| The
Naval Architects Perspective
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight of
the submersible?
What is the size of the
submersible?
How is the
submersible launched?
Are the submersibles
classed?
How long does it
take to build?
Are there special
Flag-State requirements for submersibles?
How much oxygen must
be carried and how is it stored?
What do I need to
organize on the ship to accommodate a submersible?
How Can I best
refit or redesign the ship to accommodate the submersible?
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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
while SEAmagine’s largest submersible is its 3 Person Triumph model
with a dry weight of 15,500 lbs. |Top|
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What is
the size of the submersible?
SEAmagine’s smallest
submersible is the 2 Person Ocean Pearl model:
| Length: |
14 ft, 10 in (4.53m) |
|
|
| Width: |
8 ft (2.44m) |
|
|
| Height
with Cabin Closed: |
7ft,
8 in (2.34m) |
|
|
|
SEAmagine’s
largest submersible is its 3 Person Triumph model:
|
|
|
| Length: |
17 ft, 6 in (5.33m) |
|
|
| Width: |
10 ft, 2 in (3.11m) |
|
|
| Height
with Cabin Closed: |
9 ft, 10 in (3.00m) |
|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. |Top|
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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 long does it take to build?
As a baseline SEAmagine’s 2-person Ocean Pearl model delivery if
14 months while the 3-person Triumph Model delivery is 24 months.
|Top|
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US Flag State have specific requirements if the submersible
is to be used for “passengers for hire” in which case the US
Coast Guard requires additional vessel inspections and technical
reviews above ABS or other classing societies. For private use,
the US territory does not have specific requirements.
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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. |Top|
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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.
|Top|
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How Can I best refit or redesign the ship to
accommodate the submersible?
The best first step when looking into the redesign or
refit of an existing ship is to first contact SEAmagine’s
engineering department. There are a number of aspects to consider
and SEAmagine’s extensive technical knowledge is an important
source of knowledge on available options. In many cases some
adjustments on the submersible is possible to simplify the
integration on an existing ship design. |Top|
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