The Role of Launch and Recovery Systems in Commercial Diving Operations

Understanding Launch and Recovery Systems

A Launch and Recovery System (LARS) is an integrated set of equipment designed to deploy and retrieve divers and submersible vehicles from underwater environments. A typical LARS includes a launch frame, winch, hydraulic power unit, and umbilical management system. These components work in harmony to ensure that divers and equipment are safely and effectively deployed and recovered.

1. Launch Frame: The launch frame, often referred to as the A-frame or davit, provides the structural support necessary for hoisting and lowering divers and submersibles. It is designed to withstand harsh marine conditions and heavy loads, ensuring stability and safety during operations.
2. Winch: The winch, powered by a hydraulic or electric motor, controls the raising and lowering of the diving bell or submersible. It is equipped with a robust cable or umbilical that connects to the diving apparatus, providing a secure line for deployment and recovery.
3. Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU): The HPU supplies the necessary hydraulic power to operate the winch and other components of the LARS. It ensures smooth and controlled movements, essential for the precise handling of divers and equipment.
4. Umbilical Management System: This system manages the umbilical cable, which supplies air, communication, and power to the divers or submersibles. Proper management of the umbilical is crucial to prevent entanglement and ensure continuous support to underwater personnel.

Benefits of Using LARS in Commercial Diving

The adoption of LARS in commercial diving operations offers numerous benefits, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.

1. Enhanced Safety: Safety is paramount in commercial diving, and LARS significantly mitigate risks associated with manual handling of divers and equipment. The controlled deployment and retrieval process reduces the likelihood of accidents, such as entanglement or uncontrolled descent/ascent, which can be life-threatening.
2. Operational Efficiency: LARS streamline the launch and recovery process, reducing the time and effort required for these tasks. This efficiency translates to increased productivity, allowing diving operations to be completed faster and more effectively.
3. Versatility: Modern LARS are designed to handle a variety of diving apparatus, from traditional diving bells to advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of underwater tasks, from inspection and maintenance to complex construction projects. Many of the Launch and Recovery systems manufactured at SMP can also be folded down to fit into ISO containers, allowing for easy storage and freeing up deck space.
4. Reliability: The robust design and construction of LARS ensure reliable performance even in the harshest marine environments. This reliability is crucial for maintaining continuous operations and minimizing downtime.

Conclusion

The use of Launch and Recovery Systems has revolutionized commercial diving operations, providing unparalleled safety, efficiency, and versatility. As technology continues to advance, LARS will undoubtedly become even more integral to underwater operations, supporting the ever-growing demand for underwater exploration, construction, and maintenance. For commercial diving companies, investing in modern LARS is not just a matter of staying competitive but also ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.