Are there special Flag-State requirements for submersibles?
Yes, most Flag State agencies will require some proof that the submersible will be operated safely in their waters. Most state flags do not have special submersible requirements but will generally require that the submersibles be classed by an internationally recognized classing society such as ABS (American Bureau of Shipping). Other Class societies include Lloyds Registry (LR – United Kingdom), Det Norske Veritas (DNV – Scandinavia), Germanischer Lloyds (GL – Germany), Bureau Veritas (BV – France), (RINA – Italy), which all belong to the International Association of Classing Societies (IACS). The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) is one of the exceptions and they do have additional requirements regarding the submersible operation in addition to those of the classing societies. These additional CISR requirements are readily addressed during the construction of the submersibles. US Flag State have specific requirements if the submersible is to be used for “passengers for hire” in
