Submersible
Submersible (adj.) (n.) Submersible is an adjective deriving from the original term, submerge. It originates from the Latin term “submers” or submerse. Submersible can also be used as a noun, in which it refers to a small vehicle that can operate underwater and that is specifically used for research. 1 The submersible’s function and form may resemble those of a submarine, however, despite obvious differences in size, the main technical difference between the two is that submersible is not fully autonomous and may rely on a support facility for replenishment of power and air. 2 There are three types of submersible designs, a single atmosphere submersible (occupants are at a standard atmospheric pressure, however, it requires the hull to be capable of withstanding the exterior water pressure), an ambient pressure submersible (maintains same pressure both interior and exterior, hence reducing the pressure the hull needs to withstand), and a wet submersible (the vehicle is not enclosed and water floods the interior, SCUBA equipment is required). 3 Due to man’s realization that all resources were being diminished (such as land, minerals, and fossil fuels), suggestions to explore and “conquer” the sea arose. The diving saucer, a mini submersible designed by Jacques Cousteau, was one of the first vehicles to explore the depths of the unknown parts of the ocean. “In terms of space, resources and explanatory challenge, it is rather like having another world at our disposal.” 4