Subject:
[PSUBS-MAILIST] SUBSAFE
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 thefacilities, 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