re: A1 Manned Submersible (fwd)

[Gareth Block <gblock@midway.uchicago.edu>]

Hi guys,

I've been talking with the ABS lately about the prospects (and benefits)
of ABS certification.  I'm forwarding this last message in case anyone's
interested;  the fees he qoutes are in response to a general design I gave
him...a 3 man submersible which displaces 2 tons, has an internal
structure covered with a fiber reinforced material (maybe FRP) and one
large acrylic viewport.  I didn't give him a probable depth rating, since
I have no idea what it would be before the plans are more-or-less
developed (though Al thought his FRP sub might have a 1200 foot crush
depth).  I'm hoping for 100-150 meters as a working depth for my own.

-Gareth

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 97 12:27:24 CDT
From: Rick Neilson <rneilson@eagle.org>
To: gblock@midway.uchicago.edu
Subject: re: A1 Manned Submersible

Dear Mr. Block:

As a ballpark figure, the technical fees involved with classing your design 
will be approximately $25,000 and the survey fees for construction 
approximately another $25,000.  This estimate is for design and construction 
and does not include fees for maintaining the vessel in class.  You 
understand, of course, that these are very rough figures, with the actual 
costs depending upon many factors.

In answer to your question as to "Why class with ABS?", I offer the following:

1.  Determination of fitness - The owner/designer will have the assurance that 
the vessel's design and construction comply with world-wide recognized 
standards.  Surveys made during construction will ensure that the plans are 
followed, and sea trials carried out as a final test of the vessel's ability 
to perform as intended.

2.  Meet requirements of certain jurisdictions - In many locations the 
governing authorities have mandated that certain vessels entering into or 
operating within their jurisdiction be classed.

3.  Possible lower insurance premiums - Classification signifies that a vessel 
complies with the industry developed standards and to that extent is 
mechanically and structurally fit for it's intended service.  This is often 
mandated and recognized by insurance companies and may result in lower 
insurance premiums.

4.  Indicates due diligence - Classification is one indication that the 
shipowner has exercised due diligence during the construction and service life 
of the vessel, a matter of interest to purchasers, financial institutions, 
underwriters, government bodies and others.

5.  Indicates that proper maintenance is performed - In order to remain in 
class, a vessel must undergo periodic surveys to ensure that it is maintained 
to class standards.  By maintaining class, owners/operators demonstrate that 
proper maintenance is performed and the vessel continues to be adequate for 
its intended service.

6.  Assures that capital investment is protected - If an owner specifies that 
a ship be built to class, certain items will be certified by the classing 
society.  This includes a review of the plans for conformance with class Rules 
followed by surveys performed during construction and operation.  This type of 
involvement results in the knowledge  that these items are in compliance with 
class requirements in the owner's contract specification, and provides a 
measure of protection of capital investment.

7.  Owner satisfaction - The ultimate goal of classification is to provide for 
the safety of the passengers, the crew, the cargo and the vessel, as well as 
for the environment in which it operates.  This provides the owner with peace 
of mind, and the satisfaction that he upholds high standards.

If you require additional information, feel free to contact me.  I have not 
made arrangements to send you a copy of the Rules you indicated you wanted, 
pending your reaction to this information.  If you still want a copy of our 
Rules for Building and Classing Underwater Vehicles, Systems, and Hyperbaric 
Facilities, I will arrange to send them to you and invoice you.

Very truly yours,

Rick Neilson




Gareth Block <gblock@midway.uchicago.edu> Wrote:
| 
| 
| Dear Mr. Neilson,
| 
| Thanks very much for responding.  Yes, I would like to 
| purchase your
| "Rules for Building and Classing Underwater Vehicles..." 
| to start out
| with;  my address is 5328 South Greenwood #2-A, Chicago, 
| IL, 60615 if any
| order forms need to be sent, and so payment can be 
| arranged.
| I recognize that ABS would need to study my plans before 
| being able to
| quote a consulting and certification fee, but are there 
| any past cases
| from which you might give me a ballpark figure?  My 
| submersible will
| displace about two tons, carry two passengers and one 
| pilot;  the
| structure itself will have internal support and be covered 
| with fiberglass
| reinforced plastic (FRP) and have one large acrylic 
| viewport.  While I
| don't hope for an exact number, I would like a notion of 
| the expenses I
| can expect.
| Also, do you have any information regarding how an ABS 
| certification
| affects liability insurance-- in a nutshell, what are the 
| commercial and
| legal benefits of being ABS certified?  
| 
| Sincerely,
| 
| Gareth Block
| 
|