This technical report addresses issues related to the effects of external pressure acting on API Subcommittee 17 (SC17, Subcommittee on Subsea Production Equipment) subsea equipment installed in deepwater for containing or controlling wellbore fluids. External pressure at deepwater can significantly reduce the differential pressure acting on the wall of subsea equipment, and therefore, this can improve its internal pressure containment capability. External pressure is typically ambient seawater pressure, but in some cases, external pressure may be due to the hydrostatic head of drilling mud, completion fluids, or other fluids contained within risers or other conduits that connect the subsea equipment to surface facilities.
