Bureau Veritas publishes class rules for submarines

So far as verification at the newbuilding stage is concerned, the BV rules cover design approval, material and equipment certification, and construction surveillance at the yard. The rules cover specific risks which are synonymous with submarines, including the exposure of the hull to seawater pressure, the effects of enclosed atmosphere, and the adaptation of systems for undersea navigation, including snorkelling.

Items covered by the rules include surface and submerged stability, resurfacing, weight control, hull pressure, structure, steering devices, propulsion, power supply, automation, communications and navigation equipment, fire protection, atmospheric control, and emergency and rescue installations. Operational procedures, combat systems, and spare parts are not covered by classification, and therefore not included in the BV rules.

Each submarine is required to have a safety file as part of its standard documentation. This does not replace the requirements contained in the BV rules, and includes an assessment of the risks associated with the submarine’s operational activity, and an immersion-versus-speed diagram justification file.