Submersible Vehicles

A submersible is a small vehicle that travels deep underwater. Unlike big submarines, submersibles are usually small and carry just a few people. Scientists use them to explore the ocean floor. They help us see places too deep for divers to reach.

How Submersibles Work

Submersibles are built with very strong walls to handle the crushing pressure of deep water. They have bright lights and cameras to see in the dark ocean. Pilots control them using joysticks and screens. Many submersibles also have robotic arms to pick up rocks or animals from the seafloor.

Famous Submersibles

One of the most famous submersibles is called Alvin. It has been exploring the ocean since 1964. Alvin helped scientists find the wreck of the Titanic. Another submersible called Deepsea Challenger carried filmmaker James Cameron to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in 2012.

Fun Facts

• Alvin has made over 5,000 dives since it was first built.
• Some submersibles can dive more than 30,000 feet below the surface.
• The first submersible was built in the 1600s and was made of wood and leather.

Did You Know?

The pressure at the bottom of the ocean is so strong that it would crush a regular car like a tin can.