Titanic Survey Expedition
faq
What are the eligibility requirements to join the expedition?
- Be at least 18 years of age when the mission begins
- Have a valid passport, be able to live aboard a Dive Support Ship at sea for up to one week
- Be able to board small boats (Zodiacs) in rough seas
- Are comfortable in dynamic environments where plans and timetables may change
- Be able to demonstrate basic strength, balance and flexibility (i.e. climb a 6-foot ladder, carry 20 lbs., etc.)
How much is the Training and Mission Support Contribution for each Mission Specialist?
The mission support fee for the 2021 Titanic Survey Expedition is $125,000 per Mission Specialist. On December 31,2020 the fee increases to $150,000.
What is included?
- One submersible dive to the wreck of the RMS Titanic
- An opportunity to perform a rare feat that only a few hundred people have ever accomplished
- Accommodations and meals aboard the dive support ship
- Shoreside accommodations, meals, and ground transportation in St. John’s as shown in the itinerary
- Mission Specialist training and coaching before and during the mission
- Opportunities to actively support the expedition and dive operations team, content experts aboard the submersible and surface support vessels
- Opportunities to attend private pre-expedition planning and information events with the expedition crew and content experts
- Presentations by content experts and scientists before and during the mission
- Expedition gear
- Expedition report detailing the discoveries made by the mission teams
What is NOT included:
Your travel costs to and from St. John's, Newfoundland.
How long is each mission?
Each mission is 10 days, including 8 days at sea.
What equipment or gear will be provided for me?
In addition to your personal expedition gear, all personal protective equipment (i.e. hard hat, rubber boots, PFD, etc.) a VHF radio and foul weather gear will be provided for use while on board the ship.
What will the accommodations be like?
Mission Specialists will enjoy private living quarters and share the ship’s common areas with the entire expedition crew. These common areas can include lounges, ready room for crew briefings, dining area, a small media room for viewing recorded programs and expedition media, and a small workout room. It should be noted that Dive Support Ships are comfortable and clean, but are not considered luxurious.
What kind of training will I receive?
When you arrive aboard the ship you will receive a vessel orientation and safety briefing. This will include vessel safety drills and practice donning a survival suit. Throughout the mission, you can take part in Mission Specialist training which will qualify you to assist the crew and content experts on board the submersible or the ship. See Crew Roles page for examples.
How many people will be in the submersible?
Each dive roster will consist of up to five people. This roster will usually include: a Pilot, three Mission Specialists, and one Content Expert.
How long will my dive be?
Average dive time will be 8-10 hours. Dive time may vary depending on specific mission objectives, environmental, logistical or personnel considerations.
Is there a bathroom on the sub?
Yes, a small portable toilet and privacy screen are available for use inside of Titan. However, it is recommended that you reduce consumption prior to, and during the dive to reduce the need to use the facilities as much as possible.
How do I join the expedition?
To join the expedition, you must first submit a crew application to provide information that the Expedition Leader will use to assess your ability to participate in the expedition. Please see the Join Us page for additional information.
Can I Bring a Companion?
If there is berthing available, Mission Specialists are welcome to bring a companion for an additional fee of 50% of Mission Specialist fee. Companions may participate in all the expeditions activities except for a submersible dive. All companions must apply to join and meet the same requirements as the Mission Specialist. Companions share a ship stateroom and hotel room with the Mission Specialist they are joining.There is a limit of 3 companions per mission so please contact the expedition team for the current availability.
How many people have been to the Titanic?
Fewer people have visited theTitanic than have flown in space.
Who are the content experts?
Content experts join the expedition to expand the team’s ability to explore and gather data or images of the wreck. These experts include Titanic historians, deep sea marine biologists, marine archaeologists, microbiologists, film makers and technical specialists. A preliminary list of specific experts will be provided when available.
How deep is the dive?
Titanic rests on the seabed at a depth of 3800 meters (12,800 feet) or about 3.8 km (2.4 miles).
How long does it take to descend to the wreck?
Descending to the wreck and ascending at the end of the dive both take approximately 2.5 hours, providing approximately 3 hours to explore the wreck during an 8-hour dive.
How long can the submersible stay down?
For a crew of 5, the sub has 96 hours of life support.
Is it safe?
Manned submersibles are among the safest vehicles in the world. In the last 35 years, over 11 million people have dived in certified, non-military, manned submersibles – all without a serious injury.
How many people are in the expedition crew and who are they?
During each mission segment the crew consists of 9 mission specialists, 8 to 10 OceanGate pilots and support crew, 4 to 6 content experts, 20 vessel crew, plus technical experts, film crew, a doctor, and companions for a total of 50 to 60 people aboard the vessel during your mission.
What is the temperature on board the sub during a dive?
During any dive, the internal temperature inside the carbon fiber hull is typically a few degrees warmer than the outside water temperature. For dives to Titanic, we expect the internal temperature to be approximately 40-50 degrees F (4-10 degrees C).
Is claustrophobia a problem?
Claustrophobia has not been a problem. After over 300 dives in three subs, we have not had anyone feel claustrophobic. For this expedition, we will provide opportunities for all mission specialists to climb aboard one of our submersibles to experience what it is like inside the sub prior to joining the expedition.
Experience the mystery and participate in the knowledge
