A Small Research Submarine in the Arctic

Abstract

Describes the two-man undersea work boat, Pisces I, produced by International Hydrodynamics Co Ltd of Vancouver, B.C. The 15,000 lb vessel normally operates to depths of 1800 ft. With the CCGS Labrador as a mother ship in Canadian Arctic Islands waters Aug-Sept 1968, the submarine made dives in ice-covered seas with no problems in launching and retrieval by the Labrador when wave or swell height did not exceed 3 ft. Photos were made in the exceptionally clear water, but those of the underside of sea ice were disappointing, as were attempts to observe mammals in relation to their underwater sounds. Homing and communication devices must be so located on the submersible as to remain effective while it is pressed up under the sea ice.