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ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Chap 6

CHAPTER 6

DEPTH EXCURSION / LOSS OF DEPTH CONTROL

Introduction 6-1. During diver Exit and Re-Entry (E&RE) and Multi Swimmer Release (MSR) procedures the ability of the submarine to maintain good depth control is fundamental in allowing these operations to be successful. These procedures are normally conducted at periscope depth and at very slow speeds. During these procedures the submarine may experience a depth excursion as a result from: a. b. c. d. e. 6-2. 6-3. Loss of propulsion; Variation in water density; Navigational hazards; Sea state/swell; and Manoeuvring system failure.

A depth excursion during E&RE and MSR is specified as a deviation of greater than two metres from ordered depth. The main dangers to divers in the event of a depth excursion are: a. The submarine proceeds deeper than allowable diver limits which increases risk to the diver of: (1) (2) (3) b. c. d. Oxygen toxicity, Narcosis, or Decompression illness.

The submarine increases speed to regain control; The submarine remains at depths greater than specified diver operations but within maximum diver depth limits which reduces the divers allowable no decompression limits; or The submarine ascends at a rate greater than allowable diver ascent rate which may expose the divers to the possibility of decompression sickness. 1

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Chap 6

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

WARNING
An ascent rate of greater than 18 metres/min during surfacing procedures with divers located in either the fin or beneath the casing may cause significant diver related illnesses. The submarine shall try to reduce the rate of ascent as much as possible during all surfacing procedures when divers are located external to the submarine.
6-4. The divers will be fully briefed on necessary EOP actions prior to commencement of either E&RE or MSR operations. In the event the submarine experiences a depth excursion during these operations the divers will: If Located in the Casing Area a. Remain within the casing area and continue to breath from SCUBA located beneath the casing. If during this time the divers reach specified diver depth limits the diver will detach from the submarine (unless otherwise instructed from the DSO-S) to await either recovery or continuation of specified operations;

If Located within the Fin b. Remain in the fin area and commence breathing on the External Breathing Rail (EBR). If during this time the divers reach specified diver depth limits the divers will commence breathing on own breathing apparatus, exit the fin and detach from the submarine unless otherwise instructed from DSO-S;

Divers External to the Casing or Fin c. Remain on own breathing apparatus and detach from the submarine at specified diver depth limits to await either recovery or continuation of specified operation; and

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ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010 If Located in the Conning Tower (CT) d.

Chap 6

Remain in the CT. The Conning Tower Operator under the direction of the Diving Safety Officer-Submarine (DSO-S) will secure the tower in accordance with procedure for securing a manned CT.

6-5. The safety of the divers must be considered when the submarine experiences a depth excursion, but it should be remembered that in some instances the safety of the submarine is more paramount than the safety of the divers. The general actions from the submarine will be: 1. 2. Inform DSO-S of depth excursion when submarine has deviated greater than 2 m from ordered depth. Take necessary actions to regain depth control which may include: (a) (b) 3. (a) (b) 4. MSR (a) (b) (c) (d) 6-6. Due to the variation in equipment and the maximum depth the diver can use this equipment the SOLO is to inform the CO of maximum relevant diver depth prior to the operation. The submarine is to amend excursion depth and submarine surfacing depth within Table 61 to reflect the agreed depths by the SOLO and CO. If the submarine is unable to regain depth control by excursion depth, inform DSO-S that submarine is going to surface at Maximum Diver Depth (MDD). At MDD surface the submarine using the modified surfacing procedure in accordance with Table 61 step 16. Increasing in speed; and Conduct weight and trim movements. If submarine is unable to regain depth control by 25 metres (excursion depth), inform DSO-S that submarine is going to surface at 27 metres. At 27 metres (Maximum diver depth), surface the submarine using modified surfacing procedure in accordance with Table 61 step 16.

E&RE

The necessary procedure for depth excursion is shown at Table 61.

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Chap 6

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Table 61
NO 1 ORDER BY ACTION BY MCC

Depth Excursion Divers External of Hull

TASK

When submarine depth exceeds 2 m from ordered depth inform SCOOW of depth excursion.

NOTE The DSO-S and divers must take into consideration that the submarine may need to increase speed for a short period as a possible measure to regain depth control. During MSR operations the submarine MUST in accordance with step 4 amend the excursion depth and maximum diver depth to reflect the depths agreed between the SOLO and CO. 2 3 CO SCOOW DSO-S If the submarine deviates greater than two metres from ordered depth, Pipe on Main IC DEPTH EXCURSION, DEPTH EXCURSION. Inform divers of depth excursion and necessary action to take, i.e. hold, release or re-enter the Conning Tower to allow the submarine freedom for manoeuvring.

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ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Chap 6

Table 61
NO 4 ORDER BY ACTION BY Divers

Depth Excursion Divers External of Hull (Cont.)

TASK

Divers located in the following areas are to conduct the following: a. External to Fin or Casing:
(i) (ii)

Monitor depth gauges and detach at pre-planned depths, or detach if submarine speed is excessive.

b.

Internal to Fin Area

(i) (ii) (iii)

Remain within Fin and commence breathing on EBR; and Await further instructions; Monitor depth gauges, proceed to bridge area and detach at pre-planned depths.

c.

Inside Conning Tower

(i) (ii)

Remain within CT and commence breathing on DABS; and Clip CT Upper hatch when shut.

d.

Located within Casing:

(i) (ii) (iii)

Remain in lurking area and continue breathing from air supplies located beneath casing; Await further instructions; Monitor depth gauges and detach at pre-planned depths.

DSO-S

CTO

Taking into consideration diver position, secure the Conning Tower and report.

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Chap 6

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Table 61
NO ORDER BY ACTION BY

Depth Excursion Divers External of Hull (Cont.)

TASK

WARNING If the CT operator is ordered to secure a manned CT, the CT Vent valve 5960-V10 and CT regulating valve 5960-V18 MUST be OPEN prior to shutting CT Flood valve 5960-V2. 6 7 CO CO MCC MCC/DSC On pipe of depth excursion order AHEAD REVOLUTIONS 75, CAVITATE. Take the following actions: a. b. c. d. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 SCOOW DSO-S CO CO DSO-S XO WL WL DSO-S Divers DSC CTO SCOOW Conduct either weight compensating or trim movements; Adjust pitch rate to counteract depth excursion (Example Swell); Conduct necessary EOP actions (Example Modified Propulsion Failure); and Down all masts at watch leaders discretion.

When divers are in a suitable position DSO-S must inform the WL of the position of all divers. Once submarine has regained depth control the CR to advise the DSO-S and standby to conduct necessary actions to recover detached diver/divers. If submarine has not regained depth control by 25 m proceed to step 10 Inform DSO-S that the submarine is going to surface at 27 m. Inform divers located in the Fin and CT that the submarine is going to surface and brace for surfacing. Divers are to take hold and brace with in Fin and CT and prepare for submarine surfacing Order OPEN MBT FLOOD VALVES. (E&RE only) Order DRAIN DOWN THE CONNING TOWER. At 27 m order SURFACE

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ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Chap 6

Table 61
NO 16 ORDER BY ACTION BY SCOOW/ MCC

Depth Excursion Divers External of Hull (Cont.)

TASK

Conduct modified surfacing procedure IAW the following: a. b. c. At 27 m order BLOW 4MBT Conduct 25 sec blow of 4 MBT. Once positive depth rate is observed, to assist with slowing the depth rate to an ascent rate of 18m/min order FULL DIVE ON THE HYDROPLANES, MAINTAIN 5 DEGREES BOW DOWN. At 12 m order BLOW MBT Conduct normal surfacing procedure in accordance with ABR 6009 Chap 13.

17

DSO-S

Divers

Divers located in the CT are to exit to the UAS once the submarine is on the surface. Divers located within the fin, beneath the casing are to inform DSO-S of their condition.

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Chap 6

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

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