Meet the underwater habitat redefining ocean exploration

• DEEP, an ocean technology company, is developing Sentinel, an underwater habitat designed for long-term human occupancy. The project aims to launch by 2027 and allow scientists and researchers to live and work underwater.
• Sentinel will feature laboratories, communal areas, private bedrooms, and bathrooms, and can support a crew of six to 50 people. It will be positioned in the Epipelagic Zone for marine research.
• DEEP is ensuring safety with a transfer shuttle called Vanguard and full certification before deployment. This is backed by a $100 million investment in training from the DEEP Institute for future deep-sea explorers.

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Imagine trading skyscrapers for seascapes, where your daily commute involves diving 600 feet below the surface. DEEP, an ocean technology company, is working to make that a reality with Sentinel, an ambitious underwater habitat designed for long-term human occupancy.

DEEP plans to launch Sentinel by 2027, with construction and testing currently underway at its campus in the United Kingdom. The project aims to establish a sustainable human presence underwater. It will allow scientists and researchers to live, work and explore the ocean like never before.

A new era for oceanfront living

Sentinel is designed for extended underwater stays and features laboratories, communal areas, private bedrooms, and bathrooms. The modular structure supports a crew of six but can expand to accommodate up to 50 people.

The habitat will be positioned in the Epipelagic Zone, where sunlight penetrates, allowing researchers to study marine life, climate change and oceanic ecosystems in their natural environment.

Testing and relocation capabilities

Before launching into the open ocean, Sentinel will undergo rigorous testing.

“It will go in the water at DEEP’s campus first, where we will use the opportunity to test, train and optimize our operating systems before it goes out to the ocean,” DEEP CEO Kristen Tertoole says.

The underwater habitat is relocatable, meaning it can be deployed at different sites as research needs evolve. It also boasts a service life of up to 20 years, making it a long-term solution for deep-sea exploration.

Safety measures and certification

DEEP has also developed Vanguard, a transfer shuttle allowing researchers and divers to safely enter and exit the Sentinel habitat. The shuttle ensures decompression and minimizes risks associated with deep-sea operations.

According to The Guardian, some people have raised safety concerns, particularly following the 2023 Titan submersible implosion, which resulted in the deaths of five passengers on a tourist expedition to the Titanic wreck.

However, DEEP has emphasized that Sentinel is different. The company works with a classification and safety agency, ensuring its design meets strict industry standards. Unlike the Titan submersible, which operates outside traditional regulatory frameworks, Sentinel will be fully certified before deployment.

Training the next generation of deep-sea explorers

DEEP’s commitment to safety extends beyond certification. The company has established the DEEP Institute, which will provide specialized training for Sentinel users.

According to DEEP’s research diving and training lead, it will take a year to 18 months to train an inexperienced diver to operate the Sentinel system effectively.

$100 million investment fuels DEEP’s vision

The ambitious project is reportedly backed by a $100 million investment, though the investor’s identity remains undisclosed, according to The Guardian.

As DEEP continues development, Sentinel could mark a transformative step in deep-sea exploration, offering a new frontier for scientific discovery beneath the ocean’s surface.