All of SEAmagine’s submersibles are classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), which surveys the construction of each submersible and certifies it after all tests are completed. ABS requires an annual survey each year in order for the submersible to remain “In Class”. This annual survey is performed by an ABS surveyor to review the maintenance history of the submersible and inspect the submersible to ensure that all systems are in good order.

SEAmagine has a structured maintenance schedule and technical support program, which was reviewed and approved by ABS, to help operators maintain the vessel in excellent condition and ensure that it passes the yearly ABS inspection.

General Questions

• How much maintenance does a submersible require?
  Formal maintenance procedures, which include daily, monthly, and annual check lists, must be performed and recorded. Most of these procedures are preventative in nature and designed to be simple and quick to perform. The routine maintenance procedures are described in the SEAmagine Maintenance Manual and the details are covered during the pilot training program so that the crew will be able to manage the majority of scheduled maintenance. A more intensive maintenance procedure is performed annually and is supported by SEAmagine’s technical support program. ABS surveyors also need to perform an annual inspection in order for the submersible to maintain its certification status.

•  Who can do the maintenance?
  The trained submersible pilots along with the ship’s engineer(s) will be able to perform the majority of the regular maintenance. Experienced service personnel from SEAmagine's headquarters are available 24/7 for worldwide coverage through SEAmagine's Yearly Technical Support Program. Typically, SEAmagine performs annual maintenance with the crew in coordination with the annual ABS inspection that needs to be done in order for the submersible to remain “In Class”.

• Where can I get spare parts?
  SEAmagine provides a comprehensive spare parts kit for the submersible to ensure that a crew can perform the regular maintenance and replace key components in the field on an as needed basis. All spares can be ordered from SEAmagine’s headquarters and furthermore, in some cases, SEAmagine engineering can help operators identify local suppliers where parts or materials can be ordered directly.

Operational & Maintenance Records

The submersible operation maintains a number of records to help monitor the status of the craft and support the maintenance program. The following are some of the records kept:

1. Dive Logbook:
Each submersible dive is recorded in a logbook to maintain a track record of the number of dives performed, times, dates, the maximum depth reached, and additional general information. This Dive Logbook is reviewed annually by the ABS Surveyor to assess the condition of the craft and the workload it underwent.

2. Operating Checklists
During days when the submersible is used for diving operations a number of checklists are followed and recorded. Daily Pre-launch checklist:     

• Performs full checks prior to launching the submersible on the water
• Pre-Dive Checklist: Prior to each dive the pilot must perform a checklist before passengers are boarded
• Communication Log: During each dive a topside  “Surface Controller” monitors the progress of the dive and records regular status reported by the pilot.
• Post Dive Checklist: At the completion of each dive the pilot performs a checklist verifying the status of all systems before a new dive is arranged.
• Post Recovery Checklist: After recovering the submersible on deck at the end of the day a full checklist is performed to verify the status of all systems and to setup the battery charging performed overnight.

3. Monthly Maintenance Checklist:
The operator is responsible to perform a monthly checklist on the submersible. These monthly checklists are recorded and archived and reviewed during the annual survey performed by the ABS inspector. The crew, which is trained during the pilot training program, performs these checklists.

4. Yearly Maintenance Checklist:
As with the Monthly Maintenance Checklist, a thorough yearly checklist must be performed, recorded, and archived. A SEAmagine specialist in the field typically performs this Yearly Maintenance check with support from the crew and scheduled prior to the annual ABS inspection.

5. Submersible Maintenance Record:
The operator is responsible to maintain a log on all relevant maintenance performed on the submersibles such as changing parts or other repairs. The ABS surveyor at the annual inspection reviews this Maintenance Record.

6. Submersible Failure & Repair Reports:
The operator is responsible for maintaining a record of equipment failures that are detected usually during the regular checklist process as well as recording the action taken to resolve the problem. These records are archived and also made available for the ABS surveyor’s annual inspection.

Required Class Inspection Summary

SEAmagine delivers each vessel after it has been inspected and approved by ABS, which issues a Class Certificate rated +A1 for Manned Submersibles; the “Maltese Cross” indicating the submersible was fully surveyed during construction, and the “A1” indicating the craft meets all ABS construction and testing standards. This classing certificate must be renewed yearly in order for the submersible to remain “In Class” by ABS.

1. Annual ABS Survey
This yearly renewal requires an ABS surveyor to inspect the craft, reviewing all maintenance and operational records perform all systems checks and a test dive of the submersible. The test dive need not be to rated depth nor with full occupancy.

2. ABS Special Periodic Survey
Every 3 years ABS requires a Special Periodic Survey to be performed on the annual survey anniversary. This special survey is a more comprehensive review of all systems, re-verifies all calibrations of instruments, full operational functionality of main and emergency systems, and requires a test dive to the maximum rated depth of the submersible, in the presence of the Surveyor.

ABS Annual Survey Details

1. Annual Survey
An annual survey of the submersible is to be made within three months either way of the annual anniversary date of the original construction date, or of the previous Special Periodical Survey date.

2. Special Periodic Survey
A Special Periodic Survey of the submersible is to be made within three months either way of a date three years after the date of build or of the previous Special Periodic Survey.

3. Factory Assistance
The surveys are performed by the ABS Survey office nearest to the location of operation of the submersible. During the survey, the surveyor may require the attendance of technically qualifies personnel from the manufacturer for post construction surveys and repairs. Such attendance may be required for the following systems:

• Life Support Systems and monitoring equipment
• Electronic Equipment and communication systems
• Emergency Equipment
• Emergency operation after system malfunction due to component failure, loss of power, loss of breathing gas pressure, flooding.

4. Maintenance and Log Books
All underwater vehicles are required to be maintained in good order and satisfactory operating conditions as provided in the manufacturer’s Owner Maintenance Manual.

A Log Book is to be maintained by the person responsible for the submersible and must contain maximum dive depths, times, dates, durations and details of each dive recommended in the manufacturer’s Owner Operations Manual. All inspection procedures and check lists are to be part of the log book, which are to be signed by two responsible personnel for the submersible operation and are to be presented to the surveyor during the survey.

5. Annual Survey Requirements
The Surveyor will review the Maintenance Manual, maintenance records and log books and assure their proper maintenance.

System Survey:

• Pressure Boundaries: Internal and external surfaces of all pressure hulls, penetrations, hatches, windows valves, gaskets and support frame. Removal of paint or protective coatings to inspect welds is not required unless deterioration is evident.
• Life Support System: Inspection of oxygen tanks, valves, gauges, monitoring equipment, fire protection, scrubber system and emergency equipment. All systems must show continued compliance to ABS Rules.
• Ballasting, flotation and buoyancy systems
• Communication System
• Electrical System, including battery system, manual and automatic switch from main to emergency source.
• Emergency Equipment, including emergency weight jettison system.
• Propulsion System, thrusters, motors and electronic controls
• Corrosion control system, including sacrificial anodes and protective coatings.
• Instruments, accuracy and proper function of all gauges and displays
• Special equipment, such as lifting frames, manipulators and ancillary equipment.

6. Annual Test Dive
An operation dive is conducted annually and all systems are operationally tested. The dive need not be to rated depth nor with full occupancy. A report of the dive is to be issued to the Surveyor. The surveyor need not be present at the annual test dive unless the Surveyor so requires.

7.Special Periodic Survey Test Dive
As part of the Special Periodic Survey, a test dive is to be performed in the presence of the Surveyor. This test is to be to maximum rated depth, in accordance with Sec. 3/15 of the Rules for Building and Classing Underwater Vehicles, Systems, and Hyperbaric Facilities, except that full occupancy is not required.