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Don. If you want to get ABS certified, it's a long and expensive process.
I'm no expert on this subject and I'm sure others will answer better than me,
but as I understand it, the design you use must be approved in advance, and all
the materials certified, as well as having regular inspections by their people
as work progresses. Complete engineering calculations will be included, and the
math has to work. The suppliers of various materials need to provide
documentation proving the design specs are being met. The inspection of your
work, done by their people, is paid by you, including travel and lodging. Many
points along the way during construction must meet exacting standards set forth
by them, including some very rigorous testing.
In short, I've heard it can be a real nightmare. On the other hand, if you
want to do any work with the sub for an entity, and you need insurance,
certification by one of the agencies is required even to be considered. For
instance, let's say you wanted to go out and take samples around an oil rig. The
liability could fall to the rigs owner if a problem developed. Or if you damaged
something and weren't insured, again the owner of the oil rig would be
responsible. You aren't allowed to take any kind of paying customer along for a
ride. A well documented "release form" signed, witnessed, etc. is no guarantee
either. These little subs we build are really more akin to "experimental
recreation vehicles" and as such aren't as yet regulated, as long as we don't
try to make money with them. Frank D. Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. |