Section 1 Conditions for Classification
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Construction & Classification of Submersibles & Diving Systems, July 2022 - Part 1 Regulations - Chapter 2 Classification Regulations - Section 1 Conditions for Classification

Section 1 Conditions for Classification

Parent topic: Chapter 2 Classification Regulations

1.1 General

1.1.1  Submersibles, diving systems and deck compression chambers referred to in these Rules are defined in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions.

1.1.2 Submersibles, diving systems and deck compression chambers built in accordance with LR’s Rules and Regulations, or in accordance with requirements equivalent thereto, will be assigned a class in the Register of Offshore Units, Submersibles and Diving Systems (in accordance with the current certificate of class) and will continue to be classed so long as they are found, upon examination at the prescribed surveys, to be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Rules.

1.1.3 Classification is conditional upon strict observation of the restrictions imposed on service operation, and upon the proper maintenance of the submersible or chamber and identified ancillary equipment which is required to comply with the Rules. It assumes that the state of training of the crew is such as to enable operations within the approved limits to be carried out safely. Attention is to be given to any relevant statutory requirements of the National Authority of the country in which the Unit is registered.

1.1.4 In the case of a tethered and manned submersible, classification is dependent on the lifting gear which is used to place the submersible in the sea and remove it from there. Where lifting gear is classed or included in the class of the submersible or diving system it is to comply with LR’s Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. However, in other cases the Owner is expected to ensure that the installation of towing and/or lifting gear is satisfactory, complies with the appropriate National Regulations and is classed or certified by a recognized Certifying Authority.

1.1.5 The classification of a compression chamber or transfer under chamber located in air will be inclusive of supports and attachments to a floating or fixed structure and all essential services related to that specific chamber.

1.1.6 A log book is to be kept by the operations controller, or equivalent, for each classed item and it is to be made available to the Surveyors on request. For each submersible the log book is to contain details of each dive.

1.1.7 Submersibles which have integral hyperbaric chambers will be operated with a compression chamber available on the support vessel or installation. These compression chambers can be used in dealing with cases of illness or emergency conditions when the submersible is operating its hyperbaric chamber at internal depths greater than 10 m.

1.1.8 Submersibles, which have a chamber consisting of an assembly of component parts with mechanical joints to facilitate, dismantling between dives and interchange of parts to effect different underwater tasks, will be classed in accordance with these Rules and Regulations. However before each dive the Owner is to establish that the submersible has been properly assembled, is pressure tight and otherwise suitable for the intended service.

1.1.9 Where diving operations are to be undertaken in connection with the maintenance, survey or repair of an offshore installation, the offshore installation manager (OIM) and masters of craft adjacent to the installation are to be informed. Work is not to commence until copies of the relevant ‘permit to work’ are obtained from the OIM to reduce risk to personnel and the submersible having regard to the prevailing environmental conditions and the configuration of the structure.

1.1.10 Any damage, defect or breakdown which could invalidate the conditions for which a class has been assigned, is to be reported to LR without delay.

1.1.11 Submersibles designed to carry passengers will be specially considered and may require additional provisions for their safety. National Authority requirements should be agreed and proof of that agreement be made available to Lloyd’s Register. Special consideration will be given to rescue submersibles.

1.1.12 On completion of the construction of the diving system or unit and following each subsequent Special Survey, the unit specific Inspection and Testing Programme shall be developed by the Operator for the following five year survey cycle. The Programme shall be presented to Lloyd’s Register for approval.

1.2 Survey Planning

1.2.1 A planned inspection and testing programme is to be developed by the Operator and submitted to LR for approval in advance of the first annual survey in the five year cycle, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General. The programme should include and address the following:
  1. overall design configuration and operation limitations of the diving unit;
  2. appropriate regulatory requirements;
  3. main structural arrangement plans;
  4. areas to be surveyed and extent of the insulation/cladding removal;
  5. inspection and testing schedules for all relevant components, equipment and systems;
  6. inspection and testing methods and procedures;
  7. extent, frequency and circumstances for application of NDE and thickness measurement;
  8. locations for non-destructive testing and thickness measurement;
  9. condition of coatings and corrosion prevention systems;
  10. methods for reporting and recording of damage or deterioration found and remedial measures;
  11. allowable wastage limits (corrosion margins and wear allowances) for the structure and stress bearing components;
  12. due date for the portholes’ replacement.

1.3 Application

1.3.1 Except in the case of a special directive by the Committee, no new Regulation or alteration to any existing Regulation relating to character of classification or class notation is to be applied to an existing submersible, diving system or deck compression chamber.

1.3.2 Except in the case of a special directive by the Committee, no new Rule or alteration to any existing Rule materially affecting classification is to be applied compulsorily within 6 months of its adoption, where it is desired to use existing previously approved plans for a new contract; written application is to be made to the Committee.

1.4 Interpretation of the Rules

1.4.1 The interpretation of the Rules is the sole responsibility, and is at the sole discretion, of LR. Any uncertainty in the meaning of the Rules is to be referred to LR for clarification.

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