Method and apparatus for emergency transfer and life support of saturation divers

摘要

An emergency life-supporting capsule is disclosed for transferring saturation divers from a main decompression chamber on board a main support vessel. The capsule is attached to the main decompression chamber in anticipation of an emergency. The capsule is located opposite a diving bell on the decompression chamber. The capsule includes self- contained breathing systems for supporting occupants divers. In case of an emergency such as abandonment of the main support vessel or the main decompression chamber, the divers are transferred to the capsule which is sealed and separated from the main decompression chamber, lowered overboard, and allowed to float independently until a rescue vessel arrives. The capsule is then retrieved by the rescue vessel and reconnected to a main decompression chamber.