Buying an old military submarine is a complex process that ranges from purchasing a historic vessel for preservation to navigating the strictly regulated market of decommissioned naval assets. While a civilian cannot legally purchase an active-duty or nuclear-powered submarine, there are avenues for acquiring older, conventional diesel-electric models for specific purposes like museums or private collections.
: Turning an old sub into a habitable space or a tourist attraction is a monumental task. To make a Barbel-class sub sea-ready for civilians could cost an estimated $1.5 billion due to the need to replace military-spec equipment with civilian-certified systems. Alternative Uses buy old military submarine
Acquiring a submarine is only the first expense; the logistics of moving and maintaining it are staggering. Buying an old military submarine is a complex
Because of the high cost of making them dive again, most old submarines find new life as stationary structures. U.S.S. Albacore - OTIS (Odd Things I've Seen) To make a Barbel-class sub sea-ready for civilians
Buying an old military submarine is a complex process that ranges from purchasing a historic vessel for preservation to navigating the strictly regulated market of decommissioned naval assets. While a civilian cannot legally purchase an active-duty or nuclear-powered submarine, there are avenues for acquiring older, conventional diesel-electric models for specific purposes like museums or private collections.
: Turning an old sub into a habitable space or a tourist attraction is a monumental task. To make a Barbel-class sub sea-ready for civilians could cost an estimated $1.5 billion due to the need to replace military-spec equipment with civilian-certified systems. Alternative Uses
Acquiring a submarine is only the first expense; the logistics of moving and maintaining it are staggering.
Because of the high cost of making them dive again, most old submarines find new life as stationary structures. U.S.S. Albacore - OTIS (Odd Things I've Seen)