ATEX Approved 2 Diver LARS (Launch and Recovery System) for hazardous offshore environments

The ATEX Approved Single Basket LARS is a compact, containerisable 2 diver Launch and Recovery System (LARS) designed for safe diver deployment and recovery in offshore and hazardous-area operations. Engineered for surface-oriented air diving systems, this ATEX-compliant unit provides a robust and reliable solution for commercial diving contractors operating from vessels, barges, and offshore installations.

Designed to minimise deck space requirements while maintaining full operational capability, the system fits within a standard 20 ft ISO container footprint, simplifying transportation and mobilisation worldwide.

The system is suitable for diver deployment to a maximum working depth of 50 metres and incorporates dual hydraulic power packs, man-riding winches, guide-weight stabilisation, and ATEX-certified electrical systems for operation in hazardous areas.

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What is a Launch and Recovery System (LARS)?

A Launch and Recovery System (LARS) is a mechanical handling system used to safely deploy and recover:

• Commercial divers
• Diving baskets
• Wet bells
• Subsea equipment

from vessels or offshore structures.

In commercial diving operations, LARS systems are essential for:

• Controlled diver deployment
• Safe diver recovery
• Stability in offshore sea states
• Compliance with IMCA diving practices
• Reducing manual handling risks

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ATEX Approved for hazardous areas

This system incorporates ATEX Zone 2 compliant components suitable for hazardous-area operations where explosive atmospheres may be present.

ATEX-related features include:

• ATEX-certified electrical control boxes
• Hazardous-area compliant components
• IP66 rated electrical enclosures
• ATEX floodlights on A-frame
• Hazardous-area electrical protection systems

The unit is designed in accordance with:

• ATEX Zone 2 Directive 2014/34/EU
• Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment Requirements
• IMCA D023
• IMCA D018

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Key features

Compact containerised footprint

Designed to fit within a 20 ft standard container footprint for reduced transport and mobilisation costs.

2 diver stainless steel basket

Heavy-duty basket designed for:

• Two divers and equipment
• Emergency bailout gas storage
• Safe diver entry and recovery
• Offshore man-riding operations

Basket specifications include:

• 1200 mm × 1200 mm basket
• Overhead protection frame
• 1000 kg SWL
• Secondary lifting point
• Provision for twin 50 L bailout cylinders

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Dual hydraulic power packs

The system incorporates:

• Main hydraulic power unit
• Emergency backup hydraulic power unit
• Full redundancy capability

Both powered by 11 kW motors with independent control capability.

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Man-riding hydraulic winches

Two independent winches are provided:

Basket winch

• 1000 kg rated load
• Hydraulic motor drive
• Controlled lifting speeds up to 18 m/min

Guide-weight winch

• 750 kg rated load
• Double reeved to 1500 kg SWL
• Controlled lifting speeds up to 28 m/min

Both winches are certified for man-riding applications and incorporate:

• Band brakes
• Multi-disc brakes
• Dynamic braking via over-centre valves

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Guide-weight stabilisation system

The guide-weight system improves operational stability by:

• Preventing basket rotation
• Maintaining basket control during deployment
• Improving diver safety in offshore conditions

The guide-weight has a tare mass of approximately 300 kg and is rated for 1500 kg SWL.

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Over-winching protection

The basket incorporates an automatic limit switch protection system to prevent over-winching damage caused by operator error.

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Technical specifications

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Typical applications

The ATEX Approved Single Basket LARS is suitable for:

• Offshore oil and gas diving operations
• Hazardous-area diving projects
• Shipyard diving operations
• Offshore wind farm support
• Marine civil engineering
• Inspection and maintenance diving
• Saturation support vessel secondary systems
• Air diving systems on barges and workboats

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Why ATEX LARS systems are important offshore

In hazardous offshore environments, ATEX-certified systems help reduce ignition risks associated with:

• Electrical equipment
• Hydraulic systems
• Switching systems
• Lighting systems

Using ATEX-compliant diving equipment is often essential for operations near:

• Hydrocarbon processing areas
• Offshore production assets
• Tankers and FPSOs
• Hazardous marine zones

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Maintenance and inspection

The supplied manual specifies:

• Annual load testing
• Regular NDT inspection
• Wire rope testing
• Hydraulic system inspection
• ATEX electrical maintenance
• Scheduled lubrication and servicing

The system is designed for inspection and maintenance in accordance with IMCA guidance.

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Frequently asked questions

What does ATEX Approved mean?

ATEX approval indicates the system incorporates components suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, typically found in offshore oil and gas operations.

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How many divers can the basket carry?

The system is designed for 2 divers plus equipment.

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What depth is the system rated for?

The LARS is designed for diving operations down to 50 metres.

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Does the system include redundancy?

Yes. The hydraulic power system includes:

• Main hydraulic power unit
• Emergency backup hydraulic power unit for operational redundancy.

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Is the system containerisable?

Yes. The transport footprint is designed to fit within a 20 ft ISO container envelope.

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Enquire about the ATEX Approved Single Basket LARS

For technical details, pricing, or project support:

Email: info@isubc.com
Phone: +44 (0)1253 767788