- Legally, the Deep Home Seastead is a ship. By long seafaring tradition, a ship is referred to as “she”. The Seastead is an extension of the territory of the Flag Nation. She and her crew and passengers are governed by international maritime law and the law of the Flag Nation. The Captain is responsible under law for her safety, seaworthiness and navigation.
|
- Deep Home is a vessel with Australian nationality and flag. She is registered in the Australian Register of Shipping, and is classified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) as an ABS *A1 Manned Submersible. The process of classification required that her design specification and construction comply with the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Underwater Systems and Vehicles, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineer’s (ASME) Safety Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy. To retain classification, she undergoes a thorough annual survey that includes the detailed inspection of all major systems. Additionally, every three years the vessel must pass an even more stringent survey that involves pressure and hydrostatic tests, dimensional checks of the pressure hull, instrument calibration and test submergences. It is pertinent to note that there has never been a serious injury or fatality stemming from the operation of an ABS-certified submersible. The vessel fully complies with the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Based on classification, Deep Home is insured against loss by Lloyds of London under a standard marine “hull and machinery” policy.
|
- Deep Home Seastead Inc is a corporation formed under Australian law the liability of whose members is limited by guarantee. The corporation owns and operates the Deep Home Seastead. Its Constitution acts as the Seastead Charter. Its Board is comprised of the voting members of the Seastead Senate. Its members are those residents, being over eighteen years of age, who accept the Charter and thereby become members and guarantors. The liability of the members under the guarantee is limited to $AUD100, payable by the member in the event the corporation becomes insolvent and is wound up.
|