Hytech LARS Heavy Duty
Launch & Recovery System for Professional Offshore Diving
Self-Contained
100% Redundant
Sea State 3 Rated
IMCA & DNV-GL Compliant
The Hytech LARS Heavy Duty is a fully self-contained, containerised Launch and Recovery System designed for the safe, reliable and efficient deployment and recovery of surface-oriented divers from Diving Support Vessels, platforms or pontoons.
It handles a main diving basket for two divers and a dedicated standby/emergency basket for one diver, together with an integrated clump-weight system that provides true secondary means of recovery.
Why Operators Choose This LARS
- True 100% hydraulic redundancy – Two fully independent HPUs, each with its own power source. Instant switch-over.
- Secondary recovery that is proven every dive – The clump-weight system can raise both fully loaded baskets. No special emergency actions required.
- Certified man-riding winches – Dual mechanical disc brakes, last-winding protection and counter-balance valves on all three winches.
- Rapid mobilisation – Only 8.5 tonnes total weight. Six ISO container corner fittings for fast, secure installation with standard twist-locks.
- Operator-focused design – Primary remote control + local panel. Intuitive layout that reduces training time and operator error.
- Safety philosophy that works under stress – Back-up systems are integrated into normal operations so they are continuously verified.
Capacity
| Item | Capacity | SWL | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Diving Basket | 2 Divers + tools | 0.52 t | 345 kg |
| Standby / Emergency Basket | 1 Diver + tools | 0.32 t | 275 kg |
| Clump Weight | Secondary recovery | 1.46 t | 600 kg |
| A-Frame | Structural | 2.3 t | 760 kg |
| Wire Rope – Baskets | 2 × 100 m (Ø 13 mm) | – | – |
| Wire Rope – Clump | 2 × 200 m (Ø 10 mm) | – | – |
Design weight per diver (including tools): 200 kg
Maximum total system weight: 8 500 kg
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Overall Dimensions (stowed) | 5 315 × 2 940 × 2 806 mm (L × W × H) |
| Total System Weight | 8.5 metric tonnes |
| Lifting Height | 100 metres |
| Lifting Speed | 0.25 m/s |
| Operating Temperature | –20 °C to +50 °C |
| Sea State Rating | Sea State 3 (Hs = 1.6 m) |
| Duty Factor | 1.2 |
| Hoisting Factor | 1.7 |
| Off-lead / Side-lead | 10° / 10° |
| Installation Method | Six ISO container corner fittings + twist-locks |
| Installation Positions | Port, Starboard or Stern |
Power Requirements
| Supply | Specification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Main Power 1 | 400/440 VAC – 3Ph + PE – 50/60 Hz – 32 A | HPU 1 (Primary) |
| Main Power 2 | 400/440 VAC – 3Ph + PE – 50/60 Hz – 32 A | HPU 2 (Backup) |
| Auxiliary | 230 VAC – 50/60 Hz – 16 A | Lighting, counters, controls |
Both HPUs must be connected to independent power sources for full redundancy.
Key Safety Features
- Dual independent Hydraulic Power Units
- Dual mechanical disc brakes on every winch (fail-safe)
- Last-winding switches (stops at 3 wraps remaining)
- Line-break valves on A-frame man-riding cylinders
- Hard-wired emergency stops on all control stations
- Secondary recovery via clump-weight system (always available)
- Two certified secondary lifting points on each basket
- Overload protection via main + individual sealed relief valves
Compliance
Designed and built in accordance with:
- IMCA D014 – International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving
- IMCA D018 – Examination, Testing and Certification of Diving Plant
- IMCA D023 – Design for Surface Oriented (Air) Diving Systems
- DNV-GL 2.22 – Standard for Certification of Lifting Appliances
Onboard Emergency Life Support
Both baskets are equipped with:
- 50-litre emergency gas cylinder
- First- and second-stage regulators
- Emergency hose with isolation valve