Deep-diving manned submersibles, such as Alvin, which gained worldwide fame when researchers used it to reach the wreck of the Titanic, have helped advance deep-ocean science. But many scholars in this field have noted that the number and capabilities of today's underwater vehicles no longer meet current scientific demands. At the same time, the relative value of manned and unmanned vehicles is often disputed. The report finds that new submersibles—both manned and unmanned—that are more capable than those in the current fleet are needed and would be of great value to the advancement of ocean research.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Understanding Deep Submergence Science
3 Overview of Existing and Planned Assets
4 Addressing the Need for Improved Deep Submergence Assets
5 Summary and Recommendations
6 References
Appendix A: Committee and Staff Biographies
Appendix B: Acronyms
Appendix C: International Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Appendix D: Jason II and the New HOV Estimated Subsystem Weights and Costs
Color Plates