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Operating and managing the manned research submersible Shinkai 6500 |
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In Japanese, shinkai means deep sea. Aptly named, the Shinkai 6500 is a manned submersible survey vehicle capable of diving to a maximum depth of 6,500 m, and is currently the holder of the world's diving depth record. The Shinkai 6500 has the capability to survey approximately 98% of the world's seafloors and approximately 96% of Japan's coastal economic zone.
In addition to operating off Japan, the Shinkai 6500 also operates in global waters by making the most of its greatest advantage: the ability to dive to the ocean depths to allow human eyes to explore. The Shinkai 6500 complement is two pilots and one researcher. Not only must pilots have both training and experience in operating the vessel, they must also be skilled in maintenance and overall operation. Researchers, however, require no special training.
Recent achievements by the Shinkai 6500 include the discovery of the world's largest seabed lava flow in the oceanic rise in the East Pacific Ocean and the collection at the Indian Central Ridge of a seashell with iron scales that has been given the name "scaly-foot." The Shinkai 6500 also has been used to provide footage for media projects that include a TV program and a movie.
On March 15, 2007, the Shinkai 6500 made its 1,000th dive.
Nippon Marine Enterprises was commissioned to operate the Shinkai 6500 in fiscal 2004.
| Use: |
Physical and scientific oceanographic reserch, biological research, and mineral-resource exploration |
| Length: |
9.5 m |
| Breadth: |
2.7 m |
| Height: |
3.2 m |
| Weight in air: |
25.8 tons |
| Maximum operating depth: |
6,500 m |
| Complement: |
Three (two pilots and one researcher) |
| Pressure hull inside diameter: |
2.0 m |
| Normal dive duration: |
8 hours |
| Life support duration: |
129 hours |
| Payload: |
200 kg (weight in air) |
| Maximum speed: |
2.5 knots |
| Reserch and observation equipment: |
- 3CCD color TV camera × 2
- Digital still camera × 1
- Light × 7
- CTDO × 1
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| Working equipment: |
- Manipulator × 2
- Sample basket × 2
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| Completion: |
1989 |
| Port of registry: |
Yokosuka |
| Building dock: |
Kobe building dock of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. |
Click here to see a photo gallery of the manned research submersible Shinkai 6500. |
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| Copyright © 2008 Nippon Marine Enterprises, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. |
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