Section 3 Survey – General

3.1.1 The Committee will act, when authorised on behalf of Governments, in respect of National and International statutory safety and other requirements for submersibles, diving systems and associated equipment.

3.1.2 The Committee will also act, when authorized, in respect of National safety and other regulations relating to the application of submersibles and diving systems to specific underwater surveys and requirements associated with offshore mineral exploration and exploitation.

3.2.1 When it is intended to build a unit for classification with LR, construction plans and all necessary particulars relevant to the hull/structure, equipment and machinery, as detailed in the Rules, are to be submitted for approval of LR before the work commenced. Any subsequent modifications or additions to the scantlings, arrangements or equipment shown on the approval plans are also to be submitted for approval.

3.2.6 The design criteria is to include the maximum operating depth; the maximum operating time; limitations on sea area and sea states; target sea states for launch and recovery; maximum speed for towing; whether self or externally sustained; surface or underwater; type of access; type of control; type of mobility and details of anchoring, towing or linking; lifting gear (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.4); etc., as appropriate. A hazard analysis to an agreed scope is also to be submitted for consideration.

3.2.7 Where the proposed construction of any part is of novel design, or involves the use of unusual material, or where experience, in the opinion of the Committee, has not sufficiently justified the principle or mode of application involved, special tests or examinations before or during service may be required. In such cases an appropriate notation may be assigned.

3.2.8 All data submitted for approval or consideration by the Committee will be treated in the strictest confidence. If the Owner, or his contractor, does not wish specific information to be included in the Register Book, LR is to be notified in writing.

3.2.9 The proposed maintenance and operating instructions are to be forwarded to LR for information in connection with the design appraisal and plan approval.

3.2.10 The materials used in the construction of the unit and its machinery intended for classification are to be fabricated in accordance with the requirements of Lloyd’s Register’s Rules for Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, or made, tested and certified to the recognised standard agreed with Lloyd’s Register. The steel is to be manufactured by an approved process at works approved by LR. Alternatively, tests to the satisfaction of LR will be required to demonstrate the suitability of the steel.

3.2.12 For compliance with Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.2 New Construction Surveys 3.2.7 at the option of the Manufacturer, LR is prepared to consider methods of survey and inspection for construction which formally include procedures involving the management of the manufacturer’s works, organization and Quality System. The minimum requirements for the approval of any such proposed Quality Assurance methods are laid down in Lloyd’s Register’s Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2022

3.2.13 Copies of approved plans, essential certificates and records including the operations log book should be retained on the parent, floating or fixed structure.

3.2.14 Unless the Committee so directs, the installation of a tethered submersible or a submersible anchored permanently to the sea bed is to be made under the survey of LR’s Surveyors. The Owner of the installation is to submit prior to the survey, a report on the condition of the sea bed (if appropriate), and is to arrange for such remote television and video recording equipment to be available as may be required for the Surveyors to effect the survey.

3.2.15 The date of completion of the Special Survey will normally be the date of build to be recorded in accordance with current certification of class. If the period between the completion of construction and commissioning is unduly prolonged, the dates of these two stages may be separately indicated in accordance with current certification of class.

3.2.16 When a unit, intended for classification, is laid up for a period on completion, the Committee upon application by the Owner, prior to the item entering service, may direct an examination to be made by LR’s Surveyors. If, as a result of the survey no noticeable deterioration is reported the subsequent Special Survey will date from the time of this additional survey.

3.2.17 Diving simulators are not generally subject to classification by LR. Where a plant is to be classed at the request of the operator, the Rules for Classification of Diving Systems shall be applied as and where relevant.

3.3.1 Classification of units not built under survey. The requirements of the Committee for Classification of units which have not been built under LR’s Survey are indicated in Pt 1, Ch 3, 4 Classification of units not built under survey. Special Consideration will be given to units transferring class to LR from another recognised Classification Society.

3.3.2 Reclassification. When reclassification or class reinstatement is desired for a submersible, diving system or chamber for which the class previously assigned has been withdrawn or suspended, the Committee will direct that a survey appropriate to the age of the submersible, diving system or chamber and the circumstances of the case, be carried out by LR’s Surveyors. If at such survey the unit be found or placed in a good and efficient condition in accordance with the requirements of the Rules and Regulations, the Committee will be prepared to reinstate her original class or assign such other class as may be deemed necessary. The data of reclassification will be recorded by LR.

3.3.3 The Committee reserves the right to decline an application for classification or reclassification where the prior history or condition of the unit indicates this to be appropriate.

3.4.1 If a diving system has suffered damage affecting its class or if such damage may be assumed, or if the hull or parts of the machinery of the support vessel have sustained damage affecting the diving system the Owner should notify Lloyd’s Register promptly and a Damage Survey is to be carried out.

3.4.2 All repairs, alterations and modifications, and all significant replacements, are to be recorded in the log book in a manner that will enable their later identification, by LR’s Surveyors.

3.4.3 In addition, transferable diving systems are to undergo an Annual Survey and inspection of the supporting structure after each re-assembly and whenever there is a change of ship. Plan approval for the interface with the ship structure and systems may be required.

3.4.4 All repairs and modifications to the pressure hull, diving system or deck compression chamber, which may be required in order to be retained in Class, and all repairs and modifications affecting the buoyancy, stability and life-support systems, and all major repairs and modifications to the propulsion and manoeuvring systems, are to be carried out to the satisfaction of LR’s Surveyors.

3.4.5 Depending on the nature and extent of the repairs and modifications, the Surveyors may require a subsequent test to the proof pressure and/or subsequent analysis.

3.4.6 Plans and particulars of any proposed alterations to the approved scantlings and arrangements of the pressure hull, equipment or machinery are to be submitted for approval, and such alterations are to be carried out to the satisfaction of LR's Surveyors.

3.4.7 When at any survey the Surveyors consider repairs to be immediately necessary, either as a result of damage, or wear and tear, they are to communicate their recommendations at once to the Owner, or his representative. When such recommendations are not complied with, immediate notification is to be given to the Committee by the Surveyors.

3.4.8 When at any survey it is found that any damage, defect or breakdown (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.10) is of such a nature that does not require immediate permanent repair, but is sufficiently serious to require rectification by a prescribed date in order to maintain class, a suitable condition of class is to be imposed by the Surveyors and recommended to the Committee for consideration.

3.5.1 All units are to be surveyed at intervals in accordance with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations.

3.5.2 Attention is to be given to any relevant statutory requirements of the National Authority of the country in which the unit is registered.

3.5.3 The date of the last examination will be displayed on the Interim Certificate and Class Direct and recorded on the Certificate of Class as appropriate.

3.5.4 All units classed with LR are also to be subjected to Special Surveys in accordance with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.4 Special Surveys (Manned and unmanned submersibles, containers, diving systems or deck compression chambers). These surveys become due at 5-yearly intervals, the first at 5 years from the date of build or date of the first Special Survey for classification, and thereafter 5 years from the date of the previous Special Survey.

3.5.5 When it is inconvenient for an Owner to fulfil all the requirements of a Special Survey at its due date, the Committee will be prepared to consider its postponement, either wholly or in part, provided that LR’s Surveyors are afforded an opportunity, about the due date, to carry out an Annual Survey in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations. Such a postponement may be granted for a period not exceeding five months. If an extension is agreed, the next period of classification will start from the date of the Special Survey before the extension was granted.

3.5.6 Special Surveys which are commenced prior to their due date are not to extend over a period greater than 15 months, if such work is to be credited towards the Special Survey. Where the Special Survey is completed more than three months before the due date, the new record of Special Survey will be the final date of survey. In all other cases the recorded date will be the fifth anniversary. In cases where the unit has been laid up or has been out of service because of a major repair or modification prior to the existing Special Survey due date, consideration may be given to a new record of Survey being assigned as the final date of survey.

3.5.7 Units which have satisfactorily passed a Special Survey will have a record displayed on the Interim Certificate and Class Direct and the new Certificate of Class issued indicating the date.

3.5.8 When, at the request of an Owner, it has been agreed by the Committee that the Complete Survey of the unit may be carried out on a Continuous Survey basis, all compartments of the unit are to be opened for survey and testing in rotation within the interval of five years for each component as appropriate. If any examination during Continuous Surveys reveals any defect, further parts are to be opened up and examined as considered necessary by the Surveyor. Units which have satisfactorily completed the cycle will have a record displayed on the Interim Certificate and Class Direct and recorded on the Certificate of Class as appropriate indicating the date of completion. If the survey on continuous basis has been agreed the Owner shall present for LR approval comprehensive survey program covering all items and survey activities planned over the five year cycle.

3.5.9 Annual Surveys are to be held on all units within three months, before or after each anniversary of the completion, commissioning or Special Survey in accordance with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations. The date of last Annual Survey will be displayed on the Interim Certificate and Class Direct and recorded on the Certificate of Class as appropriate.

3.5.10 Intermediate Surveys are to be held on all units at the second or third Annual Survey after completion, commissioning or Special Survey in accordance with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations. The date of completion of the last Intermediate Survey will be displayed on the Interim Certificate and Class Direct and recorded on the Certificate of Class.

3.6.1 A certificate of Class valid for five years subject to endorsement for Annual and Intermediate Surveys will also be issued to the Owners on satisfactory completions of examinations, tests and trials for the newly constructed unit.

3.6.2 LR’s Surveyors are permitted to issue provisional (interim) certificates to enable a submersible, diving system or deck compression chamber to enter or continue in service provided that in their opinion it is in a fit and efficient condition. Such certificates will embody the Surveyor’s recommendations for continuance of class, but in all cases are subject to confirmation by the Committee.

3.6.3 The full class notation and abbreviated descriptive notes shall be stated on the Certificate of Class and the provisional (interim) certificates.

3.7.1 It is the responsibility of the Owner to ensure that all surveys necessary for the maintenance of class are carried out at the proper time and in accordance with these Rules and the instructions of the Committee.

3.7.2 The Owners of a diving system should notify Lloyd’s Register in advance on any planned load tests or pressure tests of the system or its components.

3.7.3 LR will give timely notice to an Owner about forthcoming surveys. The omission of such notice, however, does not absolve the Owner from his responsibilities to comply with LR’s survey requirements for maintenance of class.

3.8.1 When the class of a submersible, diving system or deck compression chamber, for which the Regulations as regards surveys on the hull and systems and components have been complied with, is withdrawn by the Committee in consequence of a request from the Owner, the notation ‘Class withdrawn at Owners’ request’ (with date) will be assigned.

3.8.2 When the Regulations, as regards surveys on the hull, or systems, or components, have not been complied with and the submersible, diving system or deck compression chamber is thereby not entitled to retain class, the class will be suspended or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Committee, and a corresponding notation will be assigned.

3.8.3 When it is found from reported defects in the hull, or systems, or components, that a submersible diving system or deck compression chamber is not entitled to retain class in accordance with the current certificate of class, and the Owner fails to repair such defects in accordance with LR’s requirements, the class will be suspended or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Committee, and a corresponding notation indicating that class has been suspended or withdrawn because of reported defects will be assigned.

3.8.4 In all instances of class withdrawal or suspension, the assigned notation, with date of application, will be published by members of the LR Group and displayed on Class Direct. In cases where class has been suspended by the Committee and it becomes apparent that the Owners are no longer interested in retaining LR’s class, the notation will be amended to withdrawn status.

3.8.5 Class will be automatically suspended and the Certificate of Class will become invalid if the Annual or Intermediate Survey is not completed within three months of the due date of the survey.

3.8.6 Class will be automatically suspended from the expiry date of the Certificate of Class in the event that the Special Survey has not been completed by the due date and an extension has not been agreed, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing units — Periodical Surveys 3.5.8, or is not under attendance by the Surveyors with a view to completion prior to resuming operations.

3.8.7 When a condition of class is imposed, this will be assigned a due date for completion and the installation’s class may be suspended if the condition of class is not dealt with, or postponed by agreement, by the due date.

3.8.8 When the Committee is satisfied that a unit has been operated in a manner contrary to the agreed at the time of classification, or is being operated in environmental conditions which are more onerous than, or in areas other than, those agreed by the Committee, the class will be withdrawn or suspended in relation to those operations.

3.8.9 For reclassification and reinstatement of class, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Existing submersibles diving systems and deck compression chambers 3.3.2.

3.9.1 When a unit is to be laid-up, the owner is to advise LR. The Owner shall develop the procedure for storage and the maintenance and inspection schedule during the lay-up. Maintenance activities shall be recorded in the unit’s logbook.

3.9.2 The maintenance of class is dependent on LR’s Surveyors making a General Examination of the storage facilities and conditions every 2 years from the initial date of lay-up.

3.10.1 If the recommendations of LR's Surveyors are considered in any case to be unnecessary or unreasonable, appeal may be made to the Committee, who may direct a Special Examination to be held.

3.11.1 The Owner will ensure a member of the LR Group - Marine and Offshore division is promptly informed in writing of any change to their contact details and, in the event of a vessel/asset transfer or sale, is to supply details of the new Owner in writing. The new Owner is to promptly inform a member of the LR Group - Marine and Offshore division in writing of their contact details. If the new Owner fails to do so and if LR cannot verify the ownership record, then the class of that vessel/asset will be specially considered by the Classification Committee.