Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Titan Submersible

Mains level: Submersible Tourism

titanic

Central Idea: All five crew onboard the Titan submersible are dead after a catastrophic implosion.

What is Submersible?

Submersibles are vessels designed for underwater travel, often used for research, exploration, and tourism purposes.
They are white tubes of about 6.7 meters long and 2.8 meters wide, and have a top speed of three knots or 5.5 kilometers (3.5 miles) an hour.
In the context of tourism, submersibles provide passengers with the opportunity to experience the wonders of the underwater world and explore marine ecosystems.
Submersible tourism has gained popularity among adventurous travellers, offering unique opportunities to explore the underwater world.

Submersible Tourism and the Titanic Site

The wreckage of the RMS Titanic, discovered in 1985, has been a popular destination for tourists over the years.
OceanGate Expeditions began offering Titanic expeditions, taking crews of “citizen scientists” and “crew members” to the site since 2010.

The Titan submersible was constructed using titanium and filament-wound carbon fiber.
With a length of 22 feet and a weight of 10,432 kg, it was capable of reaching depths of 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).

The submersible employed 4 electric thrusters for movement and maneuverability.
Equipped with an array of cameras, lights, and scanners, the Titan facilitated deep-sea exploration and surveying.
Communication in deep waters was achieved using sound waves (sonar) since radio waves do not transmit effectively.

Submersibles, such as the Titan, are not fully autonomous and require support ships for launch and recovery.
They descend using weights and do not possess the power to launch independently.
Submarines, on the other hand, are self-propelled and capable of launching and returning without external support.

The maximum depth for the OceanGate Titanic expedition is around 12,800 feet, with the wreck located at 12,500 feet.
The cost of touring the Titanic varies, with the OceanGate expedition priced at $250,000 per person.

The submersible tourism industry adheres to international safety standards and has maintained a safety record without incident for 50 years, according to the Marine Technology Society (MTS).
Submersible tour companies conduct detailed risk assessments for each experience, ensuring clients are aware of the potential risks involved.
Clients often undergo risk assessments and sign waivers before embarking on submersible journeys.