Remote-control sub dives to 3,000m

THE Marine Institute’s deepwater remotely operated vehicle Holland 1 which journeyed to the bottom of the ocean to record this remarkable discovery is a hi-tech submarine which can withstand depths of up to 3,000 metres.

It is equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment, including a HDTV camera and recording system, and a unique underwater lighting system being developed by the Irish company Cathx Ocean.

It carries a wide array of scientific equipment, including nutrient sensors, and titanium sampling syringes which can withstand toxic environments at extreme depths.

It is controlled by “pilots” using PlayStation-like controls from a room on board the Celtic Explorer.

It has several thrusters so it can operate in three planes, and a high level of auto-control features, including auto hold, which allows the pilots complete very delicate scientific tasks.

While it was built to operate from the deck of the Celtic Explorer, it can be modified for launch from a range of other suitable vessels and is available to state agencies in emergency situations such as casualty investigation, wreck surveys or salvage.

Co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and built by SMD Ltd, in Newcastle, England, it is named after John Phillip Holland from Liscannor, Co Clare, the father of the modern submarine.

It was carried on board the Marine Institute’s RV Celtic Explorer.

The 65.5m-long vessel is fitted with the latest electronics and scientific equipment, and can accommodate 35 people, including 21 scientists.

The Celtic Explorer is able to facilitate both national and international research and exploration.

The vessel is based in Galway, which is ideally located as the gateway to the Atlantic and geographically close to the main working areas.

The vessel is acoustically silent, which minimises fish avoidance and provides an ideal environment for the collection of high-quality acoustic data with minimal interference from vessel noise.

Celtic Explorer is a multipurpose vessel, being able to change from a survey programme to a fisheries programme with relative ease.

It has large laboratory spaces and IT rooms fitted with scientific equipment.