[PSUBS-MAILIST] SUBSAFE

Because they operate in hostile environments, submarines are inherently dangerous. Accordingly, the ABS imposes strict PVHO guidelines over subs designed for commercial use. Homebuilt submarines are not similarly regulated, though; in fact, there are little or no controls on their design, construction, or operation. Two reasons why this is so may be: (1) heretofore, there haven't been enough homebuilt submarines to warrant governmental regulation; and (2) we have a good safety record: to date, not one known fatality due to the implosion of a homebuilt pressure hull.

Now, however, with websites such as PSUBS creating a forum where anyone can seek or offer advice, increasing numbers of homebuilt enthusiasts are designing and building subs of their own. Resultantly, experienced subbers have cause for concern because misadventures involving the inexperienced (beyond being tragic) may engender restrictions on a pursuit we presently enjoy great freedom in. To avoid this, I believe we need to maintain high standards of credibility within our ranks; and this implies encouraging the use of caution and common sense in sub-related activities.

Pros like Phil, Carsten, Captain George, and others have proven their abilities, and have the facilities, to design and build exceptionally capable submarines; but that doesn't mean the amateur enthusiast can do the same in his own back yard. As many of us know, there's a lot more to submarines than meets the eye; and as I've said before, this is one of those things where what you don't know can hurt you.

If you, as a homebuilt submarine enthusiast, know you have a solid foundation in the design, construction, and operational skills required to achieve a successful deep-diving sub, I salute you and wish you all the best. However, (IMOHO) if you don't even know how to find your own waterline you probably shouldn't attempt a deep-diving sub as your first project. To me, that's like a first-time novice homebuilt aircraft enthusiast setting out to build a spacecraft: absurd from the standpoint that he'll probably never succeed, but dangerous from the standpoint that he might kill himself (and/or someone else) if he tries.

I'd like to open this discussion to obtain the opinions of others, for the sake of all concerned. What do you guys think might be some factors defining safe and unsafe parameters for the first-time homebuilt submarine enthusiast designing and building his own sub?