Hyperbaric Evacuation Planning & Support

We build location‑specific Hyperbaric Evacuation Plans (HEPs) that reflect environment, logistics, reception options and regulatory expectations:

• Threat & Scenario Definition: Fire, loss of station/ watertight integrity, major plant failures and other events requiring evacuation under pressure—mapped to contingency planning principles set out by IMO HES guidance.
• Method Selection & Routing: Comparative evaluation of evacuation methods (self‑propelled hyperbaric lifeboat, towable units, off‑loading to attendant vessels, bell‑to‑bell transfer) with reception routes and fallback options documented in the HEP.
• Interoperability & Interfaces: Definition of standardised interfaces (mating flanges, clamps, service connections, lifting/towing points) to support cross‑fleet compatibility between HRUs/SPHLs and regional HRFs per IMCA D 051. 

ORCA supports selection and integration of Self‑Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboats (SPHLs) and Hyperbaric Rescue Chambers (HRCs), ensuring compliance and practical operability:

• Design/Certification Review: Conformance with IMO A.692(17) and the 2023 IMO Diving Code; verification of pressure hull, door interlocks, observation, medical locks, and safe access/egress provisions.
• Life Support Capability: Validation of endurance (e.g., 72‑hour life support objective common to industry practice) and environmental control within SPHL/HRC, mapping to IMCA D 052 guidance on life support functional requirements.
• Host Integration: Launch/recovery, power, comms and gas systems integration on DSVs/platforms, aligned with IMCA D 052 equipment/interface guidance and classification rules. 

Safe decompression depends on robust reception capability. We engineer the reception path and verify facilities against recognised guidance:

• HRF Readiness & DESIGN Audits: Assurance against IMCA D 053 for HRF layout, handling/ mating arrangements, life support controls, HP gas storage, compressors and maintenance records.
• PVHO & Medical Integration: Where applicable, alignment of multi‑place chambers to PVHO standards (EN 14931) for therapy and emergency treatment, covering gas supply, control consoles, emergency power and medical equipment interface.
• Interface Adapters & Tooling: Definition and provision of adapter sets and clamping arrangements to ensure HRU‑to‑HRF compatibility during under‑pressure transfer, as foreseen by IMO guidance. 

We specify and verify Life Support Packages for reception/transport, including heating/cooling, gas logistics and redundancy:

• Redundancy Philosophy: Configuration of single or dual LSPs to achieve two independent heating/cooling systems in line with IMCA information note clarifications; tailored to route length, ambient conditions and risk assessment outcomes.
• Transport & Handling Plans: Quayside transfer, road convoy and vessel‑of‑opportunity procedures with environmental control maintained throughout, as recommended within IMCA D 052 planning principles. 

ORCA designs and runs progressive exercises, from table‑tops to full‑route drills, validating your HEP against real constraints:

• End‑to‑End Exercises: Launch, recovery, transport and HRF mating under pressure, rehearsed against IMCA D 052 operational guidance and D 051 interface expectations.
• Crew Competence & Roles: Focus on control room, coxswain/SPHL crew, LSTs, and HRF operators; aligned with competency themes highlighted in IMCA guidance.
• Continuous Improvement: Findings feed into change management and emergency preparedness requirements, consistent with NORSOK U‑100 emphasis on emergency planning, training and hyperbaric evacuation readiness. 

Your plan and equipment are assessed for alignment with the latest recognised guidance to streamline client and authority acceptance:

• IMO: A.692(17) HES Guidelines; 2023 International Code of Safety for Diving Operations (MSC.548(107)).
• IMCA: D 052 (HES Guidance), D 051 (HES Interface Requirements), D 053 (HRF DESIGN).
• Regional Practice: UK MCA MGN 83 (HES) and updates for local acceptance where applicable. 

ORCA provides comprehensive support across the evacuation lifecycle:

• Concept & Feasibility: Route studies, HRF availability mapping, and equipment selection trade‑offs.
• HEP Authoring & Verification: Documented plans, checklists and decision trees aligned to IMCA/IMO expectations.
• Equipment Assurance: SPHL/HRC and HRF audits, interface verification, FAT/SAT witness and acceptance testing.
• Readiness Drills & Governance: Periodic drills, evidence packs, and close‑out to demonstrate operational readiness to clients and regulators.

With worldwide capability, ORCA is your trusted partner for HEP development, HES selection, HRF readiness, and drill execution, integrating recognised international guidance into practical, route‑proven solutions. 

Contact ORCA below to find out about our HEP services...