Semi submarine
Encyclopedia
Semi-submarines are submersibles
vessels that are capable of diving, similarly to submarines
. However, unlike submarines, they cannot be entirely submerged below the surface of the water.
. The cabin is equipped with large windows into the water. The passengers can observe the marine environment that is passed during the voyage.
There are significant differences between a submarine
and a semi-submarine from an engineering point of view. Submarines are human occupied pressure vessels, while pressure concerns apply to a lesser extent to semi-submarines. As the pressure close to the water surface is relatively low, the viewing windows can be bigger. In some advanced designs the windows enclose the majority of the submersed hull, creating an experience comparable to scuba diving
. Customers can leave the submerged cabin for the unsubmerged deck at any time.
, but they are most commonly used in the tourism
tourism industry. However, large tourism-orientated semi submarines should not be confused with narco-submarines which are smaller home-made semi-submarines used to smuggle drugs.
Semi-submersible
A semi-submersible is a specialised marine vessel with good stability and seakeeping characteristics. The semi-submersible vessel design is commonly used in a number of specific offshore roles such as for offshore drilling rigs, safety vessels, oil production platforms and heavy lift cranes.The...
vessels that are capable of diving, similarly to submarines
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
. However, unlike submarines, they cannot be entirely submerged below the surface of the water.
Design
The most common design is one similar to a ship. The passenger cabin is relatively low, a few meters below sea levelSea level
Mean sea level is a measure of the average height of the ocean's surface ; used as a standard in reckoning land elevation...
. The cabin is equipped with large windows into the water. The passengers can observe the marine environment that is passed during the voyage.
There are significant differences between a submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
and a semi-submarine from an engineering point of view. Submarines are human occupied pressure vessels, while pressure concerns apply to a lesser extent to semi-submarines. As the pressure close to the water surface is relatively low, the viewing windows can be bigger. In some advanced designs the windows enclose the majority of the submersed hull, creating an experience comparable to scuba diving
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater....
. Customers can leave the submerged cabin for the unsubmerged deck at any time.
Use
Semi-submarines can be used for researchResearch vessel
A research vessel is a ship designed and equipped to carry out research at sea. Research vessels carry out a number of roles. Some of these roles can be combined into a single vessel, others require a dedicated vessel...
, but they are most commonly used in the tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
tourism industry. However, large tourism-orientated semi submarines should not be confused with narco-submarines which are smaller home-made semi-submarines used to smuggle drugs.