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We put the deep ocean within reach.

 Our Vehicles. Your Tools.

NDSF operates a fleet of underwater vehicles that enables the oceanographic community to explore, sample, and map the deep ocean and to meet the needs of a changing research landscape.

HOV ALVIN

A 3-person research submersible capable of reaching 6500 meters depth and of supporting custom sensors and samplers. The Alvin Team delivers reliability built from more than 5,000 successful dives.

ROV JASON

A time-tested remotely operated vehicle system capable of multi-day missions to 6500 meters. Observers get real-time, HD video and data, as well as physical samples from the seafloor.

AUV SENTRY

A flexible, fully autonomous vehicle rated to 6000 meters that carries a wide and growing array of instruments. The Sentry Team is also skilled at carrying out multi-vehicle missions.

Dive with us

Plan an expedition

From proposal preparation to cruise logistics to data access, we help you execute a successful research mission.

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Use cases

Learn how NDSF vehicles can increase data collection and take better advantage of your time at sea.

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First time user?

Learn how our assets can extend your research to depths you may have never thought possible.

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Heroic Age Expedition to survey two of the world’s most famous shipwrecks

July 2, 2026

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, in partnership with WHOI, will undertake “once-in-a-generation” expedition to survey Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Quest and Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova. Read more >

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Human-occupied submersible Alvin certified to return to service

July 1, 2026

U.S. Navy certification permits the sub to resume operations to 6,500 meters after a routine overhaul. Read more >

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What motivates someone to explore the ocean’s extremes in Alvin?

June 24, 2026

Find out from Benen Elshakhs, a WHOI mechanical engineer and pilot of the deepest-diving crewed submersible in the US!

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Alvin & DeepVenture in Bermuda, The Royal Gazette

June 24, 2026

“Researchers to test submersible in island’s waters”, The Royal Gazette

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R/V Atlantis: Behind the science

June 8, 2026

Take a tour of R/V Atlantis including Alvin during taking off for Sea Trials (YouTube).

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New Research Helps Show How Depth Affects Fish Distribution – NOAA Ocean Exploration

March 19, 2026

“Use of the newly refitted Alvin submersible was especially helpful for observing the deepest-dwelling fish of the study.” 

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