Navigation
Related

Navigation

Related

Launch and Recovery System (LARS) with diving bell, SWL 1300 kg (Technical supply specification)


1. General Information (Operating Conditions)

The LARS with diving bell and its components operate reliably under marine conditions including:

  • Ambient temperature from -50°C to +50°C and up to 100% relative humidity during transit and storage.
  • Ambient temperature from -30°C to +50°C and 100% relative humidity during operation.
  • Shipboard vibration.
  • Sea state up to Beaufort 3.
  • Periodic exposure of components to sea spray.

2. Purpose

The LARS with diving bell is designed for the launch and recovery of the diving bell with divers.

LARS with diving bell, SWL 1,300 kg general arrangement drawing, side view
LARS with diving bell, SWL 1,300 kg general arrangement drawing, side view

About

Introduction to Launch and Recovery Systems

Modern marine research and underwater operations require specialized equipment. A key solution is the LARS with a diving bell, designed for safe operations at depths down to 80 meters. Integrating these systems onto vessels and workboats ensures efficient launch and recovery of divers and equipment, maintaining process control and operational safety.

Design and Operating Principle

The LARS with a diving bell consists of a hydraulic A-frame, a hoisting wire system, and a control unit for operational monitoring. Installation on a workboat maximizes limited deck space utilization while ensuring operational stability under sea states and dynamic loads.

Vessel and Workboat Integration

These systems are widely used on offshore, inland waterway, and utility vessels. As a LARS manufacturer, Izhora Hydrosystems LLC supplies equipment adapted for integration across various platforms—from small workboats to industrial vessels—ensuring operational versatility and mobility.

Safety and Operational Efficiency

The optimized design of the LARS with a diving bell ensures safe launch and recovery of divers and provides efficient access to underwater work areas. The control system enables precise movement regulation of the bell, minimizing risks to personnel.

Operational Summary

The deployment of a LARS with a diving bell on workboats and vessels enhances capabilities for underwater research, quay maintenance, hull repairs, and search and rescue (SAR) operations. The compact design and multi-platform adaptability make these systems essential for modern underwater operations.


3. Scope of Supply

3.1 LARS with diving bell, SWL 1,300 kg

3.1.1 Bill of Materials (BOM)

ComponentQty
Launch and Recovery System assembly, comprising:1 pc
Base1 pc
Frame1 pc
Hydraulic cylinder2 pcs
Bracket1 pc
Locking device1 pc
Hoisting wire1 pc
Guide wire1 pc
Control panel1 pc
Hoisting winch1 pc
Guide wire winch1 pc
Hydraulic system installation1 set
Electrical system installation1 set
Diving bell assembly with ballast, comprising:1 pc
Foldable seats, minimum dimensions 450×450 mm, perforated or slatted2 pcs
Doors, minimum width 800 mm, with stoppers and locking mechanism2 pcs
Diver helmet recovery rigging attachment point for self-recovery underwater1 pc
Pad eye on top of the bell for LARS hook attachment, matching safety shackle, safety factor ≥ 101 set
Portable detachable mounts for handheld underwater torches2 pcs
Compressed air cylinder, mounting points for two 50 l cylinders2 pcs
External umbilical guides for 2 divers1 set
Emergency air supply system for each diver1 set
Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU)2 pcs
LARS with diving bell, SWL 1,300 kg general arrangement drawing, top view
LARS with diving bell, SWL 1,300 kg general arrangement drawing, top view

3.1.2 General Parameters

ParameterValue
A-frame SWL, kg1,300
Hoisting mechanism SWL, kg750
Guide wire mechanism SWL, kg950
Hoisting winch drive type (launch/recovery)Hydraulic
LARS luffing/outreach mechanismHydraulic
Emergency recoveryElectrical: HPU powered by emergency diesel generator (EDG); Manual: via hand pump
Hoisting mechanism wire diameter (GOST 7668), mm11.5 (tensile strength grade 1770)
Guide wire mechanism wire diameter (GOST 7668), mm9.0 (tensile strength grade 1860)
Hoisting winch reeving factor1
Guide wire winch reeving factor2
Outreach, m1.2
Bell travel height (maximum diving depth), m80
Launch/recovery speed at top layer, m/minMin 5; Max 20
Emergency recovery speed, m/min8–9 via hand pump
Hand pump lever force, kg12
Power supplyShipboard main: 380 (400) V AC, 3-phase, 50 Hz, 3-wire (no neutral)
Power supply electrical cable assembly with connectors, rating ≥ IP56, length ≥ 50 mFor shipboard connection; input via CEE-type connectors (3P+PE)
Inside LARS frame power distribution boardCable appliance inlet (complete with switched socket-outlet)
Second connector setWall-mounted socket-outlet + plug with handle for vessel installation
Power consumption, kW≤ 50
Power consumption in emergency mode, kW≤ 20
LARS weight (including bell and ballast), kg3,250
LARS controlVia control panel mounted on the LARS frame
Electrical equipment ingress protectionOpen deck: IP56 (portable control panel: IP56; stowed IP56 rating is ensured by housing the panel inside an enclosure)
ExecutionNon-explosion proof (safe area)
Diving bell (1 pc): Internal dimensions (WxDxH), mm1250x900x2350
SWL, kg550
Weight, kg200
CapacityTwo divers in full diving gear with underwater tools
DesignWelded tubular and sheet steel structure; watertight welds; smooth surfaces without sharp edges; unlubricated hinges and pivots with structural clearance
Structural strengthStructural member safety factor ≥ 9 times the weight of two 180 kg divers; floor working load ~300 kg; seats ~120 kg
LightingDiving moonpool light fitted at the A-frame outer boom tip
Ballast (LxWxH), mm1,280x300x255; weight 200 kg
Hydraulic Power Unit (2 pcs) on a common skid:
Rated flow, l/min42 x 2
Nominal pressure, MPa≤ 21
Hydraulic oil tank capacity, l40 x 2
Electric motor power, kWapprox. 11 x 2

3.1.3 Spare Parts, Tools, and Accessories (SPTA)

Manufacturer’s standard package for 1-year operation — 1 set.

3.1.4 Documentation

DocumentQty
Technical Passport1
Installation and Operating Manual1
SPTA List1
Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Report1

3.1.5 Certificates

  • RMRS (Russian Maritime Register of Shipping) certificate for the diving bell — 1 copy.
  • RMRS certificate (Form 6.5.30) for the winch wire ropes (hoisting/guide) — 1 copy.

4. Additional Requirements

  • All open-deck electrical equipment features a minimum ingress protection rating of IP56.
  • All materials remain stable and resilient within the operating temperature range of -30°C to +50°C.
  • Coating system: the coating specification and color shall be subject to Customer approval.
  • Hydraulic system working fluid: AUP hydraulic oil.
  • Hydraulic fluid cleanliness class: minimum Class 12 in accordance with GOST 17216-71.
  • Each winch is equipped with two independent brakes, each capable of holding the fully loaded bell individually; the brakes fail-safe to the locked position upon loss of pressure.
  • Anti-condensation space heaters are provided for electrical cabinets and electric motors.
  • The LARS enables launch and recovery of divers through a moonpool, as well as over the side or stern of the vessel.
  • The LARS is designed, manufactured, and tested in compliance with IMCA and RMRS rules and regulations.
  • The LARS structure incorporates dedicated lifting points for cargo and handling operations.
  • The LARS remains fully functional after transit in factory packaging under environmental condition group OZH2 per GOST 15150-69.
  • Equipment must fulfill standard environmental resilience, survivability, and external exposure requirements.
  • Hydraulic cylinders are equipped with counterbalance (overcentre) valves.
  • Factory testing of the bell includes the application of marking data: trademark, serial number, SWL, and test date.
  • All documentation shall be provided in the Russian language, in compliance with Russian GOST standards.
  • The LARS with diving bell complies with RD 31.81.01-87, RD 31.84.01-90, RMRS Rules, and IMCA standards D014, D015, D018, D023, D039, D040, D045, D050.
  • The LARS is fitted with an anti-pendulum (anti-swing) system for the launch and recovery phases of the bell.
  • The bell and LARS are integrated onto a standard 20-foot container footprint frame, secured via container corner castings and twistlocks.
  • Maximum operational diving depth of the bell is not less than 75 m.
  • The KVK-60 LARS is equipped with limit switches and hoisting height limiters (anti-two-block system).
  • Provision for dual connectivity to both main and emergency power supplies.
  • The hydraulic winches for the bell and ballast feature independent fail-safe braking systems.
  • The ballast is designed to prevent horizontal displacement and rotation of the diving bell.
  • The electro-hydraulic power unit features a manual hand pump and a dedicated grounding connection point.
  • Comprehensive coating and marking apply to both the bell and the LARS structure.
  • Technical lifetime of the coating system is not less than 6 years.
  • The diving bell is delivered fully assembled.
  • The LARS with diving bell is supplied with a waterproof protective cover for the stowed position.
  • All data plates, labels, and inscriptions shall be duplicated in the Russian language.
  • Design life until major factory overhaul: 13 years; total service life: 25 years.

5. Manufacturer

Izhora Hydrosystems LLC


6. Warranty Period

12 months from the delivery date


Contacts

Phone: +7 (812) 339-61-68

Email: contact@i-hydro.tech