SUBMARINE SAFETY

Submarines are the safest vehicles in the world

Over the last four decades, the submarine community has seen a huge increase in the number of manned submersibles operating around the world for research, tourism, and private use. Antipodes follows in a long line of safe, dependable manned submersibles.

In the period from 1974 to today there has been a 25 fold increase in the number of dives per year. In 1974 approximately 1900 dives were performed. Today, nearly 50,000 dives are performed each year.

During this period, over 350,000 dives have been performed.

Worldwide, there are currently 88 submersible vehicles in operation: 41 for tourism, 19 for research, and 28 for commercial purposes.

Since 1974, there has not been a serious injury or fatality on an ABS certified passenger submersible. Over 11 million passengers have been carried in these certified vessels.

This impressive safety record is a testimony to the professionalism of the industry members in adhering to safe design and operating procedures monitored by government and industry organizations.

Antipodes

Antipodes is certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and has proven itself as a safe, effective, and dependable vessel throughout the course of over 1,300 dives in a variety of sea conditions.

In US waters, the safe operation Antipodes and all of our surface support resources are governed by the United States Coast Guard. Antipodes is designated as an Oceanographic Research Vessel, and OceanGate prepares and submits an Operations Plan to the US Coast Guard which approves the plan prior to each expedition.

While typical mission profiles call for dives of 2 to 8 hours long, Antipodes carries surplus air and power to support five people for an additional 72 hours. Her life support systems do not require electrical power, so in the unlikely event of a power failure, the pilot can easily ascend to the surface – even without onboard electricity.

During each dive, Antipodes’ crew is in frequent sonar phone contact with the surface support team which monitors the sub’s location and status, and is available to bring in additional support if needed.

The entire OceanGate team is steadfastly committed to insuring the safety of all participants in our expeditions.