IMCA informed of an unapproved repair of diver gas supply. A diver umbilical assembly was returned from a diving support vessel (DSV) to a shore-based workshop. During the demobilisation of the umbilical assembly, a repair was noticed on the diver gas supply hose. IMCA notes that repairs to a diver gas supply umbilical are not considered good practice.
The incident
A diver umbilical assembly was returned from a diving support vessel (DSV) to a shore-based workshop. During the demobilisation of the umbilical assembly, a repair was noticed on the diver gas supply hose.
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The non-reclaim umbilical was 80m long and had been in service for about 5 years; the repair was located 5 meters from the umbilical end. The diver gas supply hose had a maximum working pressure of 1000psi. The join was formed by standard umbilical end fittings with 6 JIC(F) swivels, connected by a 6 JIC(M) adaptor. The complete join was then covered with a layer of black heat shrink.
Lessons learned
There was potential of trapped sea water within the repaired section of the umbilical, resulting in an increased corrosion rate to the fittings forming the join.
The failure of a diver umbilical could have potentially caused loss of gas supply, activation of the secondary supply and the termination of the dive. The worst-case scenario, however, could have resulted in serious injury or death.
IMCA mentioned:
It is hoped that all umbilical users will ensure that sufficient and correct information is made available to all applicable personnel. Repairs such as this may take place, but only until a permanent fix is implemented and subject to the completion of a risk assessment and full management approval.
