Submersibles

Part C, Section 2

Submersibles

2.1 Applicability

2.1.1

This section outlines the minimum standards for operating submersibles from a yacht, and for the facilities on board yachts within the scope of this Code where operations of submersibles to/from the yacht are required.

2.1.2

This section does not address the construction of the submersible or its operation in any detail. The operator of the submersible is responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the Administration with which the submersible is registered are met and that the laws of the State in whose waters the submersible is operated are complied with in full.

2.1.3 The operator should verify that the Administration with which the submersible is registered is acceptable to the Administration of the yacht.

2.2 General Considerations

2.2.1

The construction and operational standards of a submersible should meet the requirements of the Administration with which the submersible is registered, including the standards set by the applicable Classification Society, and should address the guidelines provided by the IMO, and industry organizations such as the International Marine Contractors Association.

2.2.2

The primary consideration is to ensure the safe launch, operation recovery and stowage of a submersible and the maintenance of the submersible and the associated support facilities while it is on board.

2.2.3 A formal and documented risk assessment should be carried out by a suitably experienced and qualified individual authorized by the Administration. The risk assessment should establish the hazards and resultant risks associated with the launch, recovery, operation and stowage of the submersible that it is planned to utilize with the yacht. This should include the requirements for maintenance of the submersible and of the associated support facilities on board the yacht as well as the training of the yacht crew.

2.3 Launch and Recovery

2.3.1 The yacht should be fitted with suitable lifting appliances (handling systems) to safely launch and recovery the submersible to the satisfaction of the Administration.

2.3.2 The handling systems should be tested prior to initial use and at defined intervals in accordance with the requirements of the Administration. The testing requirements should be in accordance with Part B, Section 4.6 of the Code.

2.3.3 The method of launching and recovery should ensure the safety of the crew of the submersible and passengers and should provide for suitable boarding arrangements.

2.3.4 Where a "moon pool" or equivalent facility is used to launch or recover the submersible, the construction shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

2.4 Stowage

2.4.1

The yacht should be fitted with suitable securing arrangements for the submersible to adequately support the structure and to prevent excessive movement in poor weather.

2.4.2

The yacht should be constructed to accept the maximum anticipated loadings from a fully equipped submersible. Calculations of deck and other loads should be provided to the Administration.

2.5 Support Facilities

2.5.1 Where the yacht has support facilities such as high pressure air, oxygen, power, umbilical’s etc., the facilities should be installed and operated to the satisfaction of the Administration taking into accounts the hazards and associated risks.

2.5.2 Where fuel is carried, the storage and refueling facilities shall at least meet the requirements stated in Part Br Section 14 of the Code.

2.6 Maintenance

2.6.1 A suitable maintenance program should be provided and implemented which addresses the maintenance of the submersible and its equipment, including all safety equipment, the handling system, and the support facilities on board the yacht.

2.6.2 The maintenance program should be at least equivalent to programs required by Classification Societies for similar types of equipment.

2.7 Operations

2.7.1

Procedures for normal, abnormal and emergency scenarios should be developed and implemented. These may be included in an Operations Manual or a similar document and should be addressed within the yacht's safety management system (see Part Cr Section 4).

2.7.2

The procedures for safe operation should ensure: • The submersible meets all applicable national and international regulations prior to use; • Weather and other ambient conditions are suitable; • All necessary equipment is available for use; • Adequate and effective means of communication and means of recording information between the submersible and the yacht; • The appointment of a suitably qualified/experienced individual to control the

operation; The appointment of a suitably qualified pilot(s) (this should not normally be the master or senior officers of the yacht); The appointment of suitably additional personnel to ensure safe operations; The submersible crew and the involved yacht crew are suitably familiar with operations; Pre-dive and post- dive checks; Maintenance of the submersible structure and equipment and the yachts' support equipment, including lifting appliances; Reporting to authorities in which waters the submersible is operating; Appropriate records of operations, including information on crew and passengers on each dive; Arrangements for contingencies, including reporting incidents.

2.8 Risk assessment

2.8.1 A full risk assessment should be carried out addressing all the operations anticipated with the submersible(s) associated with the yacht. This should consider: • Launching and recovery; • Securing; • Loading and unloading crew, passengers and equipment and spares; • Use of support facilities; • Refueling; • Maintenance of the submersible while on board; • Maintenance of the support facilities on board the yacht; • Weather limitations; • Emergency situations; • Training of the crew.

2.8.2 The risk assessment should be submitted to the Administration for approval.

2.9 Crew Training

2.9.1 The yacht crew, as appropriate, should be trained to deal with normal submersible operations as well as abnormal and emergency situations. The training should include dealing with loss of communications, damage to the submersible, medical problems and other possible emergency scenarios.

2.9.2 The crew should practice dealing with the possible emergency scenarios through regular drills on board.

2.9.3 The emergency scenarios should be addressed in the yacht's contingency plans and similar documents.

2.9.4 While members of the yacht crew, when suitably trained, may man the submersible, the requirements of the yacht's Safe Manning Document shall always be met.