In commercial diving operations, especially in complex salvage missions, efficient communication and precise diver positioning are critical for ensuring safety and operational success. Ocean Plan's Underwater Communication and Navigation System has played a key role in improving the collaborative efficiency between surface personnel and underwater divers, for example, high-risk salvage operations such as the rescue of the shipwrecked Hong Pu 6.
In January 2023, the ship Hong Pu 6, a 128-meter-long vessel, sank in the Rizhao Sea after an explosion. The wreck, located southeast of Lingshan Island at depths exceeding 30 meters, presented significant challenges due to the presence of heavy oil in the ship's tank and the compromised structural integrity of the vessel. To manage this, a segmented salvage plan was developed, requiring specialized diving equipment and technology to operate in a high-risk environment.
Ocean Plan's Underwater Communication and Navigation System was deployed to support the salvage of the Hong Pu 6, specifically for the stern section, where conditions were especially hazardous. By setting up the Control Center on the surface vessel, the team was able to track the divers' real-time positions, bearing, and operational status, while also providing 3D navigation and wireless messaging for enhanced coordination. This allowed the surface crew to have continuous, precise oversight of all underwater operations, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of the mission.
Real-time Diver Positioning: Surface personnel could track the diver's exact location underwater, regardless of the challenging conditions, ensuring that divers stayed within safe operational limits.
3D Navigation: Divers received continuous guidance to navigate the complex environment around the wreck, improving precision and safety.
SOS & Diver Status Alerts: The one-button SOS alarm and abnormal status warnings helped ensure that in case of emergencies, divers could immediately alert surface teams, enabling a rapid response and timely assistance.
Wireless Communication: The system facilitated seamless communication between the divers and surface crew, enabling effective coordination during high-pressure situations. This shift from single to multiple communication methods significantly enhanced safety and operational reliability.
Commercial diving operations, particularly in salvage missions, often present hazardous conditions such as low visibility, dangerous currents, and challenging underwater terrain. The need for a reliable communication and positioning system becomes even more pronounced in these situations.
Ocean Plan's Underwater Communication and Navigation System continues to evolve, with future developments focusing on:
Enhanced Communication Range and Clarity: Future iterations will extend the communication capabilities, allowing for clearer and longer-range communication in even more extreme underwater environments.
Improved Equipment Durability: The system's components will be further optimized for better performance in harsh, high-pressure environments, increasing longevity and reliability during extended operations.
The system's successful application in the Hong Pu 6 salvage operation providing enhanced safety, improved operational efficiency, and superior support for divers in critical underwater operations.
