New GL Underwater Technology Rules
Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has upgraded and extended its ‘Rules for Underwater Technology’. The revision of the rules reflects the growing demand for sophisticated regulations covering subsea innovations, in particular down to depths of 6,000 m or more.
In the field of underwater technology GL is focussing on the technical safety and reliability of all kinds of diving systems, submarines, submersibles, underwater vehicles and underwater equipment. The underwater technology rules, consisting of three comprehensive chapters, came into force on 1 November and apply to all underwater technology contracted for construction on or after that date. A copy of the rules including annexes is available in English and German language on GL’s website: www.gl-group.com/infoServices/rules/pdfs
The three new chapters of Underwater Technology are dealing with equipment for manned or unmanned subsea use as well as onshore operation and simulation. The first chapter covers ‘Diving Systems and Diving Simulators’. The second chapter focuses on ‘Manned Submersibles’ while the last deals with ‘Unmanned Submersibles (ROV, AUV) and Underwater Working Machines’.
The requirements for the certification of underwater working devices and underwater working machines are laid down in a separate section. It provides all involved stakeholders such as manufacturers, owners and operators a comprehensive guideline for safe and reliable underwater working equipment.