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<div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">It's a can of worms that nobody wants to open. Currently, US operations are governed by USCG NVIC 5-93 which is almost 27 years old and was authored in anticipation of a 1993 bill that ultimately never passed Congress. What it provides, and limits, depends upon who you talk to.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">However, it's clear that the USCG intended to scrutinize passenger carrying vessels much more than non-passenger vessels. The specific rules depend upon number of passengers. Vessels carrying more than 6 passengers are subject to 46 CFR Subchapter-T Small Passenger Vessels. Vessels carrying 6 or less passengers are subject to 46 CFR Subchapter-C Uninspected Vessels. Additionally, it states, "an uninspected submersible may be permitted in
U.S. passenger operations only if it is designed and constructed to a recognized
industry standard". Note, there is no wording that specifically sets a requirement for "certification" but we can assume that's what they intended.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Recreational Submersibles are defined as "vessels manufactured or operated primarily for pleasure, or leased, rented, or chartered to
another for the latter's pleasure. Submersibles within this category are subject to the
requirements of 33 CFR Subchapter S - Boating Safety, Parts 173-183." Now interestingly the 5-93 circular is silent regarding passengers on recreational submarines. In fact, it states, "The guidelines in
this circular generally do not apply..." which might lead you to think it was ok for us to take passengers, but there is other federal law describing "passenger carrying" vessels that would obviously restrict us from doing that.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Perhaps one loophole, workers on a vessel are not "passengers".</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">So anyway, it's an extremely complicated situation at the moment with too many rules and too many interpretations. Most people don't want to discuss it for fear that drawing attention to them will cause stricter rules and enforcement. MTSMUV has been trying to develop new rules based upon different classifications however I have found their suggested changes severely limit the personal/recreational market and thusfar we have been unable to find any middle ground.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Jon</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div><br></div>
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On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, 10:06:01 PM EDT, Brian Hughes via Personal_Submersibles <personal_submersibles@psubs.org> wrote:
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Whilst recently enjoying a fine cigar and outstanding bourbon, five sub owners sat around a bonfire at Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania and contemplated US Coast Guard requirements for carrying passengers. Especially paying passengers. Does one need a Captain's
License to do so in a submarine?</div>
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The distinction arose around diving in lakes or diving in waters normally patrolled by the Coast Guard. Further, what does piloting a boat on the surface have in common with piloting a boat that purposefully sinks and comes back up?</div>
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Thoughts? Internationally friends, what is your experience?</div>
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Brian</div>
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Get <a href="https://aka.ms/ghei36" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outlook for Android</a></div>
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