Good Day:
No state statutes, no regulations:?? Why would the state have
jurisdiction over the uniqueness of this project, excepting that it is a
"boat" per se?
However, I would require that a diver's flag be deployed by the vessel
before surfacing in any navigable waters, to avoid collision with
surface vessels.?? Most states do have some sort of statute governing the
protection of "divers" from surface traffic.?? If your state's statute
verbiage definition of a "diver", or "diving operations" would
conceivably include operation of a submersible vehicle, then that would
apply.?? In lieu of having to release a diver's flag before surfacing, it
may be possible for the operator to moor a diver's flag in one location
and conduct submergence and surfacing within the specified-distance
vicinity of that flag.
That is just common sense.
Also, balance in pitch trim is the most difficult design feature to
achieve in the operation of ship-shaped submarines, and I would offer
advice to the builder to consult with a submarine-experienced naval
architect to insure his safety. Structural, breathable atmosphere, and
buoyant design considerations would be obvious also, but submarine
constructors "should" have those points covered.?? There are a
proliferation of submersible vehicle designs being fielded nowadays and
a lot of design practice is available to such builders.?? However, a
higher speed ship-shaped submersible is a bit rare, outside of naval
vessels.
Hydrogen gas emissions from batteries may also be a state-regulated
feature, with respect to the possibility of developing explosive
atmospheres in the vessel.?? As for any boat, EPA compliance with
internal combustion engine emission standards would apply, and diesel,
not spark ignition type engines are an obvious choice for a submersible
vehicle, in view of possible explosive atmospheres and CO exposure.?? If
solely battery powered, EPA certs are not an issue, except for
antifouling paints, anti-pollution placards, etc.
Rob Schofield
Naval Architect
Original Message:
Sent: 2/27/2024 11:45:00 AM
From: Chris Jones
Subject: Homemade Submarine
Good day all,
In my seventeen years of service to the Marine Services Bureau of the New Jersey State Police, now I can almost say, without hesitation, that I have seen everything. We have a request for a H.I.N. investigation (as required to register homemade vessels) by one of our residents who has built his own submarine. We have no law or administrative code that addresses the use of submarines in the waters of the state. Does anyone have any state laws/code addressing this type of craft?
I am hesitant to scramble to address the issue, as this is the first time in my career I have seen this.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I have included a photograph to assist.
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Lt. Christopher Jones
Operations Officer
Marine Services Bureau
New Jersey State Police
New Jersey BLA
christopher.jones@njsp.gov
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