DNV-RU-UWT Pt.5 Ch.6

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RULES FOR CLASSIFICATION
Underwater technology
Edition July 2021
Part 5 Types of UWT systems
Chapter 6 Manned submersibles
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FOREWORD
DNV rules for classification contain procedural and technical requirements related to obtaining and
retaining a class certificate. The rules represent all requirements adopted by the Society as basis
for classification.
© DNV AS July 2021
Any comments may be sent by e-mail to rules@dnv.com
This service document has been prepared based on available knowledge, technology and/or information at the time of issuance of this
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or following from mandatory law, the liability of DNV AS, its parent companies and subsidiaries as well as their officers, directors and
employees (“DNV”) for proved loss or damage arising from or in connection with any act or omission of DNV, whether in contract or in tort
(including negligence), shall be limited to direct losses and under any circumstance be limited to 300,000 USD.
CHANGES – CURRENT
Part 5 Chapter 6 Changes - current
This document supersedes the January 2018 edition of DNVGL-RU-UWT Pt.5 Ch.6.
The numbering and/or title of items containing changes is highlighted in red.
Changes July 2021, entering into force 1 January 2022
Topic Reference Description
Coordinate system Sec.2 Figure 1 Added point of view to coordinate system specification.

specification
Certification and Sec.2 [4] Alignment with rules for classification of ships.

documentation requirements
Sec.2 [5.2]
Amendment of documentation Sec.2 Table 3 Amended documentation requirements and further references

requirements to specific sections of the rules added.
Alterations on already tested Sec.2 [6.1.7] Added requirements for re-testing of already tested systems

systems and components and components following alterations.
Initial test and trials Sec.2 [6.2] Added tests for system integration of Li-Ion batteries.
Tightness test Sec.2 [6.3.2] Added pass / fail criteria.
Instructions for main ballast Sec.2 [6.5.4] Added instructions for the simulation of main ballast tank vent

tank testing capacity under emergency ascent conditions.
Quantity of compressed air Sec.4 [1.1.2] Added guidance for the determination of the required quantity

reserves of compressed air.
Rule reference amendment Sec.4 [1.1.3] Updated rule reference for air reserves intended for emergency

supply.
Emergency buoyancy Sec.4 [1.1.4] Added further guidance for the interpretation of emergency

buoyancy requirements.
Rule reference amendment Sec.4 [1.1.5] Rearranged paragraphs into rules with regard to compressed air

system.
Sec.9 [3.2.2] Updated rule reference for emptying of tanks.
Compressed air supply Sec.9 [3.2.2] Aligned requirements for compressed air supply quantities with

quantities referenced rules.
LARS, collision prevention Sec.11 [2.2] Requirement has been moved to Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.2 [1.5].
Rebranding to DNV All This document has been revised due to the rebranding of DNV

GL to DNV. The following have been updated: the company
name, material and certificate designations, and references to
other documents in the DNV portfolio. Some of the documents
referred to may not yet have been rebranded. If so, please see
the relevant DNV GL document.
Editorial corrections
In addition to the above stated changes, editorial corrections may have been made.
Rules for classification: Underwater technology — DNV-RU-UWT Pt.5 Ch.6. Edition July 2021 Page 3
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
CONTENTS
Part 5 Chapter 6 Contents
Changes – current.................................................................................................. 3
Section 1 General.................................................................................................... 6
1 Introduction.........................................................................................6
Section 2 Principles for construction of manned submersibles............................... 7
1 General principles................................................................................ 7
2 Relation to other codes and standards................................................ 8
3 Definitions........................................................................................... 8
4 Certification requirements................................................................. 10
5 Documentation requirements.............................................................11
6 Initial Tests and Trials.......................................................................26
Section 3 Equipment............................................................................................. 34
1 External equipment............................................................................34
2 Internal equipment and facilities.......................................................34
Section 4 Machinery Systems................................................................................35

1 Compressed air systems.................................................................... 35
Section 5 Electrical Equipment.............................................................................. 36

1 General.............................................................................................. 36
2 Power supply..................................................................................... 36
3 Power distribution............................................................................. 37
4 Interior lighting................................................................................. 40
Section 6 Controls and communication................................................................. 41
1 General.............................................................................................. 41
2 Navigation and manoeuvring............................................................. 41
3 Sensors and actuators....................................................................... 43
4 Data transfer system......................................................................... 43
5 Communication equipment................................................................ 43
6 Emergency communications equipment............................................. 44
Section 7 Life support systems............................................................................. 45

1 General.............................................................................................. 45
2 Monitoring Equipment........................................................................45
3 Emergency Thermal and Frigidity Protection..................................... 46
4 Pressure Equalization........................................................................ 46
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
5 Waste Disposal.................................................................................. 46
Part 5 Chapter 6 Contents
Section 8 Rescue systems..................................................................................... 47
1 Scope................................................................................................. 47
2 Life saving appliances on the surface................................................ 47
3 Personal life saving appliances..........................................................48
4 Emergency gas/air supply................................................................. 48
5 Automatic blowing............................................................................. 48
6 Jettisoning of solid ballast.................................................................48
7 Detachment of umbilicals and lifting cables...................................... 49
8 Detachable rescue vessels (optional)................................................ 49
9 Marker buoy.......................................................................................49
10 Mating flange (optional).................................................................. 50
11 Emergency instructions................................................................... 50
Section 9 Additional requirements for tourist services......................................... 51
1 General.............................................................................................. 51
2 Stability and buoyancy...................................................................... 52
3 Surfacing in emergency..................................................................... 52
4 Equipment..........................................................................................53
5 Life support systems......................................................................... 55
Section 10 Additional requirements for rescue submersibles including rescue
vehicles.................................................................................................................56
1 General.............................................................................................. 56
Section 11 Launch and recovery system (LARS)................................................... 57
1 Introduction.......................................................................................57
2 Design Principles............................................................................... 60
3 Strength............................................................................................. 62
4 Equipment..........................................................................................63
Section 12 Supporting systems aboard the support vessel................................... 65
1 Introduction.......................................................................................65
2 Systems for control........................................................................... 68
3 Electric supply................................................................................... 69
4 Hydraulic supply................................................................................ 70
5 Breathing air supply.......................................................................... 70
6 Mating Equipment.............................................................................. 71
Changes – historic................................................................................................ 72
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 1 GENERAL
Part 5 Chapter 6 Section 1
1 Introduction
1.1 Scope
1.1.1 These rules are valid for the construction of manned submersibles which shall be classified by the
Society, including their mating, control and monitoring systems.
As submersibles shall be understood:
Manned underwater vehicles for autonomous, non-autonomous or independent service , including their
mating and supply systems for life support.
Furthermore ambient pressure submersibles are covered by these rules, as far as applicable.
On agreement, further requirements for ambient pressure hulls will be considered based upon the
submersible’s operational profile.
1.1.2 Autonomous submersibles
For the purpose of these rules, submersibles, which require a relevant support vessel during the mission but
are not physically connected to it (e.g., by an umbilical), are regarded as autonomous submersibles.
1.1.3 Non-autonomous submersibles
For the purpose of these Rules, submersibles, which are during the mission always physically connected to
the relevant support vessel (e.g., by an umbilical), are regarded as non-autonomous submersibles.
1.1.4 Independent submersibles
For the purpose of these Rules, submersibles, which are able to operate offshore without support vessel, are
regarded as independent submersibles.
1.1.5 Ambient pressure submersibles
For the purpose of these Rules, submersibles, which are designed for wet and dry service with the personnel
compartment at ambient pressure, are regarded as ambient pressure submersibles.
For further definitions, see Sec.2 [3].
1.2 Application
The requirements in this chapter shall be regarded as supplementary to those given in Pt.2, Pt.3 and Pt.4.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 2 PRINCIPLES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MANNED
SUBMERSIBLES
1 General principles
1.1
Wherever expedient and feasible, submersibles shall be designed and constructed in such a way that a single
failure of any component cannot give rise to a critical or dangerous situation.
1.2
Submersibles and their components shall be designed to meet the service conditions stated in the
specification.
1.3
The pressure hull shall be designed and build according to Pt.3.
1.4
Diver lock-out, compression and diving chambers in submersibles shall be built and equipped in accordance
with Ch.1.
1.5
Submersibles equipped with a diver lock-out shall be designed and constructed to ensure a safe transport
and a safe exit and entry of the divers under pressure.
1.6
Submersibles equipped with a diver lock-out or a diving chamber shall be equipped - depending on their
concept of operation - to connect the appropriate pressure hull compartment to a decompression chamber on
board the support vessel.
1.7
Submersibles shall be designed and constructed to allow the operator to maintain an adequate forward view
when submerged. The possibility of an all-round vision when navigating on the surface shall be given.
Guidance note:
This can be obtained either by suitable windows or by optical instruments.
---e-n-d---o-f---g-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---
1.8
Submersibles shall be designed and built to ensure safe operation and facilitate proper maintenance and the
necessary surveys.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
2 Relation to other codes and standards
National codes and regulations concerning remotely operated vehicles have to be observed in addition to the
Societies Rules.
2.1 MSC - Circ. 981
Guidelines for the design, construction and operation of passenger submersible craft according to IMO MSC/
Circ. 981 of 29 January 2001.
2.2 COLREG 1972
Convention on the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, 1972.
3 Definitions
3.1 Main dimensions and main parameters
All dimensions are related to permanently installed equipment, devices or tools in retracted position.
Table 1 Main dimensions and main parameters
Terms Definitions
In relation to the submersible a fixed, right-handed co-ordinate system x, y, z
according to Figure 1 is introduced. The origin of the system is defined by the aft
perpendicular, the centre line and the basis line of the submersible. The x-axis
Co-ordinate system
points in longitudinal direction of the submersible positive forward, the y-axis
positive to port and the z-axis positive upwards. Angular motions are considered
positive in a clockwise direction about the three axes.
The aft perpendicular AP is vertical to the x-axis through the intersection of rear
edge of the stern boss with mid of propeller for vehicles with central shaft, for
Aft perpendicular AP
vehicles with several shafts and special propulsion arrangements to be defined case
by case.
The forward perpendicular FP is vertical to the x-axis through the intersection with
Forward perpendicular FP
foreside of the stem, for special arrangements to be defined case by case.
Length between the perpendiculars
The length LPP is the distance between AP and FP measured parallel to the x-axis.
LPP
The length LOA is the length between the most forward and most aft point of the
Length over all LOA submersible including fixed installed components of equipment, measured parallel to
the x-axis [m].
The total breadth B is the maximum breadth of the submersible including all fixed
Total breadth B
installed parts of equipment, measured parallel to the y-axis [m].
The radius of the pressure hull Rm is the radius of the cylinder or the sphere related
Radius of the pressure hull Rm
to the middle of the wall thickness.
The total height H is the total height from baseline to upper edge of the vehicle
Total height H including all permanently installed parts of equipment, measured parallel to the z-
axis [m].
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Terms Definitions
The hatch height H is the total height from baseline to upper edge of the lowest
Hatch height HHatch
hatch, measured parallel to the z-axis [m].
The deck height H is the total height from baseline to deck/step area, measured
Deck height HDeck
parallel to the z-axis [m].
The draught T in surfaced condition is the maximum vertical distance between the
Draught T
baseline and the water surface [m].
Freeboard HHatch - T
The displacement of the surfaced submersible ready for surfaced operation is Δ↑,
Displacement
the displacement of the completely dived submersible is Δ↓ [t].
The maximum additional load NL for devices, equipment, materials, which are not
necessary for the direct operation of the submersible, but are serving for work to
Payload NL
be performed, investigation of the sea and scientific research [kg]. This includes the
passengers according to Pt.3 Ch.7 Sec.2. The crew is not part of the payload.
Diving depths
All diving depths are related to the -
lower edge of the pressure hull.
The nominal diving depth NDD is the diving depth for the unrestricted operation of
Nominal diving depth NDD
the submersible [m].
The test diving depth TDD is the diving depth which is related to an external
Test diving depth TDD pressure, to which the submersible is subjected to test conditions after completion
or after essential repairs [m].
The collapse diving depth CDD is the ultimate diving depth where a collapse of the
Collapse diving depth CDD pressure hull shall be expected [m]. This depth is decisive for the design of the
submersible.
Velocities
The velocity v0↑ is the maximum operational speed of the surfaced submersible
Velocity v0↑ [kn] at a number of revolutions of the propeller according to the maximum
continuous propulsion power surfaced (MCR = maximum continuous rating).
The velocity v0↓ is the maximum operational speed of the dived submersible [kn]
Velocity v0↓ at a number of revolutions of the propeller according to the maximum continuous
propulsion power dived (MCR).
Manned submersibles
DNV AS


Figure 1 Fixed co-ordinate system and main dimensions
4 Certification requirements
Products shall be certified as required by Table 2.
Table 2 Certification requirements
Object Certificate type Issued by Certification standard* Additional description
Manufacturer AoM Society DNV-CP-0346
For unique specimen type
Umbilical PC Society
testing scope applies.
Pressure hull PC Society
Load bearing element,
st MC Society see Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.2 [1.3].
1 order components
Load bearing
nd
element, 2 order MD Manufacturer see Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.2 [1.3].
components; see Pt.3
MC Society > DN 50
Piping system
MD Manufacturer ≤ DN 50
Pressure vessel PC Society
Hose line MD Manufacturer
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Object Certificate type Issued by Certification standard* Additional description
Electrical component PD
Manufacturer
and cable MD
For unique specimen type
Electrical penetration PC Society
testing scope applies.
Pressure supply PC Society
Syntactic foam MC Society
Control and
automation Diving Pressure, suitability for
PD Manufacturer
Navigation and application on seagoing ships.
monitoring
Manufacturer/
Working device PD/PC Depending on type.
Society
H2-Monitoring TA Society
*Unless otherwise specified the certification standard is the rules.
For general certification requirements, see DNV-CG-0550.
For a definition of the certification types, see DNV-CG-0550 Sec.3 and Pt.1 Ch.1 Sec.4.
5 Documentation requirements
5.1 General requirements
5.1.1 Before the start of manufacture, documentation of the total system and drawings of all components
subject to compulsory inspection, wherever applicable and to the extent specified below, shall be submitted
in triplicate respectively in case of electronic transmission as single issue.
5.1.2 The documentation shall contain all the data necessary to check the design and loading of the system.
Wherever necessary, calculations relating to components and descriptions of the system shall be submitted.
5.1.3 Once the documents submitted have been approved by the Society, they become binding for the
execution. Any subsequent modifications require the Society's consent before they are implemented.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
5.2 Documentation requirements
Documentation shall be submitted as required by Table 3.
Table 3 Documentation requirements
Required
Item
Code Documentation type Additional description approval
number
status
1. General Documents Sec.2
Including main dimensions and equipment installation
Z010 General arrangement arrangement plan internal and external, list of main AP 1
materials.
Including essential design data, like:
- nominal diving depth
- maximum operating time and maximum survival
time
- maximum range of a mission (radius)
- maximum number of persons in pressure hull
- divers compression camber
- diving procedure
- operating limits for launching and recovery (seaway)
Functional and system - other operating limits in relation to environment
Z060 condition (e.g. operating temperatures, fresh/salt AP 2
description
water or geographical or current conditions)
- speed above or below water level as well as
maximum towing speed
- type of drive and manoeuvring equipment
- type and details of working devices and equipment
- description of mooring and lashing systems
- weight of submersible, payload and ballast,
displacement (submerged)
- concept of operations statement (CONOPS) see Pt.3
Ch.1 Sec.1.
A description of the design basis for the submersibles's
structure, including:
- general description of the submersible - Technical
specifications
H010 Structural design brief FI 3
- design data (data for e.g. service life, design
temperature, loading conditions, weight of equipment
and modules)
- design conditions (limit states).
List of all drawings, reports and other documents incl.
C060 Documentation list FI 4
document number and name.
Manufacturing milestones, specification of involved
H130 Fabrication specification manufacturers for main components as well as FI 5
equipment.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Description of the submersible design steps and
Z050 Design philosophy FI 6
milestones.
Z120, Test procedure for factory
See [6]. AP 7
Z252 trials
Z140, Test procedure for harbour
See [6]. AP 8
Z253 trails
Z140,
Test procedure for sea trails See [6]. AP 9
Z253
Failure mode and effect
Z071 See Pt.3 Ch.1 Sec.5. AP 10
analysis
Including coating plan as well as active and passive
M040 Corrosion protection plan AP 11
corrosion protection measures.
Including in detail the steps necessary for normal
operation as well as for emergency operation in a clear
and conceptual form and in the necessary sequence
(e.g. as checklist): measures for the loading of the
operating systems (e.g. batteries, gases) - mostly with AP 12
external installations - shall be defined. The planned
lifetime and the permissible load and mission cycles of
components of the equipment (e.g. acrylic windows,
Z160 Operation manual batteries) shall be defined herein.
Standard pilot operating procedures. AP 13
Emergency plan for evacuation of passengers in case
AP 14
of fire, damage, etc.
Dive logbook template. AP 15
Pre-dive and post-dive checklists. AP 16
Including all procedures for the preventive
Z180 Maintenance manual AP 17
maintenance.
Including documentation of all conditions relevant for
Z290 Records FI 18
operation (diving depth, mission time, damages, etc.).
2. Material test specification & records Pt.2 Ch.5
M010, Test and certification Specification of materials for main systems and

AP 19
M030 specification summary components.
M010, Pressure hull materials
Pt.3 Ch.3 Sec.2 AP 20
M030 certification plan
M010, Pressure vessel materials
Pt.2 Ch.5 Sec.1 AP 21
M030 certification plan
M010, Load bearing elements For definition of load bearing elements see Pt.3 Ch.4

AP 22
M030 materials certification plan Sec.2.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
List of certified components
Overview of all materials supplied with manufacturer
Z090 and materials with test report FI 23
or with DNV material certificate.
and certificate reference
Pt.3 Ch.1
Pt.3 Ch.2
3. Pressure hull
Pt.3 Ch.3
Pt.3 Ch.5
Including all essential particulars and details necessary
for appraising the safety of the pressure hull and
including the specifications for materials, material
certificates, manufacture and testing. The drawings
shall show all the internal and external fixtures of
Pressure hull arrangement
Z030 the pressure hull (e.g. strengthening ribs, machine AP 24
drawing
bedplates, mountings. Overview drawings of the
pressure hull sealing systems including part lists and
data sheets. The drawings shall state the relevant
design pressure according to Pt.3 Ch.2 and applied
design code.
All relevant drawings required for assessment of the
H050 Structural drawing AP 25
complete pressure hull assembly.
Design analysis of the pressure hull as per Pt.3 Ch.3 or
other recognized standards considering all applicable
H080 Pressure hull design analysis FI 26
load cases as per Pt.3 Ch.2 Sec.1 [2], load case I to
III.
3.1 Pressure hull internal arrangement Pt.3 Ch.1 Sec.3
Internal arrangement Including drawings and descriptions of the space
Z030 AP 27
drawing allocation and internal arrangements.
3.2 Pressure hull openings and closings Pt.3 Ch.5
Overview drawings of the pressure hull openings and
Z030 Arrangement drawing closings including sealing systems, part lists and data AP 28
sheets.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Including, component drawings of the pressure hull
equipment, like e.g.:
- entry and exit hatches
- windows, window flanges and retaining flanges
- pressure tight bulkheads including doors
- block flanges
H050 Structural drawing - pressure hull wall penetrations and their AP 29
arrangement
- diver's lockout
- sealing arrangement.
The drawings shall state the relevant design pressure
according to Pt.3 Ch.2, design code and type of
material certificate.
Pt.3 Ch.5 Sec.3 [3]
Structural calculations or analysis of the hatch
Design analysis of hatch and and penetrations as well as dogging or retaining
H080 penetrations for external and mechanisms for external pressure (1.1 x CDP) and for FI 30
internal pressure an internal pressure load case (1.3 bar abs. or internal
design pressure) as well as regarding adequate
compression of sealing systems.
Design analysis of
Pt.3 Ch.5 Sec.2 [1]
H080 hatch hinge and locking FI 31
External loads from wash of the sea or occupants.
mechanisms
4. Supporting structure,
Pt.3 Ch.4
exostructure and equipment
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Plans and sectional drawings of the submersible
exostructure, fairing and supporting structure
including details of strong points and supporting
structure for e.g.
- main ballast tanks
- gas tanks
- external electrical junction boxes
- buoyancy elements
- stabilizing fins
- rudder
Z030 Arrangement drawing - jettisonable equipment AP 32
- umbilical connection
- keel runners
- collision protection structures
- streamlining elements
- manipulators
- instrument mountings
- anchoring equipment
- masts
- venting pipes.
All relevant drawings required for assessment of the
H050 Structural drawing AP 33
exostructure and strong points.
Design analysis of the strong points and exostructure
components considering the design loads as per Pt.3
Ch.2:
- lifting and emergency lifting structure
- towing points
- keel structure
- lashing and mooring points
H080, Exostructure and strong point
- supporting structure of PVHO FI 34
H081 analysis
- main frame structure
- other supporting structure of essential equipment,
e.g. main ballast tanks, battery pods, gas cylinders
and other pressure vessels
- wash of the sea, acceleration loads (including
entrained masses, e.g. water) and other external loads
acting on tanks and fairings.
Pt.3 Ch.6
5. Rudders and planes
Pt.4 Ch.2 Sec.2
Including descriptions of the equipment such as gears,
couplings, shafting and rudders with details of:
C020 Arrangement drawing AP 35
- mode of operation and control of the systems
- operating range and response time of rudders.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Strength analysis of rudder Pt.3 Ch.6
C040 and rudder stock as well as Pt.4 Ch.2 Sec.2 FI 36
planes DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.3 Ch.14
6. Stability and buoyancy Pt.3 Ch.7
Including:
- results of the stability investigations for the intact
and damaged submersible, as well in submerged
as surfaced condition and if applicable also in
intermediate conditions
B040 Stability analysis AP 37
- permissible ice load
- presentation of the stability behaviour of the
submersible
- measures for maintaining sufficient stability.
B100 Inclining test procedure See Pt.3 Ch.7 Sec.4. AP 38
Spreadsheet with list of all components, payload
Ballasting, weight and
and ballast including the respective weight and FI 39
buoyancy overview
displacements.
B150 Damage control plan See Pt.3 Ch.7. AP 40
B200,
Freeboard calculation See Pt.3 Ch.7. AP 41
B220
7. Propulsion and
Pt.4 Ch.2
manoeuvring equipment
Including descriptions of the equipment such as gears,
couplings, shafting and propellers with details of:
- mode of operation and control of the systems
C020 Arrangement drawing - pressure compensated or pressure tight design AP 42

- power consumption (type and quantity)
- method of power transmission to propulsion units
- seals of pressure hull wall penetrations.
Description of steering gear
I020 indication and back-up Pt.4 Ch.2 Sec.2 [2.7] FI 43
systems
Manufacturer declaration of
Z090 FI 44
conformity for thrusters
7.1 Dynamic positioning Pt.4 Ch.2 Sec.2
The type and control of the positioning system shall be
N060 Manoeuvring booklet AP 45
explained.
8. Ballasting, compensating, Pt.4 Ch.3
buoyancy and trimming systems Pt.2 Ch.5 Sec.7
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Including details for arrangement, volumes and weight
General arrangement and
of main ballast, buoyancy elements, compensating and
C020, specification of tanks,
trimming tanks and of the emergency ballast system AP 46
H030 buoyancy elements and
with mathematical proof of the submersible's static
ballast weights
neutral condition.
8.1 Main ballast tanks Pt.4 Ch.3 Sec.3
Assembly and part drawings required for assessment
of the structural integrity of the tank including material
H050 Assembly and part drawings AP 47
specification, manufacturing details, bonding, welding
and testing requirements.
Structural analysis of the tank considering design
loads as per Pt.3 Ch.2, e.g.:
- external wash of the sea
- mooring loads
- external live loads (from passengers)
H080 Design analysis - 0.2 bar internal overpressure + hydrostatic pressure FI 48
corresponding to the tank height
- maximum working and test pressure if applicable
- static and dynamic loads from buoyancy, vehicle
accelerations, grounding and collision including inertial
mass like entrained water.
8.2 Compensating,
Pt.4 Ch.3 Sec.4
trimming and ballast tanks
of the structural integrity of the tank including material
H050 Assembly and part drawings AP 49
specification, manufacturing details, bonding, welding
and testing requirements.
Structural analysis of the tank considering applicable
design loads as per Pt.3 Ch.2, e.g.:
- external and internal pressure loads
H080 Design analysis FI 50
- static and dynamic loads from buoyancy, vehicle
accelerations, grounding and collision including inertial
mass like entrained water.
Specification of piping, Design pressures, design code and type of material
S090 AP 51
valves, flanges, fittings certificates shall be stated.
Filling and discharge flow
S130 AP 52
calculations
8.3 Trimming devices Pt.4 Ch.3 Sec.5
C020, of the trimming devices including material
Assembly and part drawings AP 53
C030 specification, manufacturing details and testing
requirements.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Structural analysis of the supports and load bearing
elements considering design loads as per Pt.3 Ch.2
Design analysis for trimming
C040 and assessment of the maximum trim conditions FI 54
devices
during normal operation and malfunction of trimming
devices.
8.4 Ballast systems Pt.4 Ch.3 Sec.6
C020,
Assembly and part drawings of the ballast systems including material specification, AP 55
C030
manufacturing details and testing requirements.
Structural analysis of the supports and load bearing
elements considering design loads as per Pt.3 Ch.2
Design analysis for ballast
C040 and assessment of the maximum trim conditions FI 56
systems
during normal operation and malfunction of trimming
devices.
C020,
Assembly and part drawings of ballast jettisoning
C030, Jettisonable ballast AP 57
systems as well as design analysis.
C040
8.5 Buoyancy elements Pt.2 Ch.5 Sec.7
C020, of the buoyancy elements including material
Assembly and part drawings AP 58
C030 specification, manufacturing details and testing
requirements.
Manufacturing, inspection and testing plan to cover
Manufacturing and inspection
M030 requirements of the DNV type approval program for AP 59
plan
buoyancy elements.
9. Life support systems Pt.4 Ch.4
Description and capacity analysis of the systems and
equipment used for breathing gas supply, circulation,
Life support system purification and conditioning of the atmosphere in the
S013,
description and capacity pressure hull, including the monitoring equipment, for AP 60
S030
analysis both normal and emergency operation and including
description of the facilities for supplying water, food
and medicines and for disposal of waste.
Including details of:
- materials
Breathing gas system - maximum allowable working pressure - allowable
S010 schematic and bill of working temperature AP 61
materials - pipe dimensions (diameter, wall thickness)
- type of valves and connections used and their
operational parameters.
Oxygen system cleaning
S130 Pt.4 Ch.6 Sec.2 [5.2] AP 62
procedures
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Pt.4 Ch.6 Sec.2 [5.8]
Proof of oxygen suitability of components and systems
Z090 Proof of oxygen suitability FI 63
shall be provided by manufacturers or recognized third
parties.
CO2 absorption system
S013 overview diagram and parts AP 64
list
Heating and cooling calculations for normal and
P010 Heat balance calculation emergency conditions including assessment of the FI 65
steady state temperature.
10. Umbilicals Pt.4 Ch.5
11. Piping systems,
Pt.4 Ch.6
pumps and compressors
11.1 Piping systems
System schematics and bill of materials including
details of:
- materials
- maximum allowable working pressure
S010, Compressed air system - allowable working temperature
AP 66
S040 schematic - dimensions (diameter, wall thickness)
- media carried
- type of valves and connections used and their
operational parameter
- type of hose lines.
S042 Hydraulic system schematic See additional description as per item number 66. AP 67
Emergency hydraulic system
S042 See additional description as per item number 66. AP 68
schematic
Variable ballast system
schematics
Air conditioning system
schematics
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.6
- type of pipe or component
- pipe or component design standard
- dimensions (for pipes, outside diameter and wall
thickness)
Specification of piping, - design pressure
S090 AP 71
valves, flanges, fittings
- design temperature
- materials
- corrosion protection
- test pressure
- piping class (I, II, III).
Pressure hull feedthrough Arrangement and part drawings as well as bill of
S050 AP 72
drawings materials.
11.2 Pumps
Including description of pumps and their drives
S010 Specification and datasheets FI 73
together with all important design and operating data.
11.3 Compressors
Including description of pumps and their drives
S010 Specification and datasheets AP 74
together with all important design and operating data.
12. Pressure vessels Pt.4 Ch.7
Including drawings and calculations of the pressure
vessels and apparatus with all essential particulars
and details necessary for appraising the safety
of the equipment and including the specifications
Arrangement and part for materials, manufacture and testing. Overview
C060 AP 75
drawings drawings of the pressure vessel sealing systems
including part lists and data sheets as well as fixating
elements.
The drawings shall state the relevant design pressure
according to Pt.3 Ch.2 and applied design code.
Design analysis of the pressure vessel as per Pt.3
Pressure vessel design Ch.3 or other recognized standards considering all
C040 FI 76
analysis applicable load cases as per Pt.3 Ch.2 Sec.1 [2], load
case I to III.
Shut-off and pressure relief
Z100 77
device specification
Gas cylinder type
Z090 Pt.4 Ch.7 Sec.2 [2] FI 78
examination certificate
13. Electrical installations Pt.4 Ch.8
13.1 Electrical system
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
A diagrammatic drawing showing:
- power system layout with identification of all
generators, transformers, switchboards, distribution
E010 Overall single line diagram boards, frequency converters, filters, battery systems AP 79
and major consumers
- system voltages and system earthing
- ratings of any major consumers.
A sketch showing the principal cable routing, including
principal routing to redundant consumers and routing
E020 Principal cable routing sketch of emergency power distribution in relation to normal AP 80
power distribution together with information on fire
divisions and high fire risk areas.
A document stating criteria for selection and
E030 Cable selection philosophy dimensioning of cables with respect to types and sizing AP 81
for different voltage levels and cable lengths.
A document stating the calculated design values
for power consumption and available power for
operational modes as:
- normal operation
- manoeuvring
E040 Electrical load balance - emergency. AP 82

Tripping of non-important consumers shall be
identified in the calculation. For direct current (DC)
battery systems and uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) systems: the calculation of available battery
capacity shall include discharge characteristics for the
batteries.
A document covering all switchboards and their
Single line diagrams
consumers, providing information on switchboard
E050 and consumer lists for AP 83
connections, consumer ratings, cable dimensions and
switchboards
settings of protective devices.
A document describing the discrimination between
electrical protective devices in the distribution system.
The document shall include a list of all settings/
parameter values for short circuit, overcurrent and
earth fault protection.
The analysis shall state maximum and minimum short
circuit currents.
E080 Discrimination analysis The document shall cover: AP 84
- generator protection
- main switchboard circuits
- emergency switchboard circuits
- battery and UPS systems
- downstream discrimination between different voltage
levels under all operating conditions.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
For the operation in explosive endangered areas the
E090 Table of Ex-installations AP 85
required explosion classes shall be proven.
A document stating:
- maker
- cable types and number of cores
- conductor cross-sections (mm²)
Cable data sheet and design - cross sectional drawing showing the detailed
E110 composition of conductors, insulation screens and AP 86
drawing
braiding
- manufacturer's type test report (will only be
requested from Manufacturers without any type
approved cables)
- fire test results if relevant.
Including calculation of short-circuit conditions with
details of circuit-breakers, power protection switches
Electrical coordination and
E200 and fuses fitted to main, emergency and distribution AP 87
short circuit analysis
switchboards indicating their current ratings and
breaking capacity.
Including a general arrangement drawing containing at
least the following information:
- voltage rating of the systems
- power or current ratings of electrical consumers
Electrical system description - switchgear and safety devices (e.g. overcurrent
E240 AP 88
and arrangement relay) with indicating settings for short
-circuit and overload protection; fuses with details of
current ratings
- cable types and cross-sections
- description of measures.
13.2 Electric power supply system Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.2
E230 Power supply arrangement Arrangement drawings, specification and datasheets. AP 89
Emergency power supply
E230 Arrangement drawings, specification and datasheets. AP 90
arrangement
13.3 Battery systems Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.2
Z030 Arrangement plan For main and emergency battery system. AP 91
E010 Overall single line diagram AP 92
E040 Electrical load balance AP 93
Installation drawings including battery types, chargers
E230 Power supply arrangement AP 94
and battery room ventilation.
E120 Electrical data sheets AP 95
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Records of DNV battery
Z090 AP 96
system type approval
13.4 Electrical penetrations
Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.3
and connections
Electrical pressure hull Including details of electrical penetrations through
E020 AP 97
penetrator overview map pressure hull walls.
Electrical bulkhead penetrator Including details of electrical penetrations through
E020 AP 98
overview map bulkheads.
Penetrator / connector data Including cable specification and sealing arrangement
E110 AP 99
sheet and design drawing details.
Z090 DNV type test records Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.3 [2] FI 100
Z090 DNV routine test records Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.3 [2] FI 101
13.5 Electrical machines Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.4
Arrangement drawings and Including complete documentation for electric
E140 technical datasheets of motor drives with details of control, measuring and AP 102
electrical machines monitoring systems.
13.6 Lighting
E190 Lighting description Including arrangement of emergency light fittings. AP 103
14. Control and monitoring system Pt.4 Ch.9
Description of the control and operating elements
Control system functional for the submersible and the equipment including
I020 AP 104
description description of control systems for depth, trim,
buoyancy as well as heading and speed.
Control and monitoring Including arrangement drawings/block diagrams of
I200 AP 105
system documentation monitoring systems with lists of measuring points.
Schematic description of
I090 Including layout of the control stand. AP 106
input and output circuits
Safety and alarm systems Description of the safety and alarm systems. AP 107
Nautical workstation Positioning equipment, including descriptions, general
N040 AP 108
arrangement plan diagrams and equipment lists.
Description of the nautical and diving instrumentation,
N060 Manoeuvring booklet AP 109
including speed and position indicators.
Including documentation for electronic components
such as instrument amplifiers, computers and
Instrument and equipment
I070 peripheral units, general diagrams and equipment AP 110
list
lists for the data transfer systems and signalling
equipment.
Video and communication
Z090 FI 111
system description
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
15. Fire and explosion protection Pt.4 Ch.10
Including description of preventive fire and explosion
G040 Fire control plan AP 112
protection measures.
Structural fire protection
G060 AP 113
drawing
Including details of the nature and quantity of
M100 Material declaration AP 114
combustible materials.
Including drawings and descriptions of:
Fixed fire extinguishing - fire detectors
G200 AP 115
system documentation - fire extinguishers
- fire alarms.
Analysis of the dangers arising from possible
G010 Risk analysis AP 116
outbreaks of fire.
If submersibles are used or stored in explosion
Hazardous area classification
G080 endangered areas, a description of the measures for AP 117
drawing
explosion protection shall be presented.
16. Rescue systems Sec.8
Description of the means and systems intended to
prevent exceeding the nominal diving depth NDD
Safety philosophy and rescue and to provide sufficient buoyancy in case of system
G170 AP 118
system description failures and entanglement (e.g. compressed air
system for blowing main ballast tanks, jettisonable
weights and gear).
Jettisonable ballast and
Weights and gear capable of being jettisoned and their
C060 equipment arrangement and AP 119
means of release.
part drawings
Marker buoy arrangement
C060 AP 120
and part drawings
Drawings and descriptions of the systems and
G160 Life-saving arrangement plan equipment for evacuating the submarine crew, AP 121
passengers and divers.
17. Underwater working device Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.3
Including:
- type and control of the fixing / eject system
- technical datasheet with power rating of joints
Z060 Functional description - behaviour at energy failure AP 122
- type of release system
- evaluation of the effects on the total submersible
system.
Arrangement and part
C060 AP 123
drawings
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Required
Item
number
status
Design analysis of the supporting structure and
Structural design analysis of
eject system considering working loads induced by
C040 the supporting structure and FI 124
operation of the equipment as well as external design
eject system
loads as per Pt.3 Ch.2.
18. Mating system Pt.3 Ch.5 Sec.2
System description and Description of the mating system including details of
Z060 AP 125
design criteria operating conditions.
C060 Including data concerning connecting conditions. AP 126
drawings
Structural design analysis of Considering all applicable pressure load cases as well
C040 FI 127
the mating system as external loads.
Control system functional Including control diagram and description of safety
I020 AP 128
description and interlock devices.
19. Diver's lock out Pt.4 Ch.4 Sec.2 [1.2]
System description and Description of the mating system including details of
Z060 AP 129
design criteria operating conditions.
C060 Including data concerning connecting conditions. AP 130
drawings
Structural design analysis of Considering all applicable pressure load cases as well
C040 FI 131
the lock out system as external loads.
Control system functional Including control diagram and description of safety
I020 AP 132
description and interlock devices.
20. Pressure compensated systems
Including definition of the type of compensating
C010 Specification FI 133
medium (e.g. oil, water, gel, resin).
Drawings and descriptions of the systems including
Compensating system calculation of compensating media volume changes
C060 AP 134
description considering pressure and temperature variations in the
full range of operational and storage conditions.
AP = For Approval
FI = For Information
For general requirements for documentation, including definition of the info codes, see DNV-CG-0550.
For a full definition of the documentation types, see DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.3 Ch.3.
6 Initial Tests and Trials
6.1 General
6.1.1 Manned submersibles are subject to constructional and acceptance testing at the manufacturer’s
works. As a minimum requirement, this shall include verification of compliance with the approved documents,
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
inspection of workmanship, verification of materials and checking of dimensional tolerances. All the tests
prescribed in the following shall be performed and documented, wherever applicable. About the presence of
surveyors at these tests and trials the Society will decide in each individual case.
6.1.2 For series-manufactured parts, test procedures other than those prescribed may be agreed with the
Society provided that they are recognized as equivalent or better by the Society.
6.1.3 The Society reserves the right to extend the scope of the tests and to subject parts to test for which
testing is not expressly prescribed in the rules.
6.1.4 Parts subject to approval shall be replaced with tested parts. The same applies to spare parts.
6.1.5 Where submersibles are equipped with a diver's lockout, the components and equipment concerned
shall also be subjected to the tests prescribed in Ch.1.
6.1.6 A summary of the test pressures, as well as of the design and layout pressures is contained in Pt.3
Ch.2 Sec.4.
6.1.7 Alterations on already tested systems and components (e.g. welding work on pressure hull, load
bearing elements or pressure vessels) may lead to re-testing according to this section as well as according to
Pt.2 Ch.5 Sec.8 [7] and Pt.3 Ch.3 Sec.5. The scope of testing shall be agreed with the Society.
6.2 Total system
On completion, the submersible shall be subjected to a functional and acceptance test in accordance with the
trial program approved by the Society. This shall include at least the following individual tests:
— inspection of assembly (where not already performed during supervision of manufacture)
— measurement of weight and buoyancy and checking of stability under normal and emergency conditions
— inspection of internal equipment, partition bulkheads with doors, floors and ladders
— testing of all safety devices
— functional testing of diving and trimming equipment
— functional testing of mechanical, electrical and optical equipment
— functional test of the working devices related to the effects on the submersible
— statical diving test under controlled conditions
— heeling test submerged and surfaced
— trimming test submerged and surfaced
— testing of emergency release equipment
— trial trip on surface with verification of buoyancy
— trial trip submerged
— testing of mating system
— functional testing of life support systems
— verification of the accuracy of all essential instrument readings
— high voltage test and insulation test on the electrical equipment
— testing of the electrical energy storage system (EES) according to DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.6 Ch.2 Sec.1 [2.7] (for
lithium ion batteries with overall capacity equal to or greater than 20 kWh).
The tests of the total system under water shall be performed with diving depths up to nominal diving depth
(NDD), see Pt.3 Ch.2 Sec.1
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
6.3 Pressure hull
6.3.1 On completion of the machining work and any necessary heat treatment, pressure hulls shall be
subjected to a hydraulic external pressure test. This test may be performed either on the raw or on the
completed pressure hull in a compression chamber or by a submersion test. The test pressure (TDP) shall be
determined in accordance with Pt.3 Ch.2 Sec.1 [1.5.2].
Pressure hull components (e.g. mechanical penetrators) not tested in conjunction with the pressure hull may
be tested separately.
Pressure hull compartments in which an internal pressure may occur (e.g. pressure proof buoyancy
compartments, diver lock-out compartment) shall be additionally subjected to an internal hydraulic pressure
test at 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure (to be defined as maximum internal pressure
expected to occur).
The external and internal test pressures shall be applied and maintained each for at least 30 minutes.
Regarding test pressures and pressure test durations on acrylic windows paragraph [6.3.3] shall be observed.
Guidance note:
During external pressure test volumetric measurement methods should be installed. During internal pressure test visual
examination of all surfaces and joints should be permitted.
After the pressure tests, the pressure hull shall be examined for leaks, permanent deformations and cracks.
The pressure hull shall exhibit no sign of general plastic yielding or leakage.
6.3.2 Pressure hull penetrations (e.g. closing appliances, hatch covers) shall be tested for tightness with a
differential pressure to the ambient pressure of:
— – 0.2 bar (underpressure) and in addition
— + 0.3 bar (overpressure).
Guidance note:
Using air for the under-pressure tightness tests a maximum pressure increase of 1% within 12 hours is acceptable. A temperature
compensation may need to be considered. Other test methods providing the same level of confidence in tightness may be agreed
with the Society.
6.3.3 All pressure hull windows shall be subjected to a hydraulic pressure test. The test may be performed
after installation together with the pressure hull or individually in a testing device. The test pressure shall be
determined in accordance with Pt.3 Ch.2 Sec.1.
The test pressure shall not exceed 1.5 times the design pressure of the window and shall be applied for at
least 1 hour but not more than 4 hours.
Further test requirements like test temperature may be derived e.g. from ASME PVHO-1-2016 Sec. 2-7.
After the pressure test, windows shall not exhibit scratches, cracks or permanent deformation.
6.3.4 At the pressure test of the submersible the tightness of pressure-tight hatch covers shall be verified
with test diving pressure (TDP).
6.3.5 Pressure tight bulkheads shall be pressure tested applying test diving pressure (TDP) onto the side of
expected external pressure (e.g. diver lock-out compartment).
6.3.6 For pressure-tight bulkheads a tightness test with a pressure difference of 0.2 bar (vacuum pressure)
shall be performed.
6.3.7 Doors in pressure-tight bulkheads shall be tested applying test diving pressure (TDP). They may be
tested at the manufacturer facilities, if not possible otherwise.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
In installed condition, a tightness test with a pressure difference of 0.2 bar (vacuum pressure) to the ambient
pressure at the outside shall be performed.
6.4 Exostructure
6.4.1 A test shall be carried out on the arrangement, mounting and fastening of such equipment items as:
— stairways
— gratings
— handrails
— bitts
— masts
— navigating lights
— towing devices
— draught marks.
6.4.2 External structural components such as anchoring equipment, rudders, etc. shall be subjected to a
functional test.
6.4.3 The lifting points at the submersible shall be tested statically with 2.2 times the safe working load
(SWL) (= weight and payload NL of the submersible)
The test shall be carried out in conjunction with all load bearing structures affected by lifting loads in order
that the respective connections be included in the test.
Prior to the load test the lifting point welds are to be subjected to 100% MPI inspection. After the load test,
the load-bearing components of the structure are to undergo a visual examination. This examination shall, if
possible, exclude the formation of possibly permanent deformations or cracks at force application points or at
special design details where higher stresses are expected.
The lifting point welds are to be subjected to 100% MPI inspection after the load test.
6.4.4 The fixing point of the umbilical at the submersible shall be tested statically with 2.2 times the
maximum permissible tension load of the umbilical.
6.5 Main ballast, compensating and trimming tanks, as well as ballast
systems
6.5.1 Open main ballast tanks including ventilation valves shall be subjected to a tightness test with a test
pressure of 0.2 bar above the hydrostatic pressure corresponding to the height between ventilation valves
and bottom opening. All tanks shall be tested individually to prove tightness of intersecting bulkheads.
Lockable main ballast tanks shall be subjected to a test pressure with 1.5 times maximum working pressure.
Overpressure relief devices shall be subjected to functional tests and relief pressures shall be assessed.
Inflatable main ballast tanks shall be subjected to a test pressure of at least 3 times the maximum allowable
working pressure (MAWP). Test procedures shall comply to an acknowledged standard (e.g. EN ISO 6785
Inflatable boats). MAWP is defined by the pressure level of the installed pressure safety devices. The safety
devices (e.g. pressure relief valves) shall be subjected to functional tests and gas flow capacities shall be
assessed. Finally, a test program shall be carried out to prove that internal pressure can not considerably
exceed MAWP considering main ballast blowing and air expansion due to ascending of already blown tanks at
the same time.
6.5.2 Compensating tanks, which vary their filling level by compressed air, shall be subjected to a hydraulic
pressure test at 1.5 times the maximum allowable operating pressure, but at least at test diving pressure
(TDP).
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
6.5.3 Trimming tanks, which are internally installed inside the pressure hull and which change their filling
level by means of pumps shall be considered as gravity tanks.
If the filling level is varied by compressed air, trimming tanks shall be subjected to an internal hydraulic
pressure test with 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure.
Trimming tanks, which are arranged outside the pressure hull, installed at the exostructure and which are
varying their filling level by pumps shall be subjected to a test at external test diving pressure (TDP). For
the case of varying the filling level with compressed air, an additional internal test at 1.5 times maximum
allowable working pressure will be required.
The test pressures shall be applied and maintained for at least 30 minutes.
6.5.4 Main ballast, compensating and trimming systems shall be subjected to a functional test for normal
and emergency operation.
Testing shall include an emergency ascent test with main ballast tanks fully blown at an adequate depth in
order to verify stability during ascent and the air volume expansion capacity of open or inflatable main ballast
tanks.
The measuring system and the safety and alarm systems shall be checked.
6.5.5 The venting of the main ballast tanks and the elements for operation shall be subjected to a functional
test.
6.6 Pressure vessels and apparatus
6.6.1 Pressure vessels shall undergo a hydraulic pressure test before being insulated or painted. The vessel
walls shall not show permanent deformations or shall not leak.
6.6.2 The internal test pressure applied to vessels and apparatus loaded by internal pressure shall generally
be equivalent to 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure (PB).
The test pressure shall be applied and maintained for at least 30 minutes. Subsequent visual inspection
shall permit visual examination of all surfaces and joints. The pressure equipment shall exhibit no sign of
deformation, general plastic yielding or leakage.
6.6.3 Vessels and apparatus which may be subjected to external pressure shall be externally pressure
tested. The test pressure shall be at least the test diving pressure (TDP) of the pressure hull. The test
pressure shall be applied and maintained for at least 30 minutes.
6.6.4 If the strength against pressure of vessels and apparatus cannot be sufficiently proven by calculation,
an alternative verification shall be agreed with the Society.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
6.7 Piping systems, umbilicals, pumps and compressors
6.7.1 Piping systems
a) On completion but before being insulated or painted, all piping systems shall undergo a hydraulic
pressure test at 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure. Pipes under diving pressure shall
be checked in addition with test diving pressure (TDP) (inside or outside according to the actual load
case).
b) After installation on board, all pipes shall undergo a tightness test at the maximum allowable working
pressure.
c) The safety devices shall be checked.
d) Pipes for breathing gas and oxygen shall be tested for cleanliness.
6.7.2 Pumps and compressors
a) Pump and compressor components subjected to pressure shall undergo a hydraulic pressure test. For
pumps the test pressure shall be 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure, for compressors
1.5 times the delivery pressure of the compressor stage concerned.
b) On completion, pumps and compressors shall be subjected to a tightness test at their maximum
allowable working pressure. In addition, a performance test shall be carried out. With breathing gas
compressors, the final moisture content and any possible contamination of the compressed gas shall also
be determined. The safety devices shall be checked.
6.7.3 Umbilicals - supply lines
a) Umbilicals/supply lines of non-autonomous submersibles shall meet special requirements. The required
tests shall be divided in a type test for the prototype and a routine test of each end product.
b) All aspects for the tests and trials of umbilicals are defined in Pt.4 Ch.5
6.7.4 Hose lines
For hose lines all applicable requirements of [6.7.3] do apply.
6.8 Propulsion and manoeuvring equipment
The entire propulsion plant shall be subject to a functional test within a trial trip under water and surfaced.
6.9 Positioning system
The positioning system shall be checked.
6.10 Working devices
Working devices as described in Ch.9 Sec.1 [2.3] shall be tested in the following scope.
6.10.1 The effect of the working devices on the total system shall be tested.
6.10.2 The working devices shall be checked with reference to:
— ability to function according to the specified task at relevant capacity of the device
— control and monitoring
— functioning of safety devices
— avoiding dangers for divers and the submersible.
6.10.3 The fixing system shall be subjected to a function test where at least the following individual tests
shall be performed with reference to:
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
— specified holding power of the fixing system
— the power and way limitations of the fixing system as well as the directing of the vehicle
— simulation of an energy failure.
6.11 Electrical equipment
6.11.1 Electrical machines, components, including steering and control positions, cables and lines shall be
tested in the manufacturer's works in accordance with Pt.4 Ch.8.
6.11.2 All electrical systems and equipment shall be inspected and tested before the submersible is put into
service.
6.11.3 Electrical protective devices shall be checked; in addition, an insulation test shall be performed on the
electrical equipment.
6.11.4 Electrical cables under external pressure shall be checked according to the electrical requirements for
umbilicals defined in [6.7.3].
6.11.5 All electrical equipment which is exposed to diving pressure shall be checked additionally for isolation
after the first diving.
6.12 Automation, communication, navigation and locating equipment
6.12.1 Indicating and monitoring instruments shall be tested for the accuracy of their readings and their
limit value settings according to Pt.4 Ch.9.
6.12.2 Automation systems shall be checked for satisfactory performance under service conditions.
6.12.3 Communication systems for normal and emergency operation shall be subjected to a functional test.
6.13 Life support systems
6.13.1 A functional test shall be carried out to verify the satisfactory functioning of the life support system
under normal and emergency conditions.
6.13.2 The arrangement of the O2, CO2 and H2 measuring devices shall be inspected, and they shall be
checked for the accuracy of their readings and their limit value settings.
6.13.3 The sanitary facilities shall be checked for proper functioning.
6.13.4 The installation of the ventilation system shall be inspected and the operation of the fans and fire
flaps shall be checked.
6.14 Fire protection and fire extinguishing systems
6.14.1 The fire behaviour of the internal fittings and equipment shall be checked by reference to the relevant
test certificates and symbols.
6.14.2 A check shall be made as to whether the electrical heating systems and heaters are fitted with
protection against overheating.
6.14.3 Fire alarm, detection and extinguishing appliances shall be subjected to a functional test.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
6.15 Rescue systems
Elements of the rescue system arranged outside the pressure hull shall be tested at test diving pressure
(TDP). In addition it shall be proven that the rescue systems function properly even with the submersible at
the maximum permissible inclination and that sufficient stability of the submersible is maintained.
6.16 Mating systems
6.16.1 A test shall be performed to ensure that mating and respectively release of the submersible is
accomplished safely and smoothly at normal and emergency operating conditions.
6.16.2 Where a mating device is provided, it shall be checked that undocking is possible only when the
connecting trunk is not pressurized.
6.16.3 The safety devices shall be checked.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 3 EQUIPMENT
1 External equipment
For external equipment, see Pt.3 Ch.4.
2 Internal equipment and facilities
For internal equipment, see Pt.3 Ch.1.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 4 MACHINERY SYSTEMS
The technical requirements for machinery systems like propulsion and manoeuvring equipment, ballasting,
control/compensating and trimming systems, umbilicals, piping systems, pumps and compressors, vessels
and apparatus under pressure, control and monitoring and fire safety are given in Pt.4.
1 Compressed air systems
1.1 General
1.1.1 For general requirements for compressed air systems refer to Pt.4 Ch.6 Sec.2.
1.1.2 Where air is used to blow main ballast, compensating and trimming tanks, the supply of air carried on
board shall be sufficient according to the purpose of the complete mission considering intended multiple dives
without recharging the pressurised air reserves.
Guidance note:
For determination of the required quantity of compressed air reserves the number of dives with the associated amount to blow e.g.
MBT's on surface and compensating tanks at NDD should be considered. An operational safety margin should be incorporated.
1.1.3 Air reserves intended for emergency supply shall not be used during normal operation and shall be
operable down to test diving depth (TDD).
Air reserves intended for emergency supply are defined as the larger amount of the following:
— completely blowing of the main ballast tanks 4 times at the surface and completely blowing of the
compensating tanks of at least 3 times at nominal diving depth (NDD)
— blowing of the main ballast tanks 1 time at nominal diving depth (NDD) in the amount of the minimum
required main ballast tank capacity (see also Pt.4 Ch.3 Sec.3 [2.4.1] and Pt.3 Ch.7 Sec.2 [1.3]).
1.1.4 For deep diving submersibles, the requirements as per [1.1.3] may also be fulfilled by adding
additional solid ballast in addition to the minimum required jettisonable solid ballast acc. to Sec.8 [6]. The
sum of all means to generate emergency buoyancy at nominal diving depth (NDD) shall be at least 10% of
the overall displacement of the submersible.
In special cases deviations of this rule may be agreed with the Society.
1.1.5 The compressed air supply shall be carried in at least 2 separate banks of receivers with the same total
volume.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 5 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
1 General
The following rules define the specialities for all electrical equipment on board submersibles and have priority
over Pt.4 Ch.8 which shall be applied for further detailed problems. Where appropriate, these rules may be
applied to equipment for the launching and recovery of submersibles. For submersibles with a diver's lockout,
the electrical equipment in the area of the diver's lockout shall comply with the provisions of Ch.1.
The necessary tests and markings for manned submersibles are as stated in Sec.2 [6.11] and Pt.4 Ch.1
Sec.2.
2 Power supply
2.1 Power demand
2.1.1 Proof of adequate rating of the units for generation and storage of electrical power shall be furnished
by a power balance.
2.1.2 The power demand shall be determined for the following operating conditions:
— normal operation (surface/diving operation)
— emergency operation.
2.1.3 In the power balance all consumers installed, including their power inputs, shall be considered
according to the general operation conditions.
2.2 Equipment for power supply
2.2.1 All electrical equipment essential for the safety of the submersible and its crew shall be connected to
an independent main and emergency power supply system.
2.2.2 Main electrical power supply
a) Each submersible shall be equipped with a main power source of sufficient capacity, such as to ensure:
— that normal operation and the conditions of life as intended to prevail on board can be maintained,
without having to take recourse to the emergency power supply
— a sufficient supply of electric power for the envisaged periods of service shall be guaranteed in
operation independent from outside air supply as well as in operation depending on outside air supply
b) The main power source shall consist of at least two mutually independent, redundant power generating
systems, such as
— generator sets,
— batteries,
— fuel cell systems.
Exceptions may be permitted for submersibles with restricted range of service and/or accompanied by
support vessels.
c) In the case of non-autonomous submersibles the main power supply may be followed directly from the
switchboard of the diving support vessel resp. from the main power source of the diving system.
d) If started electrically, generating sets shall be equipped with a starting device as per DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4
Ch.8.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
2.2.3 Emergency power supply
a) An independent emergency power source shall be provided in all submersibles.
The location and electrical connection of the emergency power supply shall be in a form that in the event
of failure or damage of the main power supply because of fire or other influences, the function of the
emergency power supply is ensured.
b) The emergency power source shall be capable of supplying the submersible with the energy required in
emergencies.
All electrical equipment required for surfacing the submersible shall be adequately supplied with power;
apart from this, simultaneous supply of electrical power to at least the equipment listed below shall be
ensured according to an emergency power balance:
— emergency lighting inside the submersible
— emergency communications equipment
— equipment for maintaining a breathable atmosphere
— essential monitoring and alarm equipment, e.g. leakage monitoring system, fire alarm system,
breathing air monitoring, H2 monitoring
— locating equipment, signal lamps.
2.3 Charging and shore connection
2.3.1 Where socket connections are provided for charging and shore connection with a nominal current more
than 16 A these shall be blocked such as to preclude both insertion and withdrawal of the plug, with the
contact sleeves of the sockets being alive.
2.3.2 On the main switchboard an indicator shall be fitted showing whether the shore connection line is alive.
3 Power distribution
3.1 Distribution and switchgear
3.1.1 Electrical distribution systems shall be so designed that a fault or failure in one circuit cannot impair
the operation of other circuits or the power supply.
3.1.2 In normal operation, the emergency power distribution system may be supplied via a transfer line from
the main power distribution system.
3.1.3 Switchboards shall be placed to minimize the length of the cables from the batteries to the
switchboard. These cables shall be laid as far as their respective circuit breakers in separate cable runs and
shall be protected against mechanical damage.
3.1.4 Effective measures shall be taken to prevent the occurrence of vagabond voltages inside switchgear.
Circuits at protective low voltage shall not be routed with circuits at higher voltage in a joint conductor
bundle or cable duct.
Terminals for different voltage levels shall be arranged separately and shall be clearly identified.
3.1.5 Switches and fuses for different voltage systems shall be spatially separated inside the switchboard.
3.2 Switching and protective devices
3.2.1 Each circuit shall be protected against overload and short-circuit.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
3.2.2 All consumer circuits shall be fitted with switches. The switching action shall be on all poles.
3.2.3 Fuses may be used for overload protection on submersibles up to a rated current of 63 A.
3.2.4 A continuously operating insulation monitoring system shall be installed.
An alarm shall be tripped at the control stand if the insulation value drops below a preset limit (in general: 50
Ω for 1 V).
3.3 Enclosures for electrical equipment
3.3.1 The enclosures of electrical equipment installed outside the pressure hull or operated in water shall be
approved by the Society.
3.3.2 Pressure tight enclosures which are arranged outside the pressure hull and are exposed to diving
pressure shall be designed according to Pt.3 Ch.2 Sec.1 [1.5.5] and shall be tested according to Sec.2
[6.11].
Where the strength of enclosures and electrical components situated outside of the pressure hull cannot
sufficiently be proven by computation, a pressure test with a layout pressure equal to 1.1 × collapse diving
pressure (CDP) shall be performed as a type test.
3.4 Earthing
The earthing of electrical systems and equipment on autonomous and independent submersibles is subject to
the requirements stated in the DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.8.
Earthing arrangements on non-autonomous submersibles are subject to the requirements of manned
hyperbaric systems Ch.1 to Ch.5.
3.5 Cables and lines
3.5.1 Cables and lines for submersibles shall be suitable for the proposed application. Their use is subject to
approval by the Society.
3.5.2 The selection, dimensioning and installation of cables and lines shall comply with DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4
Ch.8 Sec.6.
3.5.3 Only halogen-free materials shall be used as insulating sleeves, protective coverings, sheaths and
fillers of cables used in submersibles.
3.5.4 Underwater cables and lines shall be radially watertight and designed for an external hydrostatic
pressure equal to 1.1 times the collapse diving pressure (CDP).
For further requirements concerning design and testing see Pt.4 Ch.5.
3.6 Umbilicals/supply lines
3.6.1 Umbilicals as a connection between support vessel and submersible may contain control and
communication cables as well power supply lines.
All aspects of design and testing are defined in Pt.4 Ch.5.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
3.7 Busbars bare or painted
3.7.1 General
— Busbars shall be made of copper, aluminium with copper sheathing or corrosion resistant aluminium.
Further busbar materials shall be agreed with the Society and shall be checked for the load case. Table
1shows maximum permissible loading.
— Main collecting and field distribution bars made of copper shall be designed for the permitted current load
according DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.8.
— The loading of busbars shall be designed according to DIN 43 671. On continuous load, the busbar
temperature shall not exceed 100°C.
— The distance between two parallel-running busbars of the same phase shall be not less than the thickness
of one busbar. shall be earth conductors, neutral conductors of three-phase mains and equalization lines
between compound-wound generators shall have at least the half cross section of the phase conductor.
Table 1 Maximum permissible loading [A] of busbars for DC and AC up 60 Hz
Maximum permissible loading [A] with 50/60 Hz
painted (matt-black) bare
Width x Thickness Number of bars Number of bars
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
[mm]
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
15 × 3 230 390 – – 200 350 – –
20 × 3 290 485 – – 250 430 – –
20 × 5 395 690 – – 340 620 – –
20 × 10 615 1145 – – 530 1020 – –
25 × 3 355 580 – – 300 510 – –
25 × 5 475 820 – – 405 725 – –
30 × 3 415 670 – – 350 590 – –
30 × 5 555 940 – – 470 830 – –
Note:
The maximum permissible loading applies to switchboards not closed at the rear. In the case of fully enclosed
switchboards adequate ventilation shall be ensured, or a temperature rise task according IEC-Pub. 60439-001 shall be
performed.
3.7.2 Connections to equipment
Cross-sections of connection bars and wires to equipment shall be of such size as to avoid thermal
overloading of the equipment at rated load as well as in the event of a short circuit.
3.7.3 Busbar carriers
Busbars shall be mounted in such a way that they withstand the dynamic loads caused by short-circuit
currents and maintain the required clearance and creepage distances relative to other voltage carrying or
earthed components.
3.7.4 Clearance and creepage distances
Clearance and creepage distances shall be designed for the specific equipment according to IEC.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
a) Where busbars are used for connecting equipment, only sealed or insulated systems may be employed.
b) Exceptions to this rule are switchboards and enclosed electrical service spaces.
The busbar system shall be so constructed that neither the connected neighbouring equipment nor
the busbar system itself can be damaged by movement of the busbars, temperature rises or external
mechanical influences.
It is recommended that expansion links shall be fitted.
Prior to the installation of busbar systems, proof is required of mechanical strength under short-circuit
conditions considering the effects of the electrical heating produced by the short-circuit current.
4 Interior lighting
4.1
Service and work spaces, safety and control stations as well accommodation areas shall be equipped with
normal and emergency lighting. Emergency lights shall be marked as such to facilitate easy identification.
4.2
The lighting shall be so designed and arranged that all important instruments and markings can be read and
any necessary operations can be safely performed.
As far as possible the interior lighting shall be arranged glare-free.
4.3
All lighting fixtures shall be so mounted that combustible parts are not ignited by the generated heat, and
they themselves are not exposed to damage.
4.4
The emergency lighting shall be independent from the main lighting. This concerns the power generation as
well as the distribution and cable network.
The emergency lighting shall be automatically switched on in case of failure of the main lighting. Switches for
emergency lighting shall switch-off only partial areas, e.g. in the control stand.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 6 CONTROLS AND COMMUNICATION
1 General
1.1
The following rules are supplementary to Pt.4 Ch.8 and Pt.4 Ch.9 and shall be applied to the construction and
use of monitoring, open and closed loop control and communications equipment in submersibles as well as to
that of wireless, navigating and locating equipment in submersibles built under the survey and in accordance
with the rules of the Society.
In submersibles with a diver's lockout, for automation, control, monitoring and communications equipment
in the area of the diver's lockout the requirements of manned hyperbaric systems (Ch.1 to Ch.5) shall be
considered.
1.2
The documents to be submitted to the Society are listed in Sec.2 [5].
1.3
The necessary tests and markings for manned submersibles are as stated in Sec.2 [6] and Pt.4 Ch.1 Sec.2.
2 Navigation and manoeuvring
Principally the regulations of the flag administration respectively of the competent authorities shall be
considered.
2.1 Control stand
2.1.1 For the monitoring and control of the submersible a control stand shall be provided which shall be
equipped with indicators displaying all essential information about the submersible, its internal conditions
and the operating states of the auxiliary systems and with all the regulating and control devices needed to
operate the submersible including its wireless, TV and communications equipment.
2.1.2 At the control stand grouping and arrangement of the instruments for monitoring, open and closed
loop control of the submersible shall conform to the principles of safety technology and ergonomics.
2.1.3 As far as feasible and rational, initiated control functions shall be indicated on the console or
switchboards respectively.
2.1.4 No units or equipment liable to impede the monitoring and control of the submersible may be installed
in the area of the control stand.
2.2 Control stand equipment
2.2.1 For each of the functions to be performed on the control stand of the submersible the following
indicating instruments shall be provided:
2.2.2 Navigation and speed indicators
— navigational radarscope
— position indicator system (e.g., GPS)
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
— obstruction signalling device (echo depth finder or sonar unit)
— TV camera
— external communication system (VHF)
— internal communication system
— gyro compass
— heeling and trim angle indicator
— speed and distance indicator
— rudder angle indicators (vertical and horizontal rudders)
— indicator showing speed and direction of rotation of main driving propeller
— thrust line indicator for other propeller drives (if fitted)
— navigating and signal lamp monitor
— level indicators for compensating and trimming tanks
— position indicator for weights to be shifted, if existing
— chronometer.
2.2.3 Depth indicators
Two independent depth indicators shall be installed and work independently of each other. The indicators
shall not be connected to the same pressure hull penetration. The scales of the depth indicators shall extend
at least 20% beyond the nominal diving depth (NDD).
The instruments shall give readings accurate to 1% at maximum diving depth and shall not be significantly
affected by pressure variations.
The nominal diving depth (NDD) shall be clearly indicated on the scale.
For non-autonomous submersibles attached by a lifting cable, one depth indicator may be acceptable.
2.2.4 Submersible atmosphere
— indicators and alarms for monitoring the submersible atmosphere specified in Sec.7
2.2.5 Electrical equipment
— generator current and voltage indicators
— battery current and voltage indicators
— If a capacity indication for the batteries shall be provided will be defined by the Society in each single case
— current consumption indicators of propeller motors and essential electric drives
— power supply/distribution indicators
— insulation monitor displays.
2.2.6 Safety equipment/indicators
— machinery alarm systems
— fire detection and fire alarm system
— leakage alarm
— general alarm system
— pressure gauge for all compressed-air receivers
— pressure gauge for all oxygen storage tanks
— pressure gauges for hydraulic systems.
2.3 Steering and control systems
2.3.1 The control stand of the submersible shall be equipped with at least the following systems:
— control of pressure, temperature and humidity of the vehicle atmosphere plus the oxygen metering and
air renewal rates
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
— control of the propulsion plant
— control of the vertical and horizontal steering gears
— control of the thrust propeller drives
— control of blowing of main ballast and compensating tanks
— control of trimming and ballast systems
— control of bilge systems
— emergency stopping systems
— control of electricity supply
— control of auxiliary systems, e.g. hydraulic units
— and similar.
2.3.2 Navigation and control functions shall, wherever possible and expedient, be indicated by displays on
monitors and/or dead-front circuit diagrams on the control console.
3 Sensors and actuators
All devices for registering the operating conditions of submersibles as well as the belonging actuators shall be
approved by the Society and shall be type approved.
4 Data transfer system
4.1
For the application of data cables it shall be guaranteed, that the specified data volume per time unit will be
transmitted without disturbances at all operating conditions.
4.2
Navigation and control of the submersible shall be possible even if the data line fails.
4.3
If secondary “data for payloads” shall be transmitted on data lines, the transmission shall be independent
from the data lines for the operation of the submersible.
5 Communication equipment
5.1 General
5.1.1 Depending on their type, size and function or range of service, submersibles shall be equipped with
various means of internal and external communication.
5.1.2 For submersibles with a diver's lockout, the means of communication between the diver in the water
and the diver in the lockout and that between the diver's lockout and the submersible's control stand shall
meet the requirements set out in Ch.1 to Ch.5 as far as applicable.
5.1.3 Antennae and transducers shall be permanently installed and so arranged as to preclude mutual
interference.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
5.2 Internal communications equipment
5.2.1 Submersibles with more than one room shall be equipped with a two-way communications system.
5.2.2 A telephone link independent of the submarine's power supply system shall be provided between
the control stand and the steering gear compartment and between the control stand and the propelling
machinery space.
5.3 Surface communications
5.3.1 Autonomous submersibles shall be equipped with at least one two-channel transmitter/receiver, one of
the channels of which shall operate on safety channel 16-VHF, while the other is used as a working channel
for communication between the submersible and its support vessel.
5.3.2 Independent submersibles shall be equipped with an additional radiotelephone.
5.3.3 On non-autonomous submersibles, a telephone link shall be provided between the submersible and
the control position on the support vessel. The telephone link shall be operated through loudspeakers and
shall be permanently switched to "receive" on the support vessel's control console. It shall be fitted with self-
resetting switches for reversing the direction of communication.
5.4 Underwater communications
5.4.1 Autonomous submersibles shall be equipped with at least one single-channel side-band underwater
telephone (UT) system. The UT system shall as a minimum requirement enable satisfactory communication
to be maintained with the support vessel when this is at a distance equivalent to twice the nominal diving
depth of the submersible.
5.4.2 Independent submersibles shall be equipped with a two-channel side-band UT system.
5.4.3 For non-autonomous submersibles [5.3.3] is valid.
6 Emergency communications equipment
6.1
Independent submersibles shall be equipped with radiotelephones connected to the emergency power supply
and capable of both surface and underwater operation. The emergency radiotelephone equipment shall
include at least one VHF transmitter/receiver operating on safety channel 16. The standby UT system shall
have a minimum range equivalent to twice the nominal diving depth of the submersible.
6.2
On autonomous submersibles, the UT system shall be fed from the emergency power supply and shall be
capable of acting as standby telephone system when the submersible is on the surface.
6.3
On non-autonomous submersibles a telephone connection independent from the main power supply shall be
provided in addition to the main telephone connection.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 7 LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
1 General
1.1
For life support systems see Pt.4 Ch.4.
1.2
The documents to be submitted to the Society for approval are stated in Sec.2 [5].
1.3
The necessary tests and markings for manned submersibles are as stated in Sec.2 [6] and Pt.4 Ch.1 Sec.2.
2 Monitoring Equipment
2.1
The control stand of the submersible according to Sec.6 [2] shall be fitted at least with indicating instruments
for monitoring the environmental conditions inside the vehicle for the following parameters:
— pressure
— temperature
— humidity
— oxygen partial pressure
— CO2 partial pressure
— H2 portion
— pressure of connected breathing gas containers/bottles
— pressure downstream of pressure-reducing valves.
2.2
The readings of the pressure gauges shall be accurate to at least 1% of the complete indicating range. The
use of mercury pressure gauges and thermometers is not permitted.
2.3
Each space shall be provided with facilities for measuring the room temperature and the O2 and CO2 partial
pressures.
2.4
A permanent gauge and a standby indicator shall be provided for monitoring both the O2 and CO2 partial
pressure. Test tubes may be recognized as standby indicators.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
2.5
The system for the analysis of oxygen shall have a minimum indicating accuracy of ± 0.015 bar for the
oxygen partial pressure.
2.6
The CO2 analysis system shall have a minimum indicating accuracy of ± 0.001 bar for the CO2 partial
pressure.
2.7
A system to analyse possible atmospheric impurities such as e.g., CO, NO, NOx and hydrocarbons shall be
provided.
Guidance note:
Test tubes may be approved for this purpose.
3 Emergency Thermal and Frigidity Protection
Submersibles shall be equipped to provide each crew member with sufficient thermal protection (e.g. thermal
protection suits) even in an emergency of the duration stated in Pt.4 Ch.4 Sec.2 [1].
4 Pressure Equalization
Measures shall be provided to transfer, in a controlled manner, the higher or lower pressure eventually built
up within the pressure hull to atmospheric pressure before the access hatches are opened.
5 Waste Disposal
Submersibles shall be equipped with devices or receptacles for disposal of waste produced during the survival
period without substantially affecting the quality of breathing air.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 8 RESCUE SYSTEMS
1 Scope
1.1
The rules of this section are valid for the following equipment and systems, which are required for rescuing
the submersible and its occupants:
— emergency gas/air supply for (automatic) blowing the main ballast tanks
— dead man’s switch for the pilot of the submersible for automatic blowing the main ballast tanks (optional),
unintended action shall be avoided by suitable measures
— jettisonable ballast (e.g. drop weight)
— detachable elements of the equipment (e.g. manipulators, drive units, rudders, fixing devices, etc.)
— detachment of umbilicals and lifting cables
— detachable rescue vessel (optional)
— marker buoy with and without recovery line
— mating flange for rescue submersibles (optional).
The emergency breathing air supply is defined in Pt.4 Ch.4 Sec.3.
1.2
The documents to be submitted to the Society for approval are stated in Sec.2 [5].
1.3
The necessary tests and markings are for manned submersibles stated in Sec.2 [6] and Pt.4 Ch.1 Sec.2. For
ROVs, AUVs and working machines see Ch.7 to Ch.9.
2 Life saving appliances on the surface
2.1
Life saving appliances shall be provided for crew members:
— on surface voyages
— surfaced crew members from a sunken unit.
2.2
The life saving appliances shall be in accordance with international and national regulations, see Pt.1. Their
design and testing is not part of the classification scope. In any way their storage, activation as well as
resulting forces, if applicable, shall be considered within the frame work of the overall design.
Guidance note:
Mostly these appliances will consist of inflatable liferafts in sufficient numbers, which are unfolding after the actuation automatically
at adequate outside pressure.
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DNV AS
3 Personal life saving appliances
3.1
The equipment of the submersible concerning personal life saving appliances for the crew e.g. life rings, life
jackets, immersion suits (thermal protection suits) is governed by the relevant international and national
regulations, see Pt.1.
3.2
A first aid kit shall be provided.
4 Emergency gas/air supply
The supply to be carried for blowing the main ballast tanks is given in Pt.4 Ch.6 Sec.2 [3].
5 Automatic blowing
As an option a device shall be fitted for automatic blowing of the main ballast tanks. This shall be actuated
automatically unless, at the expiry of a safety interval, a safety switch (dead man's handle) is actuated, or
if the nominal diving depth is exceeded. This device shall be automatically rendered unoperational when the
diver's lockout is open.
6 Jettisoning of solid ballast
6.1 General
6.1.1 Mathematical proof shall be furnished to prove that, after release of the solid ballast, the submersible
rises safely to the surface and floats there in a stable position, see Pt.3 Ch.7.
6.1.2 For the design of the jettisonable ballast in general the bigger value of the following shall be assumed:
— weight of the water volume of all connected compensating and trimming tanks
Guidance note:
This requirement may be omitted if two independent means of deballasting of the compensating and trimming tanks are
provided from which one shall either be operable without electrical power or powered by completely independent power
sources.
— weight of the water volume of the biggest pressure vessel resp. apparatus arranged outside and subjected
to external pressure, reduced by the internals.
6.1.3 It shall be possible to jettison the solid ballast even if the main electricity supply fails.
6.1.4 The devices for jettison of ballast shall be so designed that two mutually independent actions shall be
performed to initiate the release operation.
6.1.5 The release of ballast shall be possible at the seabed.
6.1.6 Normally it shall be possible to release equipment in addition, see Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.3.
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DNV AS
7 Detachment of umbilicals and lifting cables
If required for the rescue of non-autonomous submersibles umbilicals, lifting cables shall be detachable, see
Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.3.
8 Detachable rescue vessels (optional)
8.1 General
8.1.1 The rescue vessel shall accommodate the entire crew and shall be suitable for a safe and quick
surfacing procedure.
8.1.2 The design shall be pressure tight for 1.1 times the collapse diving pressure (CDP).
8.1.3 The release mechanism shall only be activable from the inside.
8.1.4 In surfaced condition the rescue vessel shall float in a stable position with the access hatch at the top
and with sufficient freeboard to the water surface.
8.1.5 The rescue vessel shall be provided with necessary survival equipment required to accommodate the
crew over a time period to be agreed with the Society.
9 Marker buoy
9.1 Independent and autonomous submersibles
9.1.1 Independent and autonomous submersibles shall be equipped with a marker buoy, which can be
released in emergency from inside the submersible. The buoy shall be pressure tight assuming a layout
pressure of 1.1 times the collapse diving pressure (CDP).
9.1.2 The marker buoy shall be equipped with an automatic emergency call transmitter.
9.1.3 For not too big diving depths, the marker buoy shall remain connected with the submersible by a
rolling-off cable. If possible, the marker buoy shall be usable as telephone connection with arrived rescue
forces.
As the buoy and the related mechanism are in general arranged in the free flooded exostructure, all elements
of the release system, the cable drum, etc., shall be made of stainless material to guarantee a faultless
functioning under all circumstances.
9.1.4 If for big diving depths a connection of the marker buoy to the submersible is not possible anymore, it
shall be equipped with a drag anchor, to remain as near as possible to the position of the submersible.
9.2 Non-autonomous submersibles
Guidance note:
For non-autonomous submersibles a marker buoy according to [9.1] is recommended.
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DNV AS
10 Mating flange (optional)
10.1 General
10.1.1 If a mating flange for docking of a rescue submersible is arranged on the submersible, the relevant
design parameters and calculations shall be agreed with the Society, see Pt.3 Ch.3 Sec.2.
10.1.2 Concerning the number and arrangement of the mating flange respectively, the requirements for
access hatches Sec.9 [4.5] shall be observed.
11 Emergency instructions
Near to the release points of the described rescue systems, relevant operating instructions, warning signs,
etc. shall be provided, which:
— describe clearly the purpose of the release and the different procedures for operating
— are easily readable with emergency lighting
— utilize symbols in accordance with the international SOLAS, LSA and national regulations.
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DNV AS
SECTION 9 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURIST SERVICES
1 General
For submersibles with less than 6 passengers the requirements shall be agreed with the Society case by
case.
1.1
The rules of this section define the minimum requirements for submersibles intended for tourist services
according to MSC/Circ.981 of 29 January 2001.
1.2
The requirements relate to submersibles operating in already defined, explored diving areas at depths that at
any time is accessible to surface divers and are able to transport more than 6 passengers.
1.3
To avoid interferences between the surfacing submersible and vessels on the surface communication between
the submersible and a person on the surface and herewith to other surface vehicles which are participating in
sea/ship traffic shall be possible at all times.
1.4
The operating conditions for which the submersible is designed shall be clearly specified. The Society
reserves the right of adequately adapting design and equipment with a view to the respective operating
conditions and, if necessary, in accordance with requirements of the flag administration.
Normally a submersible for tourist services shall not operate in waters with a water depth greater than the
nominal diving depth (NDD). Operations in waters with a greater depth may be applied for, if adequate,
special safety measures are provided and these are approved as adequate by the Society.
1.5
The unit shall comply with requirements given by the flag administration and relevant national regulations.
1.6
The particulars to be submitted to the Society for approval are listed in Sec.2 [5]. In addition an emergency
plan for the evacuation of the passengers in case of fire, damage, etc. of the submersible shall be submitted.
1.7
The examination and markings stipulated can be taken from Sec.2 [6] and Pt.4 Ch.1 Sec.1.
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DNV AS
2 Stability and buoyancy
2.1
Submersibles for tourist services are with regard to their stability in the surfaced and submerged condition
and in the transient conditions to be dimensioned such that persons moving on or below deck cannot cause
any situations affecting their operational safety, see Pt.3 Ch.7.
2.2
The equipment (variable ballast) ensuring neutral buoyancy shall function independently of the diving depth
and shall be designed for the maximum expected changes due to added loads and buoyancy (owing to
differences in specific density).
Guidance note:
The variable ballast may partly consist of removable solid ballast capable of being adequately secured.
For the layout not pressure-proven main ballast tanks shall not be taken into consideration to achieve neutral
buoyancy.
2.3
At least two facilities independent of each other – one of it without electric energy – shall be provided
enabling the submersible to surface in a stable, upright floating condition.
2.4
The stability of the surfaced submersible, the arrangement of the access(es) and their height above the
waterline shall be designed such, that also during evacuation of the submersible in an emergency and given
the seaway conditions, for which the boat is designed, no water enters through the open hatch(es). In this
context, the most unfavourable weight distribution of passengers on and below deck shall be assumed under
consideration of the emergency plan.
2.5
For balancing an uneven weight distribution of passengers in the longitudinal direction of the submersible,
the trimming tanks shall be appropriately subdivided, or else different trimming devices shall be available,
permitting the submersible to be returned to horizontal trim at any time.
3 Surfacing in emergency
3.1 Basic requirements
The basic requirement to submersibles for tourist services is, that, as far as practicable, in the event
of any single failure occurring, the submersible shall be able to return to surface without external help.
Appropriate backup systems and equipment shall be incorporated to meet this general design requirement.
The submersible shall be able to attain positive buoyancy at any time.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
3.2 Emptying of tanks
3.2.1 The main ballast tanks shall be subdivided such that in the event of damage of the biggest tank the
passengers will be able to evacuate the submersible safely and without the risk of water penetrating through
the hatch(es), see Pt.3 Ch.7 Sec.3.
3.2.2 If tanks are emptied by compressed air, spare compressed air supplies, provided exclusively for this
purpose, shall be provided for normal operation and emergency operation as specified in Sec.4 [1.1].
3.2.3 If other measures are provided, they shall be approved by the Society.
3.3 Jettisoning of ballast
3.3.1 Ballast jettisoning equipment shall be capable of being operated without external power supply and
shall be designed such as to preclude unintentional release. The handling of the ballast jettisoning device
shall be demonstrated by appropriate markings. Jettisoning shall be possible also with the submersible being
in the maximum conceivable inclined position, see also Sec.8 [6]. By these measures a surfacing speed
comparable with normal operation shall be achieved.
3.3.2 The jettisoned ballast may consist, instead of ballast weights designated only for this duty, of
appendages or a combination of both. Alternatively the passenger compartment may be separated from all
other parts of the submersible, provided the passenger compartment is positively buoyant when released.
3.4 External means
Measures shall be provided to bring the submersible with external means to the surface.
4 Equipment
4.1
The submersibles shall be provided with appropriate lifting and towing points. With the aid of the lifting
points divers or remotely controlled underwater vehicles (ROVs) shall be in a position to easily connect lifting
ropes or lifting balloons. The towing point shall be arranged such as to enable a towing across the distances
expected in the operating area, without the safety of the submersible and its equipment being impaired, see
also Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.2 [2]
4.2
The submersibles shall be provided with appropriate warping gear, permitting safe mooring even under the
most unfavorable expected weather conditions, see also Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.3 [1].
4.3
The submersibles shall, in particular where intended to lie alongside a transfer boat or pontoon for
changeover of passengers at sea, be equipped with solid fenders throughout, preventing damage to external
main ballast tanks, propulsion units or other important equipment.
Means shall be provided such that that persons can board the submersible in a safe way, taking into account
the relation of the heights of the submersible and of the transfer craft/pontoon, the influence of the seaway
and, if applicable, also the protection of the appurtenances of the submersible.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
4.4
The submersibles intended for transportation of passengers shall be provided with guard rails and hand
rails in such a way that during embarkation and disembarkation the persons are protected against falling
overboard and can at any time hold tight on and below deck, see also Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.3 [1].
4.5
Number and location of access hatches for passengers and crew shall be defined bearing in mind the total
length of the submersible, the length of the pressure hull, number of passengers as well as conditions of
operation and rescue facilities.
In addition the following requirements shall be complied with :
— Accesses and exits shall be designed such as to ensure speedy and safe evacuation also in emergencies
(e.g. fire, smoke, stability after uncontrolled passenger movement, down flooding through hatches
due to adverse sea state, etc.). They shall be dimensioned and arranged such as to enable elderly or
handicapped persons to be assisted by persons accompanying them; therefore it shall be checked, if the
minimum net widths defined in Pt.3 Ch.5 Sec.2. shall be increased.
— The number of the hatches shall not be increased beyond the necessary minimum.
4.6
For each passenger and each crew member adequately dimensioned seating space shall be provided.
4.7
Switchgear, valves and other equipment arranged in the passenger area shall be secured against
unauthorized operation. Machinery spaces shall be provided with lockable doors. In order to prevent
unauthorized access, the pilot area shall be capable of being separated from the passenger area.
4.8
Intercommunication systems for reliable communication:
— between crew members and pilot as well as
— between pilot or other crew member and passengers
shall be provided.
4.9
If the submersible is operating in areas where the water depth is greater than the nominal diving depth
(NDD), a depth alarm shall be triggered at NDD. This alarm shall only be acknowledgeable if the nominal
diving depth is reached again.
4.10
If the surfaced submersible is not clearly visible on the radar screen of other craft, a radar transponder shall
be provided.
For underwater voyages the submersible shall be equipped with a sonar reflector or an acoustic emergency
pinger which shall be compatible with the support system at the surface.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
4.11
The pilot's visibility shall be such that he will be able to safely manoeuvre the boat, in particular in the
vicinity of obstacles as well as on the surface.
For extension of the visibility range, TV systems may be installed.
5 Life support systems
5.1
The submersibles shall be equipped such that the passenger space can be sufficiently ventilated between two
diving operations.
5.2
Submersibles under the operating conditions specified in [1.2]. shall be equipped with life support systems
capable of maintaining the breathing air values as per Pt.4 Ch.4 Sec.2 [2] for the maximum times to be
expected for rescue measures in emergency, but at least 24 hours beyond the envisaged normal operating
period. The survival times defined in Pt.4 Ch.4 Sec.2 [1.1] for other types of submersibles shall not be
applied here.
Where different operating conditions prevail, the required survival period shall be approved by the Society.
5.3
Submersibles shall be equipped with devices or receptacles for disposal of the waste produced during the
survival period without substantially affecting the quality of the breathing air.
5.4
For each passenger and each crew member a portable emergency respirator that also shall protect the eyes.
The respirator shall in the event of an emergency (smoke, contaminated breathing air) ensure breathing
until surfacing and evacuation is completed. The capacity of the emergency breathing apparatus shall allow
breathing air being available for 150% of the time required for surfacing, but at least one hour. For special
operating conditions this time may be reduced.
The required number of reserve apparatus shall be agreed with the Society depending on the number of the
persons aboard. The emergency breathing apparatus for the crew shall not obstruct them in performing their
functions and make it possible for them to operate the communication equipment.
5.5
For the emergency respirators and the life jackets space shall be located near the seats, enabling safe
storage and immediate access. Relevant labels shall be affixed.
Guidance note:
— Inflatable life jackets to facilitate the debarkation in emergency are recommended.
— Life buoys or equivalent rescue equipment shall be kept ready during embarkation and disembarkation, in case somebody
stays on upper deck of the submersible.
For operation of the submersible intended for tourist services in cold waters adequate low-temperature
protection for passengers and crew during the survival period shall be ensured (Thermal protection suits).
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 10 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESCUE
SUBMERSIBLES INCLUDING RESCUE VEHICLES
1 General
Rescue submersible shall comply with the above sections in addition to DNV-OS-E402.
For conflicting requirements the stricter shall prevail.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 11 LAUNCH AND RECOVERY SYSTEM (LARS)
1 Introduction
1.1 Objectives
Launch and recovery systems shall be certified in accordance with statutory requirements for the flag
administration where the support vessel is registered, geographic area of operation and terms of delivery.
1.2 Scope
1.2.1 The following requirements apply for all systems and plants for launch and recovery as well as for coil-
up/coil-off mechanism for umbilicals of manned submersibles.
1.2.2 Key issues are identified through requirements for alternative recovery of submersibles.
1.2.3 Limitations are given in the rating of the launch and recovery systems with respect to a given,
specified, sea-state.
1.2.4 Load conditions may need to be estimated through the use of calculations such as defined in Pt.3 Ch.1.
1.2.5 Requirements for testing are given in [1.7] to [1.9].
1.3 Application
1.3.1 These requirements apply for all systems for launch and recovery of submersibles.
1.3.2 This section has impact on the requirements for strength with respect to deck loading on the support
vessel and to the services from the support vessel.
1.4 References
1.4.1 For quantitative design parameters and functional requirements, see relevant standards and
guidelines, including DNV-ST-0378 and DNV-ST-0377.
1.4.2 Further references are given to:
a) DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.2.
b) ILO Convention No. 152.
1.5 Procedural requirements, approval and certification
Launch and recovery systems shall normally be certified by a competent person as lifting appliances in
accordance with the procedures applicable for the system and compliant with ILO Convention No. 152.
Operational limitations shall be stated in an appendix to the certificate. For diving systems classed with the
Society, a CG2 certificate will be issued for the LARS.
1.6 Documentation requirements for launch and recovery systems
1.6.1 Documentation shall be submitted as required by Table 1.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Table 1 Documentation requirements
Object Documentation type Additional description Info
Z060 − Functional
Including recovery and launching speed AP
description
Z010 − General
Including substructure of gears and winches AP
arrangement plan
H020 − Design load plan AP
M100 − Material declaration AP
H140 − Welding tables FI
H131 − Non-destructive
AP
Launch and recovery system testing (NDT) plan
(LARS)
Exchangeable structural parts, ropes, sockets,
H070 − Standard details AP
blocks, sheaves
S041 − Pneumatic control
AP
diagram
S042 − Hydraulic control
AP
diagram
E240 − Electrical assembly
Including nominal data and type of protection
functional description
G050 − Safety plan Including control scheme AP
Machinery equipment Z030 − Arrangement plan Including winches, drives AP
Wire ropes Z100 − Specification Including end connections AP
Umbilical Z100 − Specification if applicable AP
Z060 − Functional
if applicable AP
Coil-up and coil-off description
mechanism for umbilicals Z010 − General
if applicable AP
arrangement plan
Submersible B040 − Stability analysis Mass AP
Lifting points arrangement
AP = For approval; FI = For information
ACO = As carried out; L = Local handling; R = On request; TA = Covered by type approval; VS = Vessel specific
For general requirements for documentation, including definition of the info codes, see DNV-CG-0550 Sec.6.
For a full definition of the documentation types, see DNV-CG-0550 Sec.5.
1.7 Survey and testing requirements during and after manufacture
1.7.1 Checks shall be made that proofs are available for all exchangeable single parts.
The breaking strength of the used ropes shall be proven by a total rupture test and shall be certified.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
1.7.2 In addition to the test requirements given here, additional detailed requirements are given in the
Society’s Standard for Certification No. DNV ST-0378 Lifting Appliances.
1.8 Survey and testing requirements during and after assembly
A static test of the system shall be performed at the manufacturer with a test load equal to 2.2 times the
safe working load (SWL).
1.9 Survey and testing during and after installation
1.9.1 Before putting into operation of the launch and recovery system as well as the coil-up/coil-off
mechanism for umbilicals an acceptance test with the following single tests shall be performed:
— dynamic test (brake test) aboard with 1.25 times the safe working load (SWL), it shall be demonstrated
that the systems are capable of carrying out all motions in a safe and smooth manner.
— for an A-frame operated by two hydraulic cylinders an additional test with SWL and use of only one
cylinder
— check of the minimum heaving speed
— test that the procedure of launch and recovery of the submersible respectively the coil-up and coil-off of
the umbilical is performed in normal and emergency operation safely and without jerk
— check of lifting cable coupling system, if applicable
— test of function including safety and alarm systems.
Monitoring of functional parameters during the tests, e.g., pressure peaks in hydraulic systems may be
required.
1.9.2 For repeated tests see Pt.7 Ch.1.
1.10 Markings and signposts
1.10.1 The launch and recovery systems as well as the coil-up/coil-off mechanism for umbilicals shall
be marked with a fixed type plate at a good visible position which contains in easily readable writing the
following data:
a) manufacturer
b) serial number and year of construction
c) safe working load (SWL) [t]
d) load radius [m]
e) date of test and test stamp (for cranes at the bottom end of the right-hand jib member and next to the
point where the member joints to the crane housing).
1.11 Materials
1.11.1 Manufacturing, processing and testing of materials shall be carried out according to DNV-RU-SHIP
Pt.2 and DNV-ST-0377 Standard for lifting appliances.
1.11.2 Other materials as defined in [1.11.1] shall be manufactured and processed according to recognized
standards resp. according to specifications of the material manufacturer checked and approved by the
Society.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
2 Design Principles
2.1 General
2.1.1 The launch and recovery equipment shall be capable of safely launch and recover the submersible in
the seaway conditions stated in Pt.3 Ch.1.
2.1.2 The launch and recovery equipment should be fitted with devices for reducing the dynamic loads
during launch and recovery operations in a seaway.
2.1.3 A coupling system shall be provided to enable the submersible to be safely and efficiently coupled to,
and uncoupled from the launch and recovery system.
2.1.4 Devices shall be provided to stabilize the submersible during launch and recovery.
2.1.5 Launch and recovery equipment for submersibles with a diver's lockout shall in addition conform to the
requirements given in Ch.1.
2.1.6 Besides of the launch and recovery system, an emergency recovery system shall be provided that
allows the submersible to be lifted to the surface in an emergency. Other measures may be provided in
accordance with the Society. An adequate emergency recovery plan shall be submitted.
2.1.7 Between the launch and recovery system and the umbilical winch, if separately arranged, a
communication facility with the control station of the submersible and the bridge of the support vessel shall
be established.
2.2 Protection of the submersible
The LARS and the host vessel shall be equipped with protective means to avoid damaging the submersible
during launch and recovery.
2.3 Function
2.3.1 The handling system shall enable smooth and easily controllable handling of the submersible.
The normal launch and recovery system shall be designed for a safe, smooth and easily controllable
transportation of the crew in the design sea-state.
2.3.2 The lowering of submersibles under normal conditions shall not be controlled by brakes, but by the
drive system of the winches.
2.3.3 If the energy supply to the handling system fails, brakes shall be engaged automatically. Manoeuvring
systems shall be arranged for automatic stop when the operating handle is not operated (dead man’s
handle).
2.3.4 Hoisting systems shall be fitted with a mechanical brake, which shall be engaged automatically when
the hoisting motor stops. In the event of failure of the automatic brake a secondary means shall be provided
to prevent the load from falling. This may be manual in operation and should be simple in design.
2.3.5 The launch and recovery system shall be designed so that the systems are locked in place if the energy
supply fails or is switched off.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
2.3.6 If the hoisting rope can enter the drum with an angle exceeding 2° from the right angle to the drum
axis (the “fleet angle”), a spooling arrangement shall be fitted. The rope launch and recovery system shall
not permit ropes to squeeze in between, or introduce permanent deformation to ropes in underlying layers on
the drum.
2.3.7 The hoisting system shall be equipped with a “line-out” device showing the amount of wire that is
spooled off the drum and a device which stops the submersible at its lowermost and uppermost positions.
2.4 Recovery
2.4.1 In the event of single component failure of the main handling system, an alternative means shall be
provided whereby the submersible can be returned to the surface. In addition, provisions shall be made for
emergency retrieval of the submersible if the main and alternative means fail.
2.4.2 There shall be at least one normal system (primary) and two (secondary and tertiary) mutually
independent emergency means for recovery of the crew with return to the supply vessel. The alternative
means shall comply with the same requirements for load strength as the main system if the submersible is
part of the recovery.
2.4.3 The two emergency means shall be arranged as follows:
a) One emergency system (secondary) may be made for recovery by aid of the normal hoisting or guide
rope(s). This system shall be independently powered from the normal system, and shall incorporate all
transportation necessary to transport the submersible to the surface.
b) One system (considered secondary) shall also provide an arrangement for stopping the submersible or
bell from falling or descending, in the event of failure in the primary lifting wire.
2.5 Power
2.5.1 Mechanical drives
— The launch and recovery system shall have an energy source which is able to deliver the full energy
demand required for the launch and recovery of the submersible.
— The launch and recovery system shall be equipped with auxiliary drives enabling a launch or recovery
maneuver which has already been started, to be safely concluded if the winches or hydraulic pumps fail.
— Launch and recovery systems using an "A" frame shall be equipped with two hydraulic cylinders which
shall be so designed and arranged that each is fully capable of safely performing the launch and recovery
operation under load. In addition, they shall be connected to the hydraulic system in such a way that a
single fault in the hydraulic system cannot lead to the failure of both hydraulic cylinders.
2.5.2 Control equipment
a) Launch and recovery systems shall be fitted with control equipment enabling the system to be operated
intermittently with smooth accelerations. In addition, the controls shall be designed and arranged in such
a way that the operator has the submersible in his visual field throughout complete launch and recovery
and is fully able to perform all the necessary actions.
b) The controls shall be fitted with blocking devices which ensure that only those commands can be
performed simultaneously which do not produce a dangerous or unintended condition.
c) Control systems shall be provided with emergency shut-off buttons.
d) Wherever possible, control units shall operate on the fail-safe principle.
e) Control units with remote control shall be additionally equipped with a direct control override. In the
event of failure or malfunction of the remote control, all operating sequences which have been initiated
shall be automatically stopped.
f) All control units shall be clearly and permanently marked and shall be adequately illuminated.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
2.6 Handling of umbilical
2.6.1 If umbilicals are applied, the following shall be considered.
2.6.2 Umbilical
a) The requirements for umbilicals are defined in Pt.4 Ch.5.
b) The termination points, where the umbilical enter connectors and/or penetrators, shall not be subjected
to significant loads or flexing.
2.6.3 Coil-up/coil-off mechanism
a) Coil-up and coil-off mechanism for umbilicals describe the complete equipment for handling of the
umbilical on the support vessel. They may be of different types, but often an umbilical winch is an
integrated part of this system.
b) An adequate coil-up and coil-off mechanism shall be provided for the umbilical, which is tracking the
umbilical without restriction of the freedom to move and without additional mechanical loads to the
element under water.
c) The detailed requirements are defined in Pt.4 Ch.5 Sec.2 [4].
3 Strength
3.1 Design loads
3.1.1 The safe working load (SWL) of the launch and recovery system summarizes as follows:
— weight of the submersible, including its equipment, ballast weights, etc.
— payload (NL) of the submersible
— total weight of the lifting cable
— weight of the load transmitting devices which are not connected in a fixed way with the launch and
recovery system
— resulting loads of the umbilical according to [2.6] if this is transferred via the launch and recovery system.
3.1.2 Calculations shall be based on the assumption that the angle of engagement of the lifting cable may be
12° off perpendicular in any direction.
3.1.3 For the calculation also further possible external loads, which may occur during operation (e.g.
dynamics, wind loads, ice accretion, etc.) shall be considered. A proof of strength shall be submitted under
consideration of the seaway and wind conditions according to Pt.3 Ch.1.
3.1.4 Finally also the forces from maximum vessel motions and green seas, wind, ice, etc. shall be checked
for the launch and recovery system in resting position and stowed on the supply vessel.
3.1.5 In addition the minimum heaving speed shall be specified by the manufacturer and to be agreed with
the Society.
3.1.6 The driving machine of the winch shall be designed in a way, that a maximum torque according to a
maximum pull of 1.5 times the nominal pull of the winch can be developed at reduced speed for at least 5
minutes. In analogy the hydraulic cylinders shall be laid out for 1.5 times the nominal cylinder force. For both
a calculation proof shall be provided.
3.1.7 The launch and recovery system shall be capable to safely launch and recover the submersible at the
seaway conditions defined in Pt.3 Ch.1.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
3.2 Dimensions
3.2.1 The calculation of the launch and recovery system as well as of the coil-up/coil-off mechanism
for umbilicals shall be performed according to the principles given in DNV-ST-0378 Standard for lifting
appliances. For this computation the system shall be considered as an offshore lifting gear.
3.2.2 If the system is equipped with shock absorbers or swell compensators approved by the Society, a
reduction of the working load may be dispensed with totally or partially if agreed by the Society.
3.2.3 Deviating from the design of offshore lifting gears, for the dimensioning of launch and recovery
systems a hoist load coefficient of 2.7 and a dead load coefficient of 1.5 shall be considered independently of
type and size of their safe working load. In this connection it is assumed that an employment in a seaway is
restricted to significant wave heights up to 2 m.
Where it is proposed that launch or recovery operations should be performed in even more unfavourable
conditions, previous agreement with the Society is necessary.
3.3 Foundations
For design and calculation see DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.3.
4 Equipment
4.1
Where cranes are used for launch and recovery, measures shall be taken to prevent the uncontrolled turning
or slewing of the crane in a seaway. The turning or slewing gear shall be capable of holding the crane in any
position. The gear shall also be designed to ensure that all movements are initiated and arrested smoothly.
Launch and recovery systems shall be equipped to prevent excessive turning resp. swinging of the
submersible during recovery (e.g., by the use of non-spin ropes and additional pendants).
4.2
Measures shall be provided to prevent the submersible from striking against the vessel's hull or against the
launch and recovery gear.
4.3
Winches shall be equipped with two independent brakes. One of the brakes shall be energy independent and
shall be activated in case of voltage failure.
4.4
The capacity of the brakes shall be sufficient to safely hold the dynamic test load specified in [1.9].
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
4.5
The final positions of the launch and recovery system, like upper and lower hook and jib position as well as
the slewing range, shall be monitored. The starting and breaking velocities shall be controlled.
4.6
In the case the submersible is not hanging on the lifting cable, a coupling system shall be provided to enable
the submersible to be safety and efficiently coupled to and uncoupled from the launch and recovery system.
4.7
All interchangeable single components such as blocks, hooks, shackles, etc., shall conform to recognized
standards, shall have a safety factor of 8 against fracture related to the safe working load SWL and shall be
marked with their safe working load.
4.8
The maximum static tensile stress imposed on steel wire ropes by the safe working load shall not exceed 1/8
of the proven rupture strength.
4.9
The use of ropes made of fibres is only permissible in special cases and in agreement with the Society. For
the use of natural or synthetic fibres the maximum static tensile stress imposed by the safe working load
(SWL) shall not exceed 1/10 of the proven rupture strength..
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
SECTION 12 SUPPORTING SYSTEMS ABOARD THE SUPPORT VESSEL
1 Introduction
1.1 Objectives
1.1.1 This section describes the systems which may become necessary for the safe operation of submersibles
from a support vessel.
1.2 Scope
1.2.1 The following rules are valid for plants and systems which are located aboard a support vessel for
submersibles and which are necessary for the support of the operation according to type and purpose of the
mission of the submersible.
1.2.2 These rules do not include requirements or recommendations with respect to the support vessels
operation or other characteristics.
1.3 Application
1.3.1 Primarily this section shall be applied to the operation of manned autonomous and non-autonomous
submersibles.
1.4 Procedural requirements, approval and certification
1.4.1 Control and supply systems can be included in the normal classification procedure of the support
vessel. Special functions for the operation of submersibles, like control station for non-autonomous
submersibles, breathing gas supply, mating equipment, etc. should be proven and a product certificate issued
by the Society or a recognized organization.
1.5 Documentation
1.5.1 Documentation shall be submitted as required by Table 1 to Table 5.
Table 1 Documentation requirements for control systems
I010 Control system
AP
philosophy
I020 Control system
AP
Control system functional description
I100 System diagram AP
I050 Power supply
AP
arrangement
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
Table 2 Documentation requirements for communication systems
Z060 Functional description AP
E170 Electrical schematic
AP
drawing
Communication system
E230 Power supply
AP
arrangement
Z160 Operation manual AP
Table 3 Documentation requirements for dynamic positioning systems
I010 Control system
AP
philosophy
I020 Control system
AP
Dynamic positioning system I030 Block (topology)
AP
diagram
I210 Integration plan AP
Z201 Position keeping Including position balance between involved
FI
capability plot units
Table 4 Documentation requirements for supply systems
E230 Power supply
AP
Electrical power arrangement
supply system E170 Electrical schematic
AP
drawing
Hydraulic supply system S042 Hydraulic control
AP
diagram
Breathing air system S041 Pneumatic control
AP
diagram
Table 5 Documentation requirements for mating equipment
Mating equipment
Z010 Arrangement plan AP
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
I020 Control system
AP
Z170 Installation manual FI
Z160 Operation manual AP
AP = For approval; FI = For information
ACO = As carried out; L = Local handling; R = On request; TA = Covered by type approval; VS = Vessel specific
For general requirements for documentation, including definition of the info codes, see DNV-CG-0550 Sec.6.
For a full definition of the documentation types, see DNV-CG-0550 Sec.5.
1.6 Survey and testing requirements during and after manufacture
1.6.1 The components of the systems shall be checked.
1.7 Survey and testing requirements during and after assembly
1.7.1 The compliance of the systems with the documentation shall be proven.
1.8 Survey and testing requirements during and after installation
1.8.1 Control systems
For the issue of a certificate for the different control systems an acceptance test for safe functioning during
normal and emergency operation shall be made.
The dynamic positioning system shall be tested together with the submersibles foreseen for practical
operation.
1.8.2 Supply systems
For the issue of a Certificate for the different supply systems an acceptance test for safe functioning during
normal and emergency operation shall be made.
1.8.3 Repeated tests
For repeated tests see Pt.7 Ch.1.
1.9 Markings and signposts
For marking of the different elements see Pt.4 Ch.1 Sec.2.
1.10 Materials
For materials see Pt.2 Ch.1 to Pt.2 Ch.4.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
2 Systems for control
2.1 General
2.1.1 As systems for control the control station, the communication systems to the submersible and the
dynamic positioning system of the support vessel are summarized.
2.1.2 The proof of the suitability of control station and communication systems shall be given by the Society.
In both cases the following requirements shall be considered.
2.2 Control station
2.2.1 All systems aboard of the support vessel which are serving for the support of the submersible shall be
summarized in a control station. Special emphasize shall be given to the control station for non-autonomous
submersibles.
2.2.2 As far as applicable, the requirements defined in Sec.6 [2] are valid for a control station aboard the
support vessel in analogous way.
2.2.3 The following requirements shall be considered additionally:
— The power demand defined by the manufacturer of the submersible shall be made available.
— The power supply of the control station for non-autonomous submersibles shall be established by two
power circuits independent from each other which can be switched over. Alternatively a direct feeding
from the emergency switchboard of the support vessel may be provided.
— The permissible deviations of voltage and frequency according to DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.8 shall not be
exceeded.
— For the power supply of control, monitoring and safety systems the requirements according to the DNV-
RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.9 shall be met.
— The minimum degrees of protection for the control station shall be provided according to the DNV-RU-
SHIP Pt.4 Ch.8.
— If the control station is not located directly at the bridge, a communication system between them shall be
provided.
— Between the control station and the control stand for the supply systems according to [3] to [5] a
communication system shall be established.
— In the vicinity of the control station no systems or plants shall be installed which impair the monitoring
and control of the submersible.
2.2.4 For the operation of autonomous submersibles a control station is only required in reduced scope for
the supply between the missions.
2.3 Communication systems
2.3.1 As far as applicable, the requirements defined in DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.9. are valid for the
communication systems on board of the support vessel in analogous way.
2.3.2 The communication shall be done from the control station according to [2.2].
2.3.3 The energy supply for the communication system to the submersible shall be provided in analogous
way to [2.2.3].
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
2.3.4 [2.3.3] is only to be applied to the communication system to an autonomous submersible if the
communication is required for a save operation.
2.4 Dynamic positioning of the support vessel
2.4.1 A ship with dynamic positioning is a vessel which automatically keeps its position (fixed location or pre-
determined track) exclusively with the aid of propeller/jet drives.
Especially for non-autonomous submersibles it may become necessary to provide a dynamic positioning of
the support vessel as the submersible is connected to the support vessel via an umbilical and/or lifting cable.
2.4.2 As far as applicable, the requirements for positioning systems defined in Pt.4 Ch.2 Sec.2 [3] are valid
for the support vessel in analogous way.
2.4.3 All requirements for classification of a positioning system are included in the the Society Rules for
Dynamic Positioning Systems in DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.6 Ch.7 According to the degree of redundancy the Society
may assign the class notations DPS(1), DPS(2) and DPS(3).
2.4.4 The support vessel shall also meet the regulations of IMO: Guidelines for Vessels with Dynamic
Positioning Systems (MSC/Circ. 645).
3 Electric supply
3.1
As far as applicable, the requirements defined in Pt.4 Ch.8 are valid for the support vessel in analogous form
as well as state of the art technology.
3.2
The following requirements shall be considered additionally:
— The power demand defined by the manufacturer of the submersible shall be made available at any time.
The additional demand for eventual working devices shall be considered.
— If a dangerous condition for the consumer may arrive if the main supply fails, special measures shall be
provided in accordance with the Society.
— The emergency power supply on the support vesselfor non-autonomous submersibles shall be able to
provide the power demand until a safe condition of the underwater mission or surfacing is reached.
— The permissible deviations of voltage and frequency according to DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.2 shall not
be exceeded.
3.3
Besides the essential consumers listed in the DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.8 the following items of electrical
equipment on the support vessel also count as essential consumers:
— emergency lighting of the areas essential for the operation of the submersible
— power supply of the control station for non-autonomous submersibles
— supply systems, e.g. breathing air compressor, power supply of the submersible
— launch, recovery and mating equipment.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
4 Hydraulic supply
4.1
As far as applicable, the requirements defined in DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.6 Sec.8 are valid for the support
vessel as well as state-of-the-art-technology.
4.2
— The demand of hydraulic oil (volume, pressure range) defined by the manufacturer of the submersible
shall be made available at any time. The additional demand for eventual working devices shall be
considered.
provided and to be agreed with the Society.
— If necessary, the emergency supply at missions of submersibles shall be able to provide the defined oil
demand until a safe condition of the underwater mission is reached. If a dangerous condition for the
consumer may arrive if the main supply fails, special measures shall be provided and to be agreed by the
Society.
— The permissible deviations of volume and pressure shall be in accordance with the data of the
manufacturer of the submersible and shall not be exceeded resp. shall not fall short of.
— The hydraulic fluid shall be suitable for the operational conditions and especially for the environmental
conditions above and under water (see Pt.3).
5 Breathing air supply
5.1
For the calculation, choice of materials and manufacturing of the compressed air system on the supportvessel
the Society’s rules DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.4 Ch.4 are valid for the support vessel in analogous form.
5.2
— The supply pressure shall be indicated at the control station.
— The demand of compressed air (volume, pressure range) defined by the manufacturer of the submersible
shall be made available at any time. The additional demand for eventual working devices shall be
considered.
provided in accordance with the Society. E.g. an emergency supply shall be established for the time until a
safe condition of the mission respectively surfacing is reached.
— The permissible deviations of volume and pressure shall be in accordance with the data of the
manufacturer of the submersible/working device and shall not be exceeded resp. shall not fall short of. If
the supply pressure falls short, an alarm shall be triggered at the control station.
— Between the supply system for underwater missions and the compressed air system for the operation of
the support vessel a safe separation shall be provided.
— Measures shall be taken to hinder the entrance of seawater in the systems as far as possible.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
6 Mating Equipment
6.1 General
For the transfer of divers under pressure from their working place under water to the support vessel by a
submersible with diver’s lockout/diving chamber a suitable mating equipment at the decompression chamber
on board the support vessel shall be provided.
The same is valid for the pre-compression of divers to their working conditions under water.
6.2 Communication
Between the mating equipment and the control station according to [2.2] a communication system shall be
established.
6.3
The mating system shall enable the connection and disconnection of the submersible and the decompression
chamber to be effected easily and securely even under conditions where the vessel is rolling, pitching or
listing to permissible degrees.
6.4
Where a power actuating system is used for mating operations, an auxiliary power actuating system or an
appropriate means shall be provided to connect the diving bell to the decompression chamber in the event of
failure of the normal power actuating system.
6.5
The mating system shall be provided with a safety interlock between the submersible and the decompression
chamber.
6.6
Further design and construction requirements shall be agreed with the Society.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
CHANGES – HISTORIC
Part 5 Chapter 6 Changes – historic
January 2018 edition
Changes January 2018, entering into force 1 July 2018
Topic Reference Description
Clarification of requirements Sec.11 [1.4.1] Reference updated.
Sec.11 [1.11.1]
Sec.11 [3.2.1]
Sec.11 [4.9] Requirement defined.
Sec.2 [4] Workshop and product certification
requirements clarified.
Sec.2 Table 3 Clarifications.
Sec.2 [6.3] Test conditions clarified.
Sec.2 [6.4]
Sec.2 [6.5]
Sec.2 [6.6]
Sec.4 [1.1.3] Emergency air reserves clarified.
Sec.6 [2.2.3] Depth indicators requirements
clarified.
Sec.6 [1.1] Example added.
Sec.8 [6.1.2] Guidance note added.
December 2015 edition
This is a new document.
The rules enter into force 1 July 2016.
Manned submersibles
DNV AS
About DNV
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DNV-RU-UWT Pt.5 Ch.6

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DNV-RU-UWT Pt.5 Ch.6

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Topic Reference Description

Coordinate system Sec.2 Figure 1 Added point of view to coordinate system specification.

Certification and Sec.2 [4] Alignment with rules for classification of ships.

Amendment of documentation Sec.2 Table 3 Amended documentation requirements and further references

Alterations on already tested Sec.2 [6.1.7] Added requirements for re-testing of already tested systems

Initial test and trials Sec.2 [6.2] Added tests for system integration of Li-Ion batteries.

Tightness test Sec.2 [6.3.2] Added pass / fail criteria.

Instructions for main ballast Sec.2 [6.5.4] Added instructions for the simulation of main ballast tank vent

Quantity of compressed air Sec.4 [1.1.2] Added guidance for the determination of the required quantity

Rule reference amendment Sec.4 [1.1.3] Updated rule reference for air reserves intended for emergency

Emergency buoyancy Sec.4 [1.1.4] Added further guidance for the interpretation of emergency

Rule reference amendment Sec.4 [1.1.5] Rearranged paragraphs into rules with regard to compressed air

Compressed air supply Sec.9 [3.2.2] Aligned requirements for compressed air supply quantities with

LARS, collision prevention Sec.11 [2.2] Requirement has been moved to Pt.3 Ch.4 Sec.2 [1.5].

Rebranding to DNV All This document has been revised due to the rebranding of DNV

Section 4 Machinery Systems................................................................................35

Section 5 Electrical Equipment.............................................................................. 36

Section 7 Life support systems............................................................................. 45

Object Certificate type Issued by Certification standard* Additional description

Manufacturer AoM Society DNV-CP-0346

M010, Test and certification Specification of materials for main systems and

M010, Load bearing elements For definition of load bearing elements see Pt.3 Ch.4

B100 Inclining test procedure See Pt.3 Ch.7 Sec.4. AP 38

B150 Damage control plan See Pt.3 Ch.7. AP 40

C020 Arrangement drawing - pressure compensated or pressure tight design AP 42

S042 Hydraulic system schematic See additional description as per item number 66. AP 67

E040 Electrical load balance - emergency. AP 82

E230 Power supply arrangement Arrangement drawings, specification and datasheets. AP 89

Z030 Arrangement plan For main and emergency battery system. AP 91

Z090 DNV type test records Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.3 [2] FI 100

Z090 DNV routine test records Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.3 [2] FI 101

E190 Lighting description Including arrangement of emergency light fittings. AP 103

Safety and alarm systems Description of the safety and alarm systems. AP 107

Width x Thickness Number of bars Number of bars

15 × 3 230 390 – – 200 350 – –

20 × 3 290 485 – – 250 430 – –

20 × 5 395 690 – – 340 620 – –

20 × 10 615 1145 – – 530 1020 – –

25 × 3 355 580 – – 300 510 – –

25 × 5 475 820 – – 405 725 – –

30 × 3 415 670 – – 350 590 – –

30 × 5 555 940 – – 470 830 – –

Machinery equipment Z030 − Arrangement plan Including winches, drives AP

Wire ropes Z100 − Specification Including end connections AP

Umbilical Z100 − Specification if applicable AP

Submersible B040 − Stability analysis Mass AP

Object Documentation type Additional description Info

Object Documentation type Additional description Info

Object Documentation type Additional description Info

Object Documentation type Additional description Info

Clarification of requirements Sec.11 [1.4.1] Reference updated.

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