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    • Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS)

    Launch and Recovery Systems – Diver LARS

    Launch and Recovery Systems (diver LARS), crucial for underwater operations, facilitate the safe and efficient deployment and retrieval of both equipment and personnel, such as divers.

    A LARS system typically consists of winches, cranes, an A-frame, and a dive basket, all configured to support 2 diver operations where necessary. These systems are designed to operate in challenging marine environments with a compact operating footprint, reducing the amount of deck space required on support vessels. They play a key role in commercial diving by ensuring the safety of divers during their descent into and ascent from the water.

    Diver launch is managed with precision thanks to features such as twin motors for redundancy and reliability. Diver LARS typically feature advanced technology like dynamic positioning and remote-control capabilities, enhancing the precision and safety of these operations, especially in rough sea conditions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    A Launch and Recovery System (LARS) is heavy-duty deck equipment used to safely deploy and retrieve commercial divers from a vessel or offshore platform. A standard surface-supplied LARS consists of a hydraulic A-frame, a diver cage or basket, a primary man-riding winch, and a secondary guide-wire or clump weight system. This integrated machinery ensures divers transition smoothly through the hazardous surface splash zone and reach their working depth with maximum stability and safety.

    Man-riding winches are engineered specifically for lifting human life, which separates them entirely from standard cargo winches. Safety regulations dictate that a man-riding winch must feature a dual braking system, typically consisting of a dynamic hydraulic brake and a mechanical fail-safe brake. They are strictly prohibited from having a free-fall or clutch-release function. If the operator releases the joystick or if the system loses hydraulic power, the winch must instantly and automatically lock in place to prevent the diver basket from dropping.

    The A-frame is the structural backbone of the LARS. Its primary function is to extend outward, creating sufficient physical clearance between the suspended diver basket and the side of the vessel. This outward reach is absolutely critical during rough sea states. It prevents the heavy steel basket from swinging violently and crushing the divers against the ship’s hull as the vessel pitches and rolls on the surface.

    Total power failure on a dive vessel is a critical emergency. To protect divers, every certified commercial LARS is equipped with fully independent backup recovery methods. This typically includes a secondary, standalone hydraulic power unit (HPU) or an emergency air-driven motor connected directly to the winch drum. In the event of a catastrophic primary system failure, the dive supervisor can activate these secondary systems to safely winch the divers back to the deck without dangerous delays.

    LARS equipment must strictly comply with international maritime safety laws. The most universally recognised guidelines are published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), specifically documents like IMCA D018 and D023. These regulations dictate mandatory safe working loads (SWL), rigorous wire rope inspection schedules, and the strict necessity for periodic load testing. Additionally, the structural base and lifting points must often meet DNV offshore standards to guarantee the system can withstand the immense dynamic forces of a harsh marine environment.