NEMO - Western Australia's first manned submersible.

Operational Modes

Nemo is a Seamobile Class, manned submersible designed by SEAmagine Hydrospace. It has many unique features and it can be operated in two distinctly different modes:

  • Internal Operation - When piloted from within the cabin, Nemo is capable of carrying the pilot and one passenger to depths approaching 300ft. The opportunities that this presents in Australia's coastal waters are endless. Nemo's spherical acrylic cabin affords the occupants unparalleled visibility. This feature makes Nemo ideal for many forms of inspection and filming. It is also capable of being fitted with different types of manipulators which will allow it to perform a variety of sub-sea tasks.   

  • External Operation - When driven from the external pilot's station located on the back of  the submersible, two passengers can be comfortably accommodated in the cabin. This mode is ideal for selective tourism purposes where the experienced diver/pilot is able to maneuver Nemo along the reef pointing out interesting features and marine life to the occupants in the cabin. The pilot is able to communicate with the occupants at all times via a two way intercom system originating in the pilots full face mask. The pilot can even turn limited control of the sub over to the occupants if conditions permit.

Launching

One of Nemo's major design features is its ease of deployment. It can be lowered (unmanned) into the sea avoiding the requirement of a 'man rated' crane. Once on the sea's surface, its hyperlon pontoons create a stable platform allowing the cabin to be opened and closed without fear of water intrusion. This feature gives Nemo the ability to submerge with different passengers  repeatedly during the day without the need for the sub's retrieval aboard Maniki.

Specifications.

 

Depth rating - 90m / 298ft

Top Speed at Depth - 2 knots

Propulsion Power - 108 Volt DC.

Cabin Power - 24 Volt DC.

Maximum Mission Time - 6 hours without surfacing.

Emergency Life Support Capacity - 72 hours.

Passenger Capacity - Internal operation 1, External operation 2.

Internal Cabin Pressure - 1 atmosphere (sea level).

Maximum Range Underwater - 21km.

Cabin Visibility - 360 degrees.

Life support - 2 independent CO2 scrubbing systems combined with 2 constant flow oxygen inlets, sustain normal breathing air.

Surface Communication - VHF.

Undersea Communication - Acoustic transducer.

External Lighting - 4 x 70 watt halogen spotlights.

Onboard Camera - Sony HDR-FX1

External Cameras - Two housed Sony HDR-FX1

 

Safety Features

Nemo has been designed with the utmost safety in mind. Each aspect of the submersible contains redundant systems that ensure the safety of the occupants.

  • Propulsion: One of important ways in which Nemo differs from other manned submersible designs is that it remains positively buoyant throughout its dive. Although it weighs approximately three tons in air, Nemo's displacement is such that underwater it always tries to rise towards the surface. In order to submerge it is pulls down by a powerful vertical thruster. Should propulsion power fail, Nemo will immediately begin rising.

  • Fire Prevention: To limit the risk of fire in the cabin, no high voltage (propulsion power) is routed through the hull into the manned sphere. For extra safety, should Nemo experience a cabin fire for any reason, the occupants have access to a dry chemical fire suppression system and emergency breathing units that will completely isolate them from fumes.

  • Life Support: Nemo's cabin remains at sea level pressure regardless of depth. A small, constant flow of oxygen is allowed to enter the cabin from an external pressurized tank. As the occupants metabolize the added oxygen they produce CO2 which is then scrubbed away by a mechanical scrubber system. Should either the scrubber fail or the oxygen supply falter, Nemo maintains redundant back up systems that can immediately take over. These back up systems have enough oxygen and scrubber material to allow the submersible to remain safely submerged for up to 72 hours, should the need arise.

Unparalleled Visibility

When seated in Nemo's comfortable cabin, the occupants are afforded a 360 degree view of the surrounding ocean. It is not uncommon for the passengers to comment that the glass seems to disappear once the sub submerges. The reason for this lies in the material of the windows. The acrylic which has been used has an almost identical refractive index to that of the water. This results in the passenger's eyes being fooled into believing that there is no window at all!

 

Project Opportunities

Nemo is available for select commercial projects and private charters. If you would like further information please contact Sub-Aqua Enterprises at the email address or phone number below.

SUB-AQUA ENTERPRISES PTY LTD   Phone: 0429 944 555   Email: aqua@sub-aqua.com.au