Deep Rovers & Remora 2000

Windows in the Sea
Exploring Ancient Shipwrecks will use three high-tech submersibles: two Deep Rovers and the Remora 2000. Each will carry a pilot and one expedition participant.

The Two Deep Rovers
"Jules" and "Jim" were built in 1994 by the U.S. company Deep Ocean Engineering. They were ordered by the giant French media company, Canal+ to be used for an extensive global television production of feature length ocean-related programs.

The Deep Rovers are capable of diving to a depth of 3,300 feet (1,000 metres) which gives access to 40% of the seafloor of the world's oceans. Unlike most manned submersibles the entire Deep Rover pressure hull is made of transparent acrylic plastic with a safety rating four times greater than its operating depth. Essentially it is one huge window under the sea. These submersibles are classed and regularly inspected by the American Bureau of Shipping, an international regulatory organization that sets standards for submersible design, construction and in-service maintenance. Deep Rover is a proven design, Jules and Jim having made several hundred dives.

Name of submersible
Deep Rover

Constructor
Deep Ocean Engineering ( California )

Weight
6.12 tons

Service Depth
3300 feet (1000metres)

Capacity
1 pilot, 1 observer

Pressure hull
Acrylic transparent sphere
Unobstructed 360 degree view

Length
10 ft 10 ins (3.3m)

Width
8.2 ft (2.5m)

Height
8.2 ft (2.5m)

Classification bureau
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Remora 2000 was built in 1994 by Comex Industries in Marseilles, France, a company that has built over 26 manned submersibles. This submersible's general configuration is similar to Deep Rover including the all-acrylic pressure hull. However Remora 2000's depth capability is 2,000 feet (600 metres). Remora 2000 is classified by Bureau Veritas of France whose requirements are similar to those of American Bureau of Shipping.

Remora 2000 diving operations are supported by a dedicated 100 ft (30metres) long mother ship, Minibex, which also works under contract to the French Navy and the French Ministry of Culture (department of Archaeology). Remora 2000 has had a trouble-free diving record since going into service in 1994 during which time it has performed more than 330 successful dives. Minibex comes equipped with an amazing array of modern electronic systems. A world class R.O.V. (remote operated vehicle) is standard equipment on board.

Name of submersible
Remora 2000

Constructor
Comex ( Marseilles )

Weight
5.3 tons

Service depth
2000 feet (610 metres)

Capacity
1 pilot, 1 observer

Pressure hull
Acrylic transparent sphere Unobstructed 360 degree view

Length
11 ft. (3.4m)

Width
8 ft (2.4 m)

Height
7 ft. (2.15m)

Classification bureau
Bureau Veritas

The owners and crews of all of these three submersibles are amongst the world's leading experts on submersible design and operations.

Your diving experience in these superb craft will be like no other as diving in a transparent hull submersible is like being in a Hole in the ocean with you inside the center.