive systems, special technical and administrative procedures are required to ensure conformance to specifications in specifically designated systems and equipments. Reference (g) contains the technical and administrative QA requirements for maintenance performed by Forces Afloat, and shall be used when planning all maintenance.
b. Technical specifications shall be complied with at all times. For example, when new fasteners are being installed in a system and the applicable plan requires monel fasteners, then substituting stainless steel or any other material type fasteners is not authorized. Temporary repairs with substituted material shall be documented through an approved DFS in accordance with Volume V, Part II, Chapter 7 of this manual, and promptly restored to plan specifications.
c. The following areas of the QA Program are applicable to all dive systems:
(1) In-process control of fabrication and/or repair.
(2) Procedure preparation.
(3) Testing, including retesting.
(4) Calibration.
(5) DFS.
(6) Waivers and deviations.
(7) Audits and deficiency corrective action.
(8) QA forms and records.
12.2.6 Formal System Surveys.
a. As System Certification Authority (SCA), NAVSEA (00C4) shall issue a DLSS certification letter specifying the parameters under which the system shall be operated and maintained. The certification letter is renewed periodically after NAVSEA has conducted a formal survey of the system, including; a review of operating and emergency procedures, maintenance records, Re-Entry Control procedures and documentation, PMS records, system plans, and on station observation of diving and recompression chamber evolutions. Upon completion of this survey, the NAVSEA SCA representative will document all identified deficiencies on System Certification Survey Cards (SCSC). These deficiencies require completed corrective action prior to:
(1) Category IA Manned use.
(2) Category IB System certification.
(3) Category IC Date indicated to sustain certification.
(4) Category II Desirable. Deficiencies will be corrected when manpower and materials are available.
b. Category IA, IB, and IC SCSCs shall be forwarded to NAVSEA, via the TYCOM, with the appropriate documentation for clearing the deficiency. The DLSS certification letter will not be issued until all Category IA and Category IB SCSCs are cleared. Diving in pursuit of certification, which includes any manned use of the diving or recompression chamber systems, will not take place until all Category IA cards are cleared. Operational utilization of these systems will not take place until all Category IA and Category IB SCSCs have been cleared and NAVSEA has issued a certification letter/message. Upon the recommendation of NAVSEA and the TYCOM, the CNO may issue a waiver to support high priority operations if all Category IA cards have been cleared and the outstanding Category IB deficiencies will not compromise personnel or system operation safety. To preclude decertification of a DLSS, all diving commands will conduct and document
periodic internal audits. Additionally, the ISICs will conduct regular monitoring audits and Diving Operational Readiness Inspections of all diving activities under their cognizance using the attributes contained in Volume V, Part II, Chapter 8 of this manual, and Volume IV, Part I, Chapter 3.
12.2.7 Certification Maintenance Requirements. Requirements for sustaining certification of surface supported diving and recompression chambers are as follows:
a. Maintain written maintenance, inspection, repair, and replacement records for all SOC items.
Re-Entry Control procedures must be followed.
b. Report any material casualty to equipment within the SOC to NAVSEA via the ISIC and TYCOM.
c. Obtain SCA approval, via the TYCOM, prior to modifying any system or equipment within the SOC.
d. Maintain a log of all chamber pressurizations including chamber treatments and oxygen and pressure tolerance testing. Report any chamber pressurization beyond 165 feet to the TYCOM and NAVSEA, including the circumstances which necessitated such pressurization.
e. Immediately report any diving operations conducted to a depth in excess of the depths authorized in the applicable NAVSEA DLSS certification letter, by message, to the TYCOM and NAVSEA, with an information copy to the cognizant ISIC. This message will include the circumstances which resulted in exceeding authorized SOC depth.
12.2.8 Action. To maintain the DLSSs in satisfactory material condition and to provide assurance that they will be fully operational, the following is required:
a. Perform all planned maintenance in accordance with the applicable MIP/MRCs. Information contained in applicable equipment technical manuals will be used in conjunction with existing MRCs for accomplishment of PMS.
b. Accomplish corrective maintenance in a manner which returns the components to the specifications shown by the applicable drawing. Material used in completing any maintenance action shall be as specified in the NAVSEA approved system/component drawings, technical manuals or other approved documents. Material shall be certified in accordance with Volume V, Part II, Chapter 5 of this manual.
NOTE: IF THE VENDOR OR MANUFACTURER SPECIFIED IN THE NAVSEA DRAWING OR DOCUMENT CANNOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED SPECIFIC COMPONENT, THEN USE OF A SUBSTITUTE COMPONENT OR MANUFACTURER MUST BE APPROVED BY NAVSEA, VIA THE TYCOM, USING A DFS. A DFS IS ALSO REQUIRED WHEN MATERIAL OTHER THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN APPROVED DRAWINGS OR DOCUMENTS IS USED.
c. Document all work performed on SOC items using the applicable forms and procedures provided in reference (g). This applies regardless of whether the work is a planned or corrective maintenance action. Documentation will, as a minimum, include the following:
(1) Name of the person performing the work.
(2) Date the work was performed.
(3) Reason for accomplishing the work.
(4) Applicable drawing number or reference document.
(5) Brief description of the work performed.
(6) Description of the testing performed and test results.
(7) Signature of the officer/CPO responsible for assuring the quality of work.
d. Maintain all work documents as official records until the next recertification survey or in accordance with reference (g), whichever is longer. The Documents will be available for inspection by the SCA and QA auditors during this period.
e. Obtain NAVSEA approval prior to accomplishing any alteration or modifications to DLSSs. Unauthorized alterations or modifications will automatically revoke NAVSEA certification. In the case of a system which has been refurbished, but not yet certified, unauthorized alterations or modifications could negate previous steps accomplished by the certification process. Alterations or modifications proposed by Forces Afloat will be prepared and forwarded to NAVSEA in accordance with Volume IV, Part I, Chapter 2.
f. When emergency situations occur during DLSS operations that require immediate corrective action and are beyond the scope of a corrective maintenance action, a message shall be sent to the TYCOM, info NAVSEA, advising of the situation.
g. Semiannual requalification dives required to maintain diver qualification shall be scheduled and completed as required. This serves to exercise the various components as well as to maintain the proficiency of the divers and support personnel.
12.2.9 Commanding Officer/Officer In Charge Responsibilities.
a. Maintain certification of the DLSS through satisfactory maintenance and material management and accomplishment of all required certification dives.
b. Ensure all deficiencies identified during a recertification inspection are corrected in a expeditious manner. If a deficiency cannot be corrected by the date required, a request for an extension of the dive date shall be submitted to NAVSEA via the TYCOM.
c. Maintain crew proficiency, verify completeness of required equipment, and readiness of the DLSS to meet operational requirements.
d. Establish and maintain a QA program in accordance with the applicable sections of reference (g).
12.3 SUBMARINE RESCUE CHAMBER MAINTENANCE AND CERTIFICATION.
12.3.1 Certification.
a. To meet the intent of references (b),(g), and (h), and to allow manned operations of SRCs to their designed depth capability, NAVSEA has established a formal certification program. Reference (i) and Appendix B of this chapter provide a listing of items and components NAVSEA has identified as being within the SOC program. Included is the refurbishment of SRCs and the upgrading of the supporting technical documentation. To maintain the SRCs, a formal maintenance program is required to be implemented by Forces Afloat.
b. SRC maintenance is based on the prevention or correction of system and equipment degradation caused by the effects of exposure and normal use. The maintenance instructions of reference (i) do not cover major repair items such as, structural work on the pressure hull, replacement of seawater piping or penetrations. Work of this magnitude is not routine and should not be performed without NAVSEA concurrence and technical instructions issued to correct the specific problem.
c. Continued certification of the SRC is based on satisfactory maintenance and compliance with the dive requirements identified in paragraph 12.3.2.h. Compliance with these requirements and with the material condition of the SRC will be verified during periodic NAVSEA inspections. The results of these inspections are promulgated by a NAVSEA letter of certification which will identify the requirements to maintain certification and, if required, forward System Certification Cards identifying deficiencies and corrective actions necessary for continued certification.
12.3.2 Action. To maintain SRCs in satisfactory material condition and to provide assurance they will be fully operational in the event of a submarine casualty, the following is required:
a. Meet the requirements of the NAVSEA certification letter.
b. Perform all planned maintenance in accordance with the applicable MIP/MRCs. Information contained in chapter 4 of reference (i) will be used in conjunction with existing MRCs for accomplishment of planned maintenance.
c. Accomplish corrective maintenance in a manner which returns the components to the specifications shown by the applicable drawing. Material used during any maintenance action shall be as specified in the NAVSEA approved system/component drawings or other approved technical documents. Material shall be certified in accordance with Volume V, Part II, Chapter 5 of this manual.
NOTE: IF THE VENDOR OR MANUFACTURER SPECIFIED IN THE NAVSEA DRAWING OR DOCUMENT CANNOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC COMPONENT, THEN USE OF A SUBSTITUTE COMPONENT OR MANUFACTURER MUST BE APPROVED BY NAVSEA, VIA THE TYCOM, USING A DFS. A DFS IS ALSO REQUIRED WHEN MATERIAL OTHER THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN APPROVED DRAWINGS OR DOCUMENTS IS USED.
d. Document all work performed on SOC items using the applicable forms and procedures provided in reference (g). This applies regardless of whether the work is a planned or corrective maintenance action. Documentation will, as a minimum, include the following:
(1) Name of the person performing the work.
(2) Date the work was performed.
(3) Reason for accomplishing the work.
(4) Applicable drawing number or reference document.
(5) Brief description of the work performed.
(6) Description of the testing performed and test results.
(7) Signature of the officer/CPO responsible for assuring quality of work.
e. Maintain all work documents as official records for a three year period following completion of SRC refurbishment or in accordance with Volume V of this manual, whichever is longer. The documents will be available for inspection by the SCA and QA auditor during this period.
f. Obtain NAVSEA approval prior to accomplishing any alteration or modifications to SRCs. The accomplishment of unauthorized alterations or modifications will automatically revoke NAVSEA certification. In the case where an SRC has been refurbished, but not yet certified, unauthorized alterations or modifications could negate previous steps accomplished by the certification process. Alterations or modifications proposed by Forces Afloat will be prepared and forwarded to NAVSEA in accordance with Volume IV, Part I, Chapter 2.
g. When emergency situations occur during SRC operations that require immediate corrective action and are beyond the scope of a corrective maintenance action, send a message to the TYCOM, info NAVSEA, advising of the situation.
h. In addition to the annual 400 foot manned dive required for certified SRCs, a 200 foot false seat test shall be conducted quarterly with all SRCs, unless precluded by operational requirements. This serves to exercise the various components that cannot complete operational testing while the chamber is located on the host ship's deck. All SRC operations will be conducted using the procedures provided in chapter 3 of reference (i).
i. All SRC specific equipment, specialized tool kits for SSN 688/SSN 21/SSBN 726 Class submarines, and equipment required to support SRC operations will be maintained in an operationally ready condition.
j. Commanding Officers/Officers In Charge are responsible for maintaining the certification of the SRC through satisfactory maintenance and material management of the SRC and accomplishment of all required certification dives. Additionally, they shall ensure all deficiencies identified during a
recertification inspection are corrected in a expeditious manner. If a deficiency cannot be corrected by the date required, a request for an extension of the dive date shall be submitted to NAVSEA via the TYCOM.
12.4 DRY DECK SHELTER MAINTENANCE AND CERTIFICATION.
12.4.1 Certification.
a. To meet the intent of references (b),(g), and (j), and to allow manned operations of DDSs to their designed depth capability, NAVSEA has established a formal certification program.
b. Maintenance is based on the prevention or correction of degradation caused by the effects of exposure and normal use of the DDS.
c. Continued certification of the DDS is based on satisfactory maintenance. Compliance with the maintenance and material requirements of the DDS is verified during periodic NAVSEA inspections. The results of these inspections are promulgated by a NAVSEA letter of certification which identifies the requirements for maintaining certification and, if required, will forward System Certification Cards which identify deficiencies and the corrective actions required to maintain certification.
12.4.2 Action. To maintain the DDS in satisfactory material condition and to provide assurance they will be fully operational in the event of a national tasking, the following is required:
a. Meet all of the requirements of the NAVSEA certification letter.
b. Accomplish corrective maintenance in a manner which returns the components to the specifications shown by the applicable drawing. Material used during any maintenance shall be as specified in NAVSEA approved system/component drawings, technical manuals or other approved technical documents. Material shall be certified in accordance with Volume V, Part II, Chapter 5 of this manual.
NOTE: IF THE VENDOR OR MANUFACTURER SPECIFIED IN THE NAVSEA DRAWING OR DOCUMENT CANNOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC COMPONENT, THEN USE OF A SUBSTITUTE COMPONENT OR MANUFACTURER MUST BE APPROVED BY NAVSEA, VIA THE TYCOM, USING A DFS. A DFS IS ALSO REQUIRED WHEN MATERIAL OTHER THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN APPROVED DRAWINGS OR DOCUMENTS IS USED.
c. Document all work performed on SOC items using the applicable forms and procedures provided in reference (g). This applies regardless of whether the work is a planned or corrective maintenance action. Documentation will, as a minimum, include the following:
(1) Name of the person performing the work.
(2) Date the work was performed.
(3) Reason for accomplishing the work.
(4) Applicable drawing number or reference document.
(5) Brief description of the work performed.
(6) Description of the testing performed and test results.
(7) Signature of the officer/CPO responsible for assuring quality of work.
d. Maintain all work documents as official records for a three year period following completion of DDS refurbishment or in accordance with Volume V of this manual, whichever is longer. The documents will be available for inspection by the SCA and QA auditors during this period. The Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Team shall maintain custody over these work documents.
e. Certification of the DDS is the responsibility of the parent Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Team. It is the responsibility of both the team and the host unit to maintain certification when the DDS is installed on the host unit. Specifics of material and certification maintenance are covered in the applicable Memoranda of Agreement.
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|
Equipment Type |
Service Approved |
Authorized For Navy Use |
Certify |
|
Deep Dive Systems |
X | ||
|
Hyperbaric Research Facilities |
X | ||
|
Recompression Chamber System |
Note 1 |
X | |
|
Diving Bells |
Note 2 |
X | |
|
Shipboard Surface Supported Diving Air Systems |
X | ||
|
Underwater Breathing Apparatus Used with Deep Dive Systems |
X |
X | |
|
Mixed Gas and O2 Scuba |
X |
X | |
|
Open Circuit Air Scuba |
X | ||
|
Lightweight Surface Supplied Outfits (Air, HeO2) |
X |
Note 3 | |
|
Deep Sea (Hard Hat) Outfits (Air, HeO2) |
X |
Note 3 | |
|
Diver Life Vests |
X | ||
|
Diver Operated Tools |
Note 4 |
Note 4 | |
|
Diver Held Sonar, Navigation, etc. |
X | ||
|
Diver Communications |
X | ||
|
Wet Suits |
Note 4 |
Note 4 | |
|
Variable Volume (Dry) Suits |
X | ||
|
Air Compressors, Filters, etc. |
X |
Note 5 | |
|
Diving Accessories (Mask, Fins, Watches, Knives, Compass, Depth Gauges, Weight Belts, etc.) |
Note 4 |
Note 4 |
SUBMARINE RESCUE CHAMBER SCOPE OF CERTIFICATION ITEMS
a. Deadlights.
b. Hatches.
c. Hull Inserts.
d. Padeyes.
4. Seawater Ballast System.
5. Jettison System - Downhaul Cable Cutter.
6. Life Support System - Air Supply and Exhaust System (to certification boundary at ship's SRC air manifold connection).
7. Non-Compensated Equipment Subject to Implosion - Lower Compartment Lights.
8. Downhaul Winch.
9. Communications Systems.
a. Sound Powered Telephone.
b. Underwater Telephone.
10. Depth Detectors.
a. Depth Gage.
b. Compartment Pressure Gage.
c. Secondary Depth Detecting (Support Ship Fathometer, Umbilical Pay-out Markings).
11. Accessibility to Vital Equipment.
12. Chamber Stability and Buoyancy.
13. Electric Power Systems.
a. Normal Power System (to certification boundary at ship's SRC power supply fuse panel).
b. Battle Lanterns.
14. Operating and emergency procedures (Reference (i)).
15. Lifting Pendant.