DEPTH RATING
THE GREAT BAHAMA BANK EXPEDITION
DEEP-DWELLING SHARKS, RARE WHALES AND HISTORIC SHIPWRECKS
OceanGate Expeditions will dive to 487 meters (1,600 ft), depths far beyond the reach of SCUBA near the Great Bahama Bank to research sharks, whales, shipwrecks and deep marine biology. This remarkable, protected area is home to an abundance of rare and unique sea creatures including Cuvier’s and Blainville’s beaked whales, deep-dwelling sharks and historic shipwrecks.
March 23- April 24, 2020
THE EXPERIENCE
DIVE LOCATION: NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS
DIVE DURATION: 3 - 5 HOURS
MAX DEPTH: 487 METERS (1,600 FT)
PRE & POST DIVE BRIEF
During the pre-dive brief, your Mission Director will review dive objective and important safety information. Immediately following the dive, participate in a post-dive brief to recap discoveries, observations and your overall experience.
TOW OUT AND TRANSFERS
The submersible will be towed out to the dive site via OceanGate's primary topside support vessel. The dive crew will be transferred to the dive site in our high-speed transfer vessel, Vito.
LAUNCH AND RECOVERY
All Cyclops class subs are launched and retrieved using a patented launch and recovery platform. Operated similarly to a ship dry dock, the integrated unit is submerged to a depth of 7 - 10 meters where the pilot can fly the sub on and off without interference from the surface turbulence.
The Dive
The dive begins with an exploration of the De La Salle wreck located just off Nassau at a depth of about 80 feet. Spend time exploring the artificial reef that attracts large schools of fish. From there the pilot will navigate the sub 600 yards east underwater to the Tongue of the Ocean and travel down the ecologically rich subsea wall to 1,600 feet. During your descent along this unexplored area, the onboard researcher will help you to identify rare species, unique corals and possibly even deep-diving whale or shark.
SUPPORT THE RESEARCH
In coordination with The University of The Bahamas, OceanGate Expeditions will publicly produce and share research findings for educational use.
Join this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and participate in a dive as a Mission Specialist, where you will play an active role in helping to collect data, operate deep ocean technology and assist the research team.
CYCLOPS 1
OceanGate Inc. is at the forefront of engineering and building the world's most advanced deep-diving 5-person subs. From the comfort of Cyclops 1, you and your dive team will glide through the crystal clear waters observing unique corals, rare marine life and historic shipwrecks through the massive 58" viewport.
SEATING
5 PERSON
SPEED
2.5 KNOTS
PROPULSION
FOUR INNERSPACE ELECTRIC THRUSTERS
ACSENT | DESCENT RATE
10 METERS / MIN
VIEWPORT
58" ACRYLIC DOME
LIFE SUPPORT
96 HOURS FOR 5 PEOPLE
MISSION DATES AND AVAILABILITY
Week 1 |
March 23 - March 29 |
Limited |
Week 2 |
March 30 - April 5 |
Available |
Week 3 |
April 6 - April 12 |
Available |
Week 4 |
April 13 - April 19 |
Available |
Week 5 |
April 20 - April 24 |
Available |
Mission Requirements:
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Be able to board small boats (Zodiacs) in varied seas.
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Be at least 18 years of age at the time the expedition commences.
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Can demonstrate basic balance, mobility and flexibility (i.e. climb a 6-foot step ladder, carry 20 lbs., etc.)
Mission SPECIALIST Fee: $45,000
The mission support fee includes one dive for you and two guests. Active participation is encouraged. During your dive, you can expect to assist the sub pilot and onboard researcher, by communicating with the topside support crew, documenting marine life, and operating camera, navigation, and sonar equipment.
