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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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First time NDSF user, Katie Kelley, answers some questions about her experience using ROV Jason.

October 9, 2024

Dr. Katherine Kelley is a professor of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island and first time NDSF user. We were fortunate enough to ask Katie some questions about her experience using ROV Jason. Katie’s insight and is of tremendous value to new and old users of the facility. Thank you Katie! We hope you…

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Dan Fornari paper recently published in The Journal of Ocean Technology discussing the development of his MISO camera system

October 8, 2024

AUTONOMOUS, FIXED-FOCUS HIGH-RESOLUTION DEEP-SEA CAMERA SYSTEMS      

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mROV Press Release

October 8, 2024

WHOI will produce two medium-sized remotely operated vehicles (mROVs) beginning later this year. Read the official press release!

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Waveglider officially added as an NDSF Tool

September 13, 2024

The NDSF Waveglider is the latest addition to the National Deep Submergence Facility’s suite of tools, adopted after years of development. This cutting-edge surface vehicle, purchased through Liquid Robotics, can be used in conjunction with Jason, Sentry, and Alvin operations. Check out the NDSF website for more information about the Waveglider, including Fact Sheet and…

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POV of an ROV: Day in the life of Jason

September 13, 2024

Read the account of a day in the life of ROV Jason from the ROV’s perspective. The Near-Trench Community Geodetic Experiment blog accounts recent cruise with Chief Scientist, David Schmidt, of University of Washington. POV of a ROV: Day in the life of Jason (near-trench.blogspot.com)

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Swimming crustacean eats unlikely food source in the deep ocean – WHOI Press Release

September 13, 2024

Swimming crustacean eats unlikely food source in the deep ocean

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