CLASSIFICATION
GL lays claim to first submarines in class
German classification society Germanischer Lloyd (GL) says its latest
project - the classification of submarines for the South African Navy – is
unique, although it has been involved in the submarine business for 30
years or more, and over the years, has performed plan approval and surveys
for more than 330 ships in more than 24 navies.
G
L highlights the fact that it has
been involved with nearly all post-
War German export and domestic
submarines in some form, and also played a
role in the development of some submarines
with Air Independent Propulsion or ‘AIP’.
As a result, GL was in a position to publish
‘Rules for the Construction and Classification
of Submersibles’ many years ago, and also
issued ‘Guidelines for the Use of Fuel Cells
on Ships and Boats’. With lengthy experience
of working on submarines, GL says it believes The Class 209 submarine SAS Manthatisi, one of three submarines now classed by GL.
that no other classification society has such
high level of experience with conventional
submarines. stability were sent to GL for approval, where a place six years after the Initial Survey, covers
In March 2005, GL also published team of 25 engineers checked all of the safety the same scope as the Initial Survey, including
‘Preliminary Rules for Sub-Surface Ships,’ relevant systems on the submarines over a two- drydocking and pressure tests. After it has been
which became part of ‘Rules for Classification and-a-half month period. One key task during completed, a new class certificate is issued to
and Construction: Part III Naval Ships plan approval was to develop project specific the vessel, showing that the submarine is fit for
Technology,’ and hence applicable to naval checklists for the class surveys. purpose for the next six years.
submarines. ‘Up to now, GL is the only Class surveys are the second important ‘Surveys for naval submarines require
classification society which has established step when classing a naval submarine, and as experienced personnel who must have security
rules for naval submarines,’ said GL, noting GL explained, four different types of survey clearance, medical certificates, and submarine
that an update of the rules was due to take place are carried out for naval submarines. The first rescue training. The survey is therefore carried
in late 2007. is the Initial Survey, a thorough inspection out by specially trained experts from GL Head
More recently, the South African Navy during which the complete submarine is Office and not by regular surveyors,’ noted
commissioned GL to class three submarines, an checked, a test dive is conducted and, at the GL.
order that included inspection of construction end of this process, a class certificate is issued Following plan approval, the Initial Surveys
plans as well as annual safety checks. which shows all interested parties that the were carried out for the three submarines
‘Plan approval is the first step when classing vessel is seaworthy and safe for the next six in South Africa. The Initial Survey for S101
a naval vessel. It forms the basis for the approval years, assuming continuous maintenance. (SAS Manthatisi) was completed in June 2007,
of a submarine. During plan approval the The next stage of classing a submarine with a team of four GL submarine surveyors
construction of all safety relevant systems is is the Annual Survey, which is designed to spending three weeks at the naval base in
checked on the basis of the submitted plans. makes sure that the vessel’s condition remains Simonstown, during the first week of which
For all documents sent to GL, the principle in good order. ‘This relatively small survey the submarine was in drydock. The hull and all
applies that they permit an assessment of the mainly serves to identify smaller defects at an relevant mechanical systems such as the diving
compliance with the “Rules for Classification early stage, so that they can be rectified at an and trim tanks, propeller, pressure vessels,
and Construction: Part III Naval Ships early point of time before they give rise to more and hydroplanes were inspected. The second
Technology”. The rules themselves include a extensive measures,’ said GL. week focused on harbour trials, mainly on the
list of documents as a reference and guidance The Intermediate Survey is an extended electrical and automation system. In the third
for the required scope,’ a spokesperson for GL annual survey due at the third annual survey week, sea trials were conducted which included
explained. and is more detailed in nature. Tests on all dives to the submarine’s maximum diving
For the South African project, more than pressurised systems are carried out, and all depth, as well as manoeuvring trials and tests
1000 drawings covering the hull, electrical safety systems are checked. on the functioning of the submarine escape
systems, automation, piping systems, and The Class Renewal Survey, which takes system and other important systems. WT
32 Warship Technology January 2008
WT Jan - p32.indd 32 08/01/2008 10:34:10
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