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Ready to Dive

June 9, 2015

The human-occupied submersible Alvin achieved certification from the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to dive to depths of 4,500 meters (about 2.8 miles) during tests off the coast of Arica, Chile, on January 26 and 27, 2015. Certification of Alvin to 4,500 meters represents the successful culmination of the $41-million, multi-year upgrade of the submersible funded by the National Science Foundation with a significant cost-share by WHOI. In March 2014, the new Alvin was tested for the first time following its overhaul. This month, Alvin will return to the Gulf of Mexico to explore natural oil seeps emanating from the seafloor.(Photo by Rob Munier, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)