Dive Safety System Assurance

The Dive System Assurance Process (DSAP) has been designed to tune into the functional safety lifecycle model outlined in the Functional Safety Standard IEC61508.

Arrange a personal consultation

Managing Risks to ALARP

Safewell can help you manage your safety critical 1's and 0's.

Audit Checklist

Key Points

    • We have experience working on all the major dive vessels.
    • We have been working collaboratively with the Operators since 2008.
    • We have an extensive track record. We continuously strive for best practice. 

Downloads

Functional Safety Datasheet
Functional Safety Datasheet
Download

Functional Safety in a Dive System Assurance Process (DSAP)

Since 2008, Safewell has been assisting Shell UK and other oil and gas operators in the UK and International sectors to assure the safety of automation systems used in commercial diving operations.

Modern dive support vessels (DSVs) use programmable systems to automate major dive system functions such as Dive Bell launch and recovery (LARS), saturation chamber pressure control (SAT), gas quality control, environmental control, diver’s hot water systems and a range of other tasks which have automated systems embedded by the dive equipment manufacturers.

The safe operation of a commercial dive support vessel is a technically challenging and life critical task. The use of PLCs and automation system software is a largely invisible risk to management and technical teams more used to managing traditional DSV manual systems.

In 2012, an industry working group was established through International Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) to develop a Dive System Assurance Process (DSAP). The working group was chaired by Conoco Phillips and included operators, diving contractors, UK HSE and 3rd party consultants. Safewell took part in the working group with a focus on the development of an audit approach for automated systems. Through this, and its general audit work, Safewell has been helping the industry to develop a standard approach to adopt when auditing the automation systems used in these vessels.

Following the output from the working group, IOGP published the ‘Diving System Assurance Recommended Practice’ Report 468 in February 2016. You can download a copy from the IOGP web site and the section of the document concerned with assurance of the automated dive system developed by Safewell is Appendix C & D.

A systematic approach based on the IEC61508 life cycle model has been developed to help manage the safety of the automated systems at all stages of the system lifecycle from system concept to final decommissioning.

Dive System Assurance Process (DSAP)

Safewell have designed checklists to guide the vessel owner through a systematic management process to assure the safety of automated systems used on commercial diving vessels.

Although designed for commercial diving, a similar holistic process can be applied to any industrial sector using programmable control systems for safety critical applications.

  • Education and awareness
  • Manage the supply chain
  • Safety management
  • Evaluate competence
  • Technical management factory
  •  Test and verify validate system on vessel
  •  Operations training / security
  •  Lifecycle maintenance
  •  Lifecycle management of change

Our Experience

Safewell is an independent assurance and risk management provider, serving clients across the globe. The Safewell team are made up of talented experts with over 30 years of experience. We are passionate about striving for best practice and we are members of the Shell and DSVi Safety Assurance Teams (Safety of Dive Vessels), setting industry standards and creating solutions.

Safewell combines expertise industry knowledge with engineering best practice to keep safety critical projects and operations safe and secure. Rather than providing advice with no further support, Safewell acts as part of the team, getting involved in the "Do" process and bolstering the workforce to defend against threats, attacks and security risks. 

IMCA Workshop

On 11th March 2015 Safewell presented details of the lifecycle functional safety management of automated dive systems at an International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Workshop in Amsterdam.

The workshop was attended by operators, subsea companies, dive equipment manufacturers, certifying bodies and HSE professionals from all over the world. The purpose of the workshop was to provide education, generate awareness and stimulate discussion to determine the actions required by the industry to safely manage the risk.

This is a key presentation which the Safewell team regularly refer back to. If you would like a copy of this presentation and would like to understand more about standards: 61508 and 61511, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Enquire about this service

Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help with your automation risk requirements or for more information.

Start an enquiry

Timeline of Assurance Work from 2008 - 2021

Contact us now for
a personalised consultation

Explore our services

Compressed Air Services

Compressed Air Services

From Compressed Air Testing to Servicing of Breathing Air Purification Equipment, we have the expertise to help clients ensure compliance with a holistic safety management process.

Calibration

Calibration Services

Ensure that the equipment you are using to test the quality of compressed air is calibrated and validated to a recognised standard and the uncertainty of measurement is detailed.

Industrial Automation

Industrial Automation

Find out more about our safety assurance services, focusing on lifecycle safety risks associated with automation in processes.