U.S. NAVY SALVAGE REPORT DEEPWATER HORIZON ... - ESSM

USCG DEEP WATER HORIZON
INVESTIGATION D.O. 0043
2.0 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED / LESSONS LEARNED
2.1
Problem Encountered: During mobilization a pin on the high voltage connector on the
Seahorse Two crane was found to be bent and broken.
Lesson Learned: All connectors should be visually checked before mating. A spare pin was
utilized during the operation and connector insert was replaced upon demobilization.
2.2
Problem Encountered: One of the two cable counter sensors was found to be defective.
Lesson Learned: A potted set of sensors will be made and carried as a spare.
2.3
Problem Encountered: The vehicle fiber optic gyro compass failed.
Lesson Learned: A proper wattage power supply was needed. It has been replaced and a spare
acquired.
2.4
Problem Encountered: The Sun West 300 CTFM Sonar sound head was damaged.
Resolution: The spare sound head was installed. The damaged unit was repaired.
2.5
Problem Encountered: Vehicle independent power supplies were under-rated for equipment
integrated on the vehicle.
Resolution: Replaced insufficient power with higher amperage power supplies.
2.6
Problem Encountered: The high voltage connector on the Seahorse II handling system was
damaged during mobilization
Lessons Learned: Checking pin alignment prior to mating will rectify this problem.
2.7
Problem Encountered: The projector and hydrophone were lost after being struck by the oil rig
riser pipe.
Lessons Learned: Position and altitude need to be closely watched when in close range to
uncharted objects.
2.8
Problem Encountered: The HF sonar was inoperable. Ethernet communications multiplexing
was not programmed correctly.
Lessons Learned: Check communications during dive descent.
PIHI –10096
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