Organize Pioneering Expeditions
Pushing the Boundaries of Exploration
Internationally recognized for its expertise in polar and deep‑sea diving, Under The Pole organizes complex scientific expeditions around the world with its sailing vessel, the WHY. Its innovative approach revolves around working closely with renowned scientific organizations and the ability to mobilize unprecedented resources to operate in unexplored Ocean territories.
To date, Under The Pole’s deep‑diving expeditions have enabled researchers from around the world to collect valuable data on the survival of coral and marine life in the mesophotic zone of the Ocean.
Exploring the Ocean and its depths
Over the past 17 years, Under The Pole has earned international recognition for its innovative approach to underwater exploration. Driven by a pioneering spirit, its expeditions aim to explore uncharted territories through bold exploration strategies and continuous innovation.
To date, these missions have brought together more than 150 team members and 180 institutions and partners, contributing to several notable scientific discoveries that have been formally shared in publications.
In recent years, Under The Pole has also developed and deployed advanced diving techniques to reach areas that are normally difficult to access, enabling a deeper understanding of the Ocean, its ecosystems, and marine biodiversity.
At the heart of Under The Pole’s work is the invention, testing and operational deployment of innovative tools for today’s and tomorrow’s underwater exploration, to reinforce knowledge of marine ecosystems and make a difference.
The Capsule : A Major Innovation
The Capsule is a lightweight and relatively autonomous underwater habitat designed to accommodate diving teams during complex expeditions aimed at studying underwater environments over several days.
The saturation life capsule was developed and tested in 2019. Its concept is inspired by mountaineering : when climbing a peak, a mountaineer starts from a comfortable base camp and pauses at basic intermediate camps to rest and acclimate. Similarly, with a “base camp” on land and the WHY as a surface support vessel, the Capsule serves as an “advanced camp” for extended fully immersive explorations.
Saturation is the equilibrium a diver reaches after spending a certain period underwater. Once this state is achieved, the diver can remain at that depth indefinitely without increasing the decompression time needed to return to the surface. Easy to deploy between dives, the Capsule allows divers to rest and eat without leaving the underwater environment. Far more than a shelter, this submerged observation post enables divers to blend into their surroundings and witness everything that happens beneath the Ocean’s surface.
This innovation has revolutionized scientific studies of the Ocean, particularly in deep environments. Once proven in the field, each new innovation becomes a practical tool in support of scientific research and Ocean conservation.
Antarctica
For the very first time, Under The Pole is in Antarctica for a three‑month deep‑diving scientific expedition aboard the WHY, as part of the scientific DEEPLIFE program.
In late November 2025, twenty team members boarded the WHY for a new Under The Pole polar expedition departing from Ushuaia. After crossing the Drake Passage, the vessel will follow the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula for three months, conducting deep scientific dives in the icy waters of this remote continent. This mission is carried out in collaboration with the Malizia Explorer team and led by offshore sailor Boris Herrmann.