US installs hurricane-proof underwater habitat

In June, an underwater research facility dubbed Vanguard was anchored to the sea floor off Florida's east coast, in an area known as Tennessee Reef within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The project, completed by DEEP, an international ocean engineering and technology company, aims to provide a "pilot structure" for future underwater projects.

Vanguard is a four-person habitat, designed to withstand the powerful water flows generated by Category 5 hurricanes. It sits approximately 60 feet below the surface, close to the reef but not within it. This location provides scientists with the opportunity to conduct research at greater depths.

The habitat is constructed primarily from an existing industrial structure known as an off-the-shelf decompression chamber. The main section of the habitat is a steel living chamber divided into two parts - one for sleeping and personal items, and another for work and scientific equipment. It also includes a decompression chamber for extended underwater stays, a feature known as saturation diving.

The habitat includes a unique wet porch or "moon pool" that allows divers to enter and exit easily. The structure is built from high-strength steel, and its foundation consists of a large steel frame with four legs, secured by ballast weights to keep it in place even during severe storms.

To ensure its stability during Category 5 hurricanes, Vanguard features a unique steel frame design with an exterior of steel tubes arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The foundation includes a base plate weighing about 220 tons, which anchors the habitat to the seabed and prevents it from being displaced.

Before installation, extensive surveys were conducted to map the seabed, collect soil samples, and ensure there were no live corals or conchs in the proposed area. Once installed, the habitat was lowered from a surface barge using a heavy crane and secured with pins and chains.

Vanguard is currently undergoing commissioning and will be ready for researchers in early 2027. It will provide a base for underwater scientific work, serving as a pilot for DEEP's future subsea habitat projects.