SAT Control & Chambers

The architecture of the DDCS required for installation and operation in the SAT Control, Chamber and SPHL area will be dictated by the client requirements, certifying authority such as DNV and any specific dive system compliance criteria, such as NORSOK. 

Generally speaking, each main lock will have its own dedicated primary system chassis located in SAT Control or the area immediately next to this area. The requirement for any system redundancy in the form of additional system chassis’ is usually identified at the outset allowing a complete system design from the start. To accompany the system chassis, which if space permits will be located in an industrial 19” x 42U or 46U rack as described in the section ‘rackmount solutions’, the Operator Control Panels (OCP’s) will typically be mounted in suitable locations on the Supervisor  control panels.  The SAT Control system chassis units are connected to the redundant ‘Fibrenet’ ring network, allowing high quality communications between the SAT Control supervisors and Dive Control supervisors.  This fibre network can also be extended to other areas on the vessel if the comms system is expanded (e.g. to an air dive system or welding habitat).

For each chamber compartment there is a requirement to provide a single outstation for bi-directional communications between divers in the chamber and SAT Control personnel.  Outstations installed in entry locks and wet-pots / TUPs are the standard water resistant types to IP67.  Outstations support headset and speaker/microphone operation simultaneously by the use of two separate channels per compartment.  This also provides increased safety as the ‘open’ chamber comms is always available (i.e. cannot be switched off or muted by divers).  A call button facility is provided with all outstations. In the sleeping areas of the living chambers a Fathom Systems bunk-box is also provided for each diver.  This allows individual comms between the diver and SAT control, and also facilitates use of the telephone system and entertainment audio channels.  The bunk Box channels are not deemed mission critical and are therefore not duplicated with the redundant backup system. Further information on these items is provided elsewhere in the Diver Communications product portfolio.

Outstations are also provided in key areas outside the chambers around the chamber complex (e.g. adjacent to medical and equipment locks).  This allows communication between lock operators, SAT control personnel and divers inside the chamber where the lock is installed.

In addition to the redundant communications system, there are likely to be sound-powered telephones installed in each chamber compartment allowing voice communications with divers in the event of a total system failure of the redundant comms system. A comprehensive chamber call system is also built into the comms system, allowing divers to call the SAT Control operator whenever necessary.

SPHL primary communications are also provided. Please see the Hyperbaric Lifeboat section for further information.