Use case / Oceanco
Engineering Luxury Below the Surface: A Custom Deck Decompression Chamber for Oceanco’s superyacht Draak
How do you install a six-person decompression chamber inside a superyacht without cutting open the vessel?
Result: The chamber was successfully installed through the existing dive centre access route, eliminating the need for structural modifications to the yacht.
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When a yacht is designed to deliver exceptional experiences, every detail matters. From the craftsmanship of the interior to the technology hidden behind the scenes, clients expect the highest standards in performance, safety, and comfort.
For the extensive rebuild of the 92.9-metre yacht Draak, formerly known as Tranquility and Equanimity, one highly specialised system became part of the conversation from the earliest stages of the project: a custom-built Deck Decompression Chamber (DDC).
Unlike industrial applications, where functionality often takes precedence, every component aboard a superyacht must contribute to the overall design philosophy. This required a different approach from the traditional hyperbaric systems commonly used in commercial diving operations.
01 / Engineering
Custom Engineering for a Unique Environment
Although Hytech-Pommec has decades of experience designing decompression chambers for commercial diving, tunnelling, and offshore applications, this project demanded a significant level of customisation.
Virtually every visible aspect of the chamber was adapted to meet the client’s requirements.
The exterior received a bespoke colour finish that perfectly complements the interior design language of the yacht. The control panel layout was redesigned according to the client’s preferences, while the seating arrangement, upholstery, and interior details were selected specifically for this project.
One of the most distinctive modifications involved the positioning of the control panel. Traditionally, decompression chamber controls are located along the side where the majority of valves and pipework are installed. For Draak, the control station was relocated to the front end of the chamber. This seemingly simple adjustment required extensive rerouting of the entire piping system around the vessel, demonstrating the level of engineering flexibility involved.
To further enhance the onboard experience, the chamber was equipped with an integrated entertainment system, including two internal screens and six audio headsets. While safety remains the primary function of a decompression chamber, occupant comfort was considered equally important.
02 / Onboard experience
Combining Safety, Comfort and Technology
The final chamber accommodates six occupants and incorporates a range of advanced features rarely found together in a yacht installation.
A PLC-based control system allows operators to manage chamber functions through an intuitive display interface. Pressure profiles can be controlled and monitored digitally, enabling semi-automatic operation and reducing the workload traditionally associated with manual chamber management.
The system is also capable of supporting both oxygen and Heliox decompression procedures through an integrated BIBS (Built-In Breathing System). This capability allows the yacht to safely support deeper diving activities where oxygen-only decompression would not be suitable.
To minimise weight without compromising performance, lightweight carbon composite gas storage cylinders were selected. In addition, a dedicated fire suppression system was installed, capable of activation from both inside and outside the chamber. A dedicated water reserve system was supplied as part of the complete safety package.
Together, these features create a hyperbaric environment that combines operational capability with an unprecedented level of comfort onboard.
03 / Integration
Engineering Around Space Constraints
One of the greatest challenges was not related to the chamber itself, but to integrating it within the existing structure of the yacht.
Oceanco’s objective was to install the chamber through the existing dive centre access route rather than creating a new opening in the vessel’s structure. This imposed strict limitations on both the dimensions and overall height of the chamber.
Engineering challenge
How do you install a six-person decompression chamber inside a superyacht without cutting open the vessel?
To meet the project’s installation requirements, the engineering teams developed a highly customised solution:
- ✓ Chamber profile redesigned to reduce overall height
- ✓ Windows repositioned to optimise layout and accessibility
- ✓ Supply lock relocated to suit the yacht’s configuration
- ✓ Pipework routing completely re-engineered
- ✓ Dedicated rail system developed for onboard installation
- ✓ Structural deck strength verified for safe integration
Result: The chamber was successfully installed through the existing dive centre access route, eliminating the need for structural modifications to the yacht.
Following a successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), the chamber was transported to Oceanco’s facilities in Zwijndrecht for final installation.
The chamber was carefully lifted aboard the yacht before being manoeuvred into position using specialised transport equipment.
Behind the visible installation lies a complex network of supporting systems. Oxygen banks and Heliox storage cylinders were positioned in separate ventilated compartments, while the fire suppression reservoir was installed on a lower deck. Pipework and services were routed through overhead ceiling spaces to maximise efficiency and preserve valuable interior volume.
The chamber was integrated with the yacht’s existing high- and low-pressure air systems, although the design also allows for standalone compressor-based operation if required.
Thanks to the extensive preparation and planning carried out during the engineering phase, installation and commissioning proceeded smoothly, with no major findings during final acceptance.
04 / Collaboration
A First for Oceanco
For Oceanco, the project represented more than just another technical installation.
As noted by Ozkan Sag, Engineering Discipline Manager at Oceanco, this was the first decompression chamber integrated within the Oceanco fleet.
“Hytech-Pommec was open to developing a custom DDC and was able to achieve a yacht-quality exterior surface preparation and paint finish, something that had not been previously delivered. Given that both the yacht and the DDC were custom projects, flexibility in design and execution was highly important throughout the process.”
The collaboration provided valuable insights for both organisations regarding the integration of highly specialised systems within the superyacht environment.
“The paint and finishing work were particularly demanding, as achieving the required quality level took time. However, the final result met expectations, and the team now fully understands the required standard for future projects,” said Ozkan Sag, Engineering Discipline Manager at Oceanco.
05 / Exploration
Supporting the Future of Luxury Exploration
Originally delivered by Oceanco in 2014, Draak has undergone a remarkable transformation. Relaunched as a dedicated companion yacht to Leviathan, she now supports advanced diving operations while providing accommodation for additional guests and crew.
The addition of a custom-built decompression chamber significantly expands the vessel’s operational capabilities, enabling safe support for deep diving activities anywhere in the world.
For Hytech-Pommec, the project demonstrates what becomes possible when hyperbaric expertise meets the demanding standards of the superyacht industry.
It also reflects a broader trend within the market. As owners increasingly seek unique exploration experiences and extended expedition capabilities, specialist systems such as decompression chambers are becoming an increasingly important consideration during yacht design and construction.
Draak shows that these systems no longer need to be purely functional additions. Through close collaboration, careful engineering, and a commitment to quality, they can become an integrated part of the overall yacht experience.
As both Oceanco and Hytech-Pommec look toward future opportunities, one thing is clear: when innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration come together, extraordinary results follow.
The project in pictures
Explore Draak in detail.
Seven perspectives on the project. Select any photo for the large image viewer.
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