Simplified Guidance for Engineers Associated with Design, Construction, and Certification of Hyperbaric Research Facilities

Because of potential hazards associated with diving in deep ocean simulation facilities, a procedure has been developed by which these facilities can be certified for safe operation. One of the major steps involved in this procedure is the review of documentation associated with the design, fabrication and construction of these facilities. The review process affords the certifying authority the opportunity to evaluate the adequacy of design rationale, the adequacy of fabrication techniques and the conformance of these items with existing codes and standards. This paper concerns itself with the philosophy of the certification process and the rationale employed during the documentation review and evaluation.