There are a number of
important points to consider when evaluating a submersible than simply seeing a
transparent bubble and its depth rating or size. A comprehensive overview on key points need to
be considered that will reflect the submarine’s key advantages on its design
but also on its safety for operation, practicality at sea, comfort for
passengers, and long term value of the vessel. The following points that are taken
into account on SEAmagine’s Aurora submersibles provide good references on how
to evaluate a submarine and its suitability for operations.
1. WHY SUBMERSIBLE GEOMETRY MATTERS
The Aurora's field of
view is greatly enhanced by moving the access hatch away from the top of the
window into a separate compartment behind the main cabin. Its unique ability to
tilt at surface provides an extremely stable platform for boarding, which does
not require obtrusive forward pontoons that severely restrict peripheral
viewing. A specifically
designed aft section provides an ideal docking configuration that can be firmly
secured as opposed to some awkward geometry. This well thought out approach,
derived from experience and ingenuity, is important in ensuring safety and
comfort for boarding, even in rough sea conditions.
2. WHY SURFACE LOGISTICS ARE PARAMOUNT
The
ease and safety of submersible operations is primarily defined by surface
logistics. SEAmagine's remote external controls allow the submersible to be
maneuvered at surface without the need to even open the cabin, drastically
simplifying surface logistics. The ability to tow a submersible effectively
expands the possibilities of operating at remote dive sites away from the
mother ship. The Aurora is designed to be towed backwards, thus protecting the
acrylic cabin, and the angled orientation helps to lift the submersible out and
on top of the water as opposed to digging into it, increasing the efficiency of
the operation.
3. SAFE PASSENGER BOARDING
When floating at surface, the Aurora offers a solid and stable platform with a high freeboard and a horizontal walking deck, assisted with telescoping hand rails, to guide the boarding process to the large top hatch. The purposely designed stern provides a secure docking arrangement to enhance the convenience of the boarding process, critical for rough weather operation.4. ESSENTIALS FOR PASSENGER COMFORT
Passenger comfort is
not simply defined by how large the cabin size is but, as the Aurora model
offers, it begins with the ease and safety of the boarding process. A large
access hatch, comfortable and spacious seating configuration, reliable
environmental controls with air conditioning, and a panoramic field of view
unobstructed by any top hatch or side pontoons, all add up to deliver a truly
exceptional underwater experience.
5. THE
IMPORTANCE OF OPERATIONAL ROBUSTNESS
Sea conditions can be
unpredictable and although a dive may begin in ideal conditions, it may end in
inclement weather. Besides the need for the safe transfer of passengers, the
vessel needs to be securely docked and recovered on the mother ship. In high
winds and seas the submersible needs to be robust enough to survive without
damage. SEAmagine submersibles have a long successful history of operating in a
range of adverse conditions and remote locations, and that heritage is carried
over into the Aurora design.
6. IMPORTANT
PROPULSION CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to having
high power thrusters, it is important to have excellent maneuvering capability
in all directions and not simply top forward speed. The Aurora, with a speed of
over 4 knots, has 6 vectored thrusters that allow the craft movement in all
directions on the horizontal plane, including directly sideways and rotation
around the center axis. Furthermore, the vectored vertical thrusters allow
vertical maneuvering up and down, as well as sideways descent and ascent giving
the ultimate handling configuration.
7. WHY
MODULARITY FOR ADDITIONAL TOOLS MATTERS
Over time, SEAmagine's
customers have continued to add new features to expand their submersible's
capabilities. Robotic arms, fly-out ROVs that can be controlled from the cabin,
and 360 degree panoramic HD video cameras are among the many options. The
Aurora's equipment interface modularity allows for all existing equipment to be
integrated after delivery, with room for expansion in the future as new
technology is developed.
8. A
CRUCIAL INGREDIENT - PROVEN LONG TERM TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SEAmagine has been supporting its clients for
the past 18 years and established a solid training program for submersible
pilots, support crew, and ship engineers. The need and requirements of clients
around the world vary continuously and the owners, captains, and crew need
reliable support from their submersible manufacturer. SEAmagine has pioneered
this necessity from its inception, and has a documented track record established
over many years.
9. FORMAL
CLASSIFICATION APPROVAL
SEAmagine’s submersibles are not experimental vessels and are built
under the approval process of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and
international maritime classification organization. All SEAmagine submarines are classed A1+
by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) that performs all inspections and
surveys on each submersible constructed. All design elements are reviewed by
ABS’s engineering review board and the manufacturing and testing surveyed by
their field operations. SEAmagine’s total dedication to safety and quality of
all its commercial submarines and yachting submersibles has gained the respect
of many of the regulatory groups in the world. SEAmagine has a very close and
strong working relationship with ABS, both at the engineering review
headquarters in Houston, and at the Survey Office in Long Beach California. 10. COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
It is important that the submersible has a well-structured
training program not only for the submarine pilot but also for the support crew
as well as the technical support members. SEAmagine developed its initial
submersible pilot training program in conjunction with the US Coast Guard in
2000. From this base the program has expanded over the years, and is today an
extremely well structured and proven process. The objective of the training
program is not only to have trained submersible pilots, but to also ensure that
the full crew of the ship is familiar with the overall operation and its
contingencies.
