Human Occupied Vehicle (HOV) Alvin

The research submersible Alvin uses bright lights to illuminate the dark seafloor. Built in 1964, it has made more than 4,400 dives. It can carry two scientists and a pilot as deep as 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Alvin is being updated in order to dive deeper - up to 6,500 meters. More about deep ocean exploration can be found in our Deep Ocean Exploration featured story.