SECURE LAUNCH OF LIFEBOATS IN COLD CLIMATE, LOOKING INTO REQUIREMENTS FOR WINTERIZATION

摘要

In this paper we will look closer into the secure launching of lifeboats from the Diving Support Vessel (DSV) "Seven Havila" in cold climate. Further we will look into requirements for winterization of such equipment. An overview of the vessel, the davits and other launching equipment will be included and critical components in the system will be discussed, viewed in the light of secure launching and winterization.This paper will define some of the environmental challenges coming from meteorological conditions when operating in cold climate regions. In this respect, particular focus will be drawn to challenges related to Polar Low Pressures and icing. These are conditions relevant for the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea where the vessel is likely to operate. The paper will then look into possible winterization measures that can have a positive effect when it comes to protecting the launching equipment against icing. The most challenging situation will be the spray ice coming from waves and wind and this will also have the highest focus. In addition to installed winterization measures, known ice removal measures/methods will be looked at. Finally a discussion will be presented based on the investigations and information produced. For the "Seven Havila" the most likely season for operation in arctic/cold climate areas will not be during wintertime. However, to be prepared for operations in cold climate, lifeboat launching equipment must be winterized for the physical environmental conditions it is exposed to. Evacuation equipment must at all times be functional and collecting data and performing thorough analysis of the operational conditions is essential to define the winterization requirements. The lifeboats and the launching equipment on the "Seven Havila" are already partly protected by their location in compartments. Additionally, the most effective way of preventing sea-spray and thereby also icing, will be by closing the compartments. Different kinds of removable covers may be considered. In the ship operation industry there is a need for amendments to the existing winterization guidelines and new "Guidelines for Ships Operating in Polar Waters" to define the requirements for such. For the life saving equipment in particular, the guidelines should include the temperature requirements for different operational seasons.It is, furthermore, important to have a close look at the training programme of personnel and the operational preparations and maintenance program for equipment to evaluate if improvements are required for operations in cold climate.