Can the Captain be the pilot?

Who is in charge of the submersible operation?

Who can act as the submersible “Surface Controller?”

What is the weight of the submersible?

What is the size of the submersible?

Are the submersibles classed?

How is the submersible launched?

Who can do the maintenance?

Where can I get spare parts?    

How many crew are required to safely operate a submersible diving operation?

How do currents affect the submersible?

How long does it take for a submersible’s batteries to be re-charged?  

How much oxygen must be carried and how is it stored?  

Does SEAmagine offer a technical support program?

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Can the Captain be the pilot?  
SEAmagine recommends that the captain undergo the theoretical training phase of the pilot training program in order to fully understand all aspects of the submersible operation but must remain topside at all times during diving operations to help surface support.
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How long does the Training Take?
SEAmagine has an extensive and structured pilot training program, which it developed initially with the US Coast Guard. This program has been expanded and exported to 5 countries to date with excellent results. Typical training for a minimum crew of 3 students requires 4 to 5 weeks full time and covers 1 week of theory classes and 3-4 weeks of practical training.
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Who is in charge of the submersible operation?  
A submersible operation always has topside a trained “surface controller” who is designated as the Operations Controller and who acts as a control tower during diving operations. The Operations Controller must be a trained submersible pilot and is responsible for the submersible operation at all times. The operations controller coordinates submersible activities with the support vessel captain to ensure safety of the submersible and surface facilities.
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Who can act as the submersible “Surface Controller?” 
The “Surface Controller” takes on the role of Operations Controller and is a trained submersible pilot who has successfully undergone the full training program, understands all aspects of the submersible, the required operational protocol as well as availability and status of all safety support vehicles at surface. The surface controller is intimately familiar with the submersible’s capabilities and limitations. The controller supervises the diving operations and effectively directs safety procedures in case of emergency.
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What is the weight of the submersible?  
SEAmagine’s smallest submersible is the 2 Person Ocean Pearl model with a dry weight of 7,100lbs  
SEAmagine’s largest submersible is its 3 Person Triumph model with a dry weight of 15,500 lbs.
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What is the size of the submersible?  
SEAmagine’s smallest submersible is the 2 Person Ocean Pearl model:  

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Are the submersibles classed?  
Yes, all SEAmagine submersibles are classed +A1 by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and can also be certified by US Coast Guard or by the Cayman Island Shipping Registry (CISR). During the construction of each submersible, ABS surveyors inspect all key aspects of the construction, survey all functional test of the various systems and witness the sea trials, which include the final test dive to the submersible’s maximum operating depth.   |Top|  

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How is the submersible launched?  
SEAmagine’s submersibles have a four point hoisting arrangement for launching. SEAmagine’s Triumph model also has the option for a single point hoist. Since SEAmagine’s submersibles have a patented buoyancy system that permits them to float high above the water line when on surface, the operator launches the vessel with no occupants on board. The launch and recovery of SEAmagine submersibles is performed unmanned, reducing the cost of the handling system since the cranes are not required to be “man-rated” which would involve far greater safety factors and larger equipment. Once launched, the external controls on the submersible allow a pilot to drive the submersible on surface as any tender and dock the craft to the dive deck where it is tied off and then prepared to receive its crew.

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Who can do the maintenance? 
The trained submersible pilots along with the ship’s engineer(s) will be able to perform the majority of the regular maintenance. Experienced service personnel from SEAmagine's headquarters are available 24/7 for worldwide coverage through SEAmagine's Yearly Technical Support Program. Typically, SEAmagine performs annual maintenance with the crew in coordination with the annual ABS inspection that needs to be done in order for the submersible to remain in class.
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Where can I get spare parts?  
SEAmagine provides a comprehensive spare parts kit for the submersible to ensure that a crew can perform the regular maintenance and replace key components in the field on a need basis. All spares can be ordered from SEAmagine’s headquarters and furthermore, in some cases, SEAmagine engineering can help operators identify local suppliers where parts or materials can be ordered directly.
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How many crew are required to operate a submersible? 
A minimum of two trained pilots plus a trained deck hand are required to safely operate a submersible diving operation. This includes the pilot in the submersible, the trained surface controller that acts as the operations controller during the dive, and a trained deck hand that can assist the submersible without the surface controller leaving his or her station.
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How do currents affect the submersible?
SEAmagine submersibles should be operated in diving areas with currents under two knots. In the instance greater currents are encountered during a dive, SEAmagine’s submersible have additional “Boost” power to increase the propulsion thrust and allow the pilot to exit the high current stream. Furthermore, proper training is required to learn how to best handle currents and execute a safe dive plan.  
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How long does it take for a submersible’s batteries to be re-charged?  
SEAmagine submersible have sufficient propulsion power for 6 continuous hours after which the batteries need to be recharged. The batteries are recharged overnight once back on the ships’ deck. Recharge time is typically 4 to 6 hours if the batteries have been substantially drained.  
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How much oxygen must be carried and how is it stored?  
The submersibles do not consume large quantities of oxygen in their life support system. SEAmagine submersibles all have a main oxygen supply and a reserve oxygen supply as backup. The main oxygen tank must be replaced after 30 to 32 hours of cumulative diving. The oxygen tanks are regular 120cuft (15L) oxygen cleaned SCUBA tanks that are certified for transport and are easily stored. The ship can carry a number of oxygen filled 120cuft (15L) tanks that can be swapped out when at sea and refilled at the next harbor stop over. As an example, for an ABS classed submersible, 6 full spare tanks will provide in excess of 180 hours of cumulative diving before they need to be refilled.  The oxygen used on the submersibles is medical oxygen and the tanks are stored in a protected environment as any medial oxygen.
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Does SEAmagine offer a technical support program?
Yes, SEAmagine has a yearly technical support program available. Experienced service personnel from SEAmagine's headquarters are available 24/7 for worldwide coverage through SEAmagine's Yearly Technical Support Program. Typically, SEAmagine performs an annual maintenance with the crew in coordination with the annual ABS inspection that needs to be done in order for the submersible to remain in class.  
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What do I need to organize on the ship to accommodate a submersible?
There are a number of aspects that need to be taken into account for integrating the submersible onto a ship:

• Proper Electrical AC power for the submersible’s battery charger
• Proper rated crane/handling system for launch and recovery
• Sufficient storage area for spare parts
• High-pressure air compressor for refilling the submersible air tanks
• Storage area for high pressure air and oxygen tanks

Every ship has some differences. SEAmagine’s engineering department is highly experienced and will assist to provide the necessary support for helping determine each ships integration requirements.  
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