Section 2 Signatures
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Submarine Assurance Framework, July 2022 - Volume 1 Submarine Assurance - Part 4 Whole Boat Requirements - Chapter 8 Survivability - Section 2 Signatures

Section 2 Signatures

2.1 Functional objectives

2.1.1 To reduce the susceptibility of a submarine to a military attack by controlling the signature of the submarine to a level defined by the Navy, through the design of the submarine.

2.1.2 The safety implications of operating in the low signature state are to be assessed.

2.2 Performance requirements

2.2.1 The Navy is to define required signature thresholds for different operating conditions. Sufficient information is to be provided to enable the verification activities to be effective.

2.2.2 The Navy is to define the operating environment and conditions in which low signature operation will be required.

2.2.3 As a minimum, the signature policy communicated to LR shall address the safety of the submarine when operating in various low signature states. Sufficient machinery is to be available during all low signature states to provide for the safety of submarine functions and embarked persons, in particular:

  1. Strength and integrity;
  2. Manoeuvring and control;
  3. Power and propulsion;
  4. Provision, storage and distribution of electrical power;
  5. Support and protection of life; and
  6. Munitions handling.

2.2.4 An analysis is to be undertaken to determine the low signature performance of the submarine.

2.2.5 Systems, equipment and components are to be designed to achieve the signature levels required. The capability of equipment required to operate in the low signature state is to be demonstrated through testing or analysis.

2.2.6 Machinery not required for low signature states should be suitably isolated to prevent operation.

2.2.7 Machinery not required for low signature states is to be prevented from automatic starting or changeover during a low signature state.

2.2.8 Control and alarm systems should be suitable for operation in a low signature state.

2.2.9 Material selection for systems, equipment and components is to recognise the signature requirements.

2.2.10 The submarine, systems are to be subject to testing and trials to demonstrate the signature levels.

2.2.11 Survey and inspection is to be undertaken to ensure the signature hygiene levels are maintained.

2.2.12 Procedures are to be in place to control noise emissions from the submarine when operating in the low noise state.


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