First underwater observation chamber

First underwater observation chamber

Last updated: September 20, 2017 at 1:46 am

The Calypso was the first ship equipped with an underwater observation chamber with 6 portholes where a person could view sea life from a depth of 3 m (10 ft) in 1950. The chamber was replaced by a larger but lighter design including 8 portholes in 1966.

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Verified by Diving Almanac & Book of Records official

Calypso’s rusted underwater observation chamber during refit in Concarneau in 2007. Photo by Massecot (Creative Commons)

Calypso’s during refit in Concarneau in 2007. Photo by Massecot (Creative Commons)

Calypso’s underwater observation chamber during refit in Concarneau in 2014. Photo by CalypsoForever (Creative Commons)

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Jeffrey Gallant

Jeffrey Gallant is the Editor-in-Chief and Records Keeper of the Diving Almanac. He is also a contributing editor of DIVER Magazine, and the scientific director of the Greenland Shark and Elasmobranch Education and Research Group (GEERG). Jeffrey started diving in 1982.