Have you ever wanted to have a real adventure? Did you ever dream about exploring the deep oceans where the most advanced scuba diver cannot go? When you think about the depth restrictions that face most scuba divers, the idea of a small 'personal' submarine with capabilities of depths of 1,000 or 3,300 feet sounds pretty interesting. Such a submarine is now available from Triton Submarines, who build several designs at their facilities in Florida. Designed for yacht based use, these deep water submersibles feature the ultimate in technology and safety.
Obviously, this is a serious piece of equipment which is not something that you decide to buy on impulse. Up till now, only ocean engineers, scientists, researchers, and military specialists could explore the depths of the ocean and experience exploring depths between 200 and 1,000 feet or deeper. Tritons are available in 2 and 3 person models with two depth designs, 1000 feet or 3300 feet. All four models are ABS classed vessels which provide very strict safety requirements.
Triton models are engineered with many unique features that set them apart from the competition. The acrylic sphere provides an extreme viewing which maximizes the experience. Its compact design requires less than 14 x 9 feet of deck space, yet is very stable in the water with the catamaran design. They are launched and recovered without personnel inside. By not requiring a 'man-rated launch and recovery system' the cost of purchase and operation is kept lower. The sub has great maneuverability being able to rotate within its own length. The main ballast chambers are located directly above the standard batteries which power the submarine. Compressed air and oxygen tanks are located directly below the occupant compartment. Onboard automated electronic systems provide highly sophisticated control and monitoring capabilities.
The sub is engineered with the aid of a great deal of technology designed for ease of operation. The thrusters are controlled by a three axis joystick which allows complete control of the sub. All systems are monitored by both mechanical gauges and electronic 'touch screen' reducing complications for the pilot. With features like an advanced auto pilot, GPS / Doppler navigation, automated alarms, and embedded checklists for added safety, this is a highly capable submarine. In addition, the sub features monitors for oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, depth, and gas pressures. Depending upon the model, the endurance time is between 6 to 10 hours.
The occupants are sitting upright in comfortable seats inside an air conditioned passenger compartment. Since that passenger compartment remains at one atmosphere pressure, there's no need for concerns about decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, or oxygen toxicity. The submarine can rapidly dive to depth and surface to the recovery position without making decompression stops.
This is the ultimate in tech diving. The submarine is like one big re-breather unit with the tanks strapped underneath, not on your back or side. Safety features include quick drop ballast, making the sub buoyant at any depth. The hydraulic articulated arm has a quick emergency disconnect also. Safety features are designed into every aspect of the submarine. If a system malfunctions, there are redundant systems in place to prevent failure.
The life support system in the Triton uses what is known as a 'metabolic make up system', the same as other submersibles and submarines. The cabin is replenished with oxygen as the crew consumes it and the carbon dioxide is removed (scrubbed) through a bed of soda lime granules. The system provides for a constant flow of oxygen adjusted by the consumption rate of the occupants. The cabin pressure stays at one atmosphere except for slight changes in pressure due to temperature changes. Remember Charles' Law from your dive class days? The cabin pressure is monitored by an aneroid barometer.
The Triton Submarine company also includes an extremely advanced training program with the purchase of each submarine. They've developed a sub-simulator that provides a 'hands on' feel of operational procedures with the sub. In addition, they offer an in-house pilot and maintenance program along with 24/7 product support.
Without a doubt, the Triton personal submarines are the most practical way to explore the oceans at depths beyond that of the recreational diver. So, if you are planning to explore the ocean depths from 300-1000 feet or deeper, you'll want to learn more about the submarine models from Triton Submarines.
We understand that the market for the Triton Submarine is extremely limited around the world. However, we see a commercial application along with some extreme ocean experience adventure providers. Our recent visit to their facility allowed us to see the quality firsthand and we are planning to write more articles about their submarines.
