The Safety Of Deep Sea Submersibles
The ocean depth remains a challenge for exploration and discovery. The extreme inaccessibility to the depths of the ocean floor make it a mysterious frontier, where there are still more questions than answers.
Several companies have pioneered exploration for science and research. There are also operators that offer tours in deep sea submersibles, to bring thrill seekers to where few people have been. They come at a hefty price, but can be worth it due to the experience.
While the idea of going to the bottom of the ocean in a deep sea submersible is possible, it is not as safe as riding in an airplane. That comparison shows that there is plenty of danger one can encounter and the difficulty of such voyage.
The OceanGate Titan raises awareness of the the dangers of deep sea submersible trips. It was a tragic incident, but could it have been prevented or at least mitigated? Let us explore the safety of these vessels and understand what they face during the descent to the ocean’s depths.
What Are Deep Sea Submersibles?
Deep sea submersibles are engineered to operate in extreme conditions and are generally considered safe for deep-sea exploration. They are like mini-submarines, with less equipment and crew. They can usually fit just a few people, and without the comforts and amenities since these vessels do not have the space for that (in their current form).
The operation of deep sea submersibles heavily relies on the skills and experience of the pilots operating them. A pilot must undergo training to handle the complex machinery and navigate the challenging conditions of the deep sea. Their expertise ensures the safe operation of the submersible and assure the crew’s well-being.
They are built to withstand the high pressure of the deep ocean, so they need structural integrity. For every 33 feet (10.06 meters) of descent, the pressure increases by 1 atmosphere (14.6 psi or pounds per square inch). A depth of 1,000 meters is 100 atmospheres or 1460 psi. They are thus constructed using strong materials that undergo controlled testing that follow rigorous engineering standards.
The Dangers And Risks
While deep sea submersibles are typically safe, they are not without risks. Tour operators often take tourists on short trips at manageable levels, not more than 1,000 feet. When descending deeper, the risks begin to increase.
Despite the protocols in place, there is always a risk of structural failure or damage due to unexpected circumstances, such as collisions with underwater objects or equipment malfunction. These can be critical to the success of any voyage, so they have to be taken seriously.
These vessels must have reliable life support systems to ensure the safety of occupants during dives. These systems provide breathable air, temperature regulation, and other essential provisions. Failures in life support systems could pose serious risks to the occupants.
There should be emergency protocols and safety procedures for the crew. These include emergency buoyancy systems, redundant power and life support systems, and communication devices. Crew members receive training on emergency procedures and are prepared to handle unforeseen situations.
Inspections and maintenance checks before each dive to identify any potential issues should also be required. This helps ensure that the submersible is in optimal condition and reduces the risk of equipment failure during the actual dive. This reduces any problems that might occur, providing more safety for the crew and passengers.
There are also limitations in terms of depth and operating time. Each submersible has a specified maximum depth it can safely reach and a limited amount of life support resources. Exceeding these limits can compromise safety.
What Went Wrong With Titan?
The Titan deep sea submersible (22 feet long, 10,432 kg) was a tragedy that could have been prevented. An implosion destroyed the vessel as it was descending the depths of the Atlantic Ocean toward the ruins of the Titanic as part of a tour package for deep sea dives. Unfortunately, the vessel was not able to handle the pressure of the ocean which led to its implosion before reaching the Titanic wreck.
There were already concerns prior to that fateful day it descended. Experts who were able to analyze the submersible had raised safety concerns back in 2018. According to a report:
OceanGate chose not to pursue the industry’s recognized certification process for the submersible’s design, fabrication and testing.
There was no oversight regarding the vessel, so this posed many risks. It was like a science experiment that was never certified by peers regarding safety and operation.
One of the issues, which an ex-employee discussed, was regarding the vessels carbon fiber hull. This material was not common for submersibles, and would require intense testing at extreme depths over time for certification.
Synopsis
Deep sea submersibles can be safe to operate. The Titan tragedy just gives a bad impression of these vessels, although many are operating safely around the world.
This is a problem of ignoring engineering principles when it comes to design and procedures. Arrogance and hubris may have played a part in this, which is ignorance that leads to disaster.
In order to ensure safety and guarantee a high level of success, deep sea submersibles must be regulated to follow the standards set forth by industry experts. With rules in place, vessels can expect safer operations that put human lives at less risk.
