DNV Awards DEEP’s Vanguard Habitat Interim Classification Certificate

29 September 2026
Edited By: Haley McQueen

DEEP's Vanguard system, which was installed 17 meters below the water's surface at Tennessee Reef in the Florida Keys in June 2026, has been awarded an Interim Classification Certificate from DNV, a global leader in maritime classification.

Norman Smith, CTO at DEEP, with Cristina Saenz de Santa María, CEO of DNV Maritime, at the International Maritime Museum, Hamburg. (Image credit: DEEP)

The certificate allows DEEP’s pilot underwater habitat to move into its initial operating capability phase. DEEP crews will live in saturation in the habitat, preparing for missions supporting marine science, human performance research, and training for extreme environments.

DNV has been engaged as the classification partner throughout the design, build, and installation process for Vanguard, providing independent assurance that the underwater habitat meets the requirements of the DNV class rules and guidelines, as well as the applicable international safety standards. DEEP is working under the newly published DNV rules for crewed underwater habitats and is the first to pursue classification under this ruleset.

Norman Smith, Chief Technology Officer at DEEP, said: “Achieving this Interim Classification Certificate validates everything that’s gone into Vanguard so far. It’s a reflection on the design, engineering rigor, and relationship we have built with DNV throughout this project.

“This certificate means Vanguard can begin extended stay saturation dive operations, getting us closer to a continuous human presence in the ocean, as we continue the journey with Vanguard and build toward DEEP’s vision of larger, modular subsea habitats.”

Jonathan Struwe, Head of Underwater Technology at DNV, said: “The award of the interim certificate is a truly pioneering step for this exciting and innovative project. It’s particularly exciting for us at DNV as we are working under the newly published DNV rules for ‘Live in underwater habitats’ (DNV-RU Pt. 5 Ch. 10) and DEEP is the first to pursue classification under these rules. This has been an excellent collaboration, and we are pleased to see Vanguard move into the next phase. We look forward to continuing our work with DEEP as it progresses towards full class certification.”

The Interim Classification Certificate is a critical step toward final operating capability for Vanguard and full DNV classification. Full classification will follow saturation dive operations, further system-testing, and any upgrades identified throughout this period.