{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/merchant-shipping-submersible-craft-construction-and-survey-regulations-1981/schedule-1/paragraph-1",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/merchant-shipping-submersible-craft-construction-and-survey-regulations-1981/schedule-1/paragraph-1.json",
  "legislation": "uksi/1981/1098",
  "legislation_title": "The Merchant Shipping (Submersible Craft Construction and Survey) Regulations 1981",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/merchant-shipping-submersible-craft-construction-and-survey-regulations-1981",
  "path": "schedule/1/paragraph/1",
  "kind": "paragraph",
  "number": "1",
  "heading": "Hull",
  "text": "(1.1) Manned submersible craft shall consist of PRESSURE HULL(S) and an EXOSTRUCTURE.\nThe pressure Hull and the Exostructure shall be:—\n(1.1.1) so designed that all loads to be exerted on the structure are taken into account. These shall include the most severe loads imposed in normal conditions together with loads resulting from several conditions occurring simultaneously. The planned maximum operating depth and the collapse depth shall be specified;\n(1.1.2) where practicable, all pipe systems penetrating the pressure hull shall be provided with two isolating valves, primary and secondary, readily accessible to the crew, the primary valve to be immediately inboard of the penetration. Where this is not practicable all components of the system between the hull penetration and the primary isolating valve shall be designed for an internal pressure of not less than that equivalent to the collapse depth;\n(1.1.3) fitted with a lifting point and a towing point (where appropriate), and external structural members capable of withstanding the stresses that may be experienced in service conditions;\n(1.1.4) subjected to satisfactory tests and survey during building and acceptance trials. Records of these and copies of all certificates obtained shall be made available;\n(1.1.5) subjected to regular maintenance inspections. Details of the current and proposed inspection intervals and the tests involved shall be made available;\n(1.1.6) equipped with at least one alternative lifting point (where appropriate) to which attachments may be secured to raise the submersible craft to the surface in an emergency;\n(1.1.7) provided with an access hatch operable from both sides. Where practicable, the hatch shall be positioned so that the crew may leave the craft when it is on the surface.",
  "extent": null,
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [],
  "outstanding_effects": [
    {
      "type": "amended",
      "affecting": "uksi/1987/306",
      "affecting_title": "The Merchant Shipping (Submersible Craft) (Amendment) Regulations 1987"
    }
  ],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1981/1098/schedule/1/paragraph/1",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-10-29T18:35:26.362503+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}