Canada's approach to regulating submersibles must be streamlined to prevent companies from exploiting loopholes, according to a leading industry expert. The warning comes in the wake of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's (TSB) final report on the 2023 Titan submersible implosion, which underscored significant gaps in regulatory oversight.
Will Kohnen, executive director of the World Submarine Organization, emphasized that any new regulations must be economically efficient. He stated that overly bureaucratic systems will inevitably lead companies to seek out and exploit loopholes, mirroring the actions of OceanGate, the operator of the Titan. Kohnen, a veteran of the submersible industry, agreed with the TSB's recommendation that Transport Canada ensure submersibles operating in Canadian waters or with Canadian support vessels adhere to international standards.
The TSB report detailed how the Titan submersible, operated by the American-based OceanGate, received no oversight from the Canadian federal government, despite numerous interactions with various federal departments. The investigation revealed a critical lack of information sharing among government bodies, preventing a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with the Titan's operations. This deficiency in oversight meant that potential safety issues were not identified, increasing the risk to those involved in the mission.
The TSB's findings highlight that the Titan was not classed by any recognized classification society, a standard practice for the vast majority of submersibles worldwide. This lack of certification meant the vessel was operating outside established safety protocols. The TSB has issued six recommendations, including enhanced oversight of uncertified vessels and improved inter-departmental information sharing, aiming to prevent future incidents and strengthen safety within the submersible industry.
