Diving support vessel

Diving support vessel (DSV) is a type of ship specifically designed to support diving operations. These vessels provide a base of operations for professional divers by offering facilities for diving, deployment, retrieval, and the processing of divers and their equipment.

History

The concept of a diving support vessel has its roots in the early days of underwater diving, when divers needed a stable platform from which to conduct their operations. The first DSVs were converted from existing ship designs, but as the needs of the diving industry evolved, so too did the design of these vessels.

Design and Features

A typical DSV is equipped with a dynamic positioning system to maintain its position over the dive site, even in adverse weather conditions. This allows divers to work safely and efficiently without the risk of the vessel drifting.

The vessel also features a dive control system, which monitors and controls the divers' depth and decompression status. This system is crucial for ensuring the safety of the divers during their operations.

In addition to these systems, a DSV also has facilities for the storage and maintenance of diving equipment, as well as living quarters for the divers and crew. Some vessels even have hyperbaric chambers for the treatment of diving-related illnesses.

Types of Diving Support Vessels

There are several types of DSVs, each designed for specific types of diving operations. These include:

• Saturation DSVs: These vessels are equipped with saturation systems, which allow divers to live and work at depth for extended periods of time.

• Air DSVs: These vessels support air diving operations, where divers breathe a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.

• Mixed Gas DSVs: These vessels support diving operations where divers breathe a mixture of helium and oxygen, allowing them to work at greater depths.

Use in Industry

DSVs are used in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, underwater archaeology, and marine salvage. They are essential for tasks such as pipeline inspection and repair, underwater construction, and the recovery of sunken vessels.

See Also

• Commercial diving
• Underwater diving
• Saturation diving
• Dynamic positioning