DSV first to receive notation for Covid-safety efforts

The DP3 dive support vessel’s IDM-A notation signifies that plans have been prepared to prevent any outbreak and, if that is not successful, mitigate any impact caused by Covid-type diseases. Those plans provide critical guidance on effective preparation, prevention and management protocols.

Singapore-based Tasik Subsea said Southern Star has proved to ABS surveyors that is has: developed detailed procedures to deal with crew changes to prevent infectious diseases entering the ship; contain any disease should there be an outbreak; and sensible plans to evacuate any serious cases for treatment. It has also designed a safety ‘citadel’ within the ship by modifying HVAC systems, changing exhaust air routes, changing taps to hands free and segregating the citadel by doors. This allows cabins to be rapidly converted to isolation spaces.

Tasik chief executive John Giddens was delighted that the company’s Covid plans, started at the outset of the pandemic and continually refined, had been acknowledged by ABS. “Like many others, we realised an outbreak of Covid on board our vessel would be a personal and commercial disaster for our crew, our clients and for our company.” Mr Giddens noted an outbreak would “result in stopping the vessel’s work and forcing it to a quarantine anchorage for an extended period, with no movement of people on or off the vessel while the medical issues for our marine and project crew were dealt with.”