Fast Facts:
Expedition Date:
Sept-Oct, 2010

Location:
Santa Catalina Island,
California, USA

Objectives:
  • support the field work of leading researchers; and
  • promote STEM education with local school children
Partners:




TECHNOLOGY


Antipodes

Antipodes, OceanGate’s primary research submarine, will be utilized for deep dives around Catalina Island. With its twin acrylic domes, 5 person capacity and 936 foot depth rating, it offers researchers an unique opportunity to reach ocean depths that have been left unexplored.

Benefits:


  • 5-person occupancy yields large operational capacity and allows teams to multi-task and collaborate.
  • 936-foot rating gives access to virtually all of the world’s continental shelves and biology below the photic zone.
  • 58" hemi-spherical acrylic domes open up unparalleled views for direct observation and underwater work environments.
  • 7-ton weight and 15 ft. x 7.5 ft. x 8 ft. dimensions allow for maximum portability on a variety of ships of opportunity.
  • Flexible charter and lease programs gives access to filmmakers, yacht owners, resorts, tour operators, explorers, treasure hunters, salvage operators, rescue teams, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

History:

First built in 1973 as a diver lock-out sub by Perry Submarine, the PC-1501 spent several years operating in the North Sea oil fields. Rebuilt in 1995 and renamed XPC15, it was installed and operated around the world aboard the Mystere, a 200-foot yacht. It was further modified in 2001 and renamed Antipodes by Submarine Adventures, which successfully operated the sub in Milford Sound, New Zealand, where it took thousands of tourists on dives to depths of 1,000 feet.

Safety:

Antipodes is certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and has proven itself as a safe and effective vessel throughout the course of over 1,200 dives in a variety of sea conditions. While typical mission profiles will call for dives of 2-8 hours in duration, it can support five people for up to 72 hours.

Specs:


Mission: Primary manned submersible
Builder: Perry / Hoffmann / Marlin / SAL
USCG Hull No.: HFZS15011295
Seating: 5 persons (1 pilot + 4 crew)
Depth: 285 meters / 936 feet
Dimensions: 4.5 m x 2.3 m x 2.4 m / 15 ft x 7.5 ft x 8 ft
Crane Weight: 6,500 kg / 14,000 lbs
Payload: 385 kg / 850 lbs
Speed: 1 knot (cruising), 3 knots (max)
Propulsion: Six 2-hp reversible thrusters vectored for 3-axis maneuvering
Life Support: 72 hours (w/5 persons)
Classification: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) + A-1 Submersible (ABS ID: 7310882)
Dive Record: 1,240+ Total Dives