All,
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?
Pat