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UNDER THE POLE is an underwater exploration program, which combines scientific research, innovation, and awareness for a better knowledge and preservation of the oceans.
The UNDER THE POLE expeditions have already brought together 150 crew members and 180 partner companies and research institutes. They are led by a couple who have made their passion for exploration a profession and a way of life.
EXPEDITIONS CO-FOUNDER AND CO-DIRECTOR
UNDER THE POLE
EXPEDITIONS CO-FOUNDER AND CO-DIRECTOR
UNDER THE POLE
THE WHY NOT
The WHY NOT boat is an advanced research platform, spectially designed to allow exploration of the mesophotic zone from 30 to 200 m, in every ocean and season. Equipped with two fast boats, a marine biology laboratory and a decompression chamber, it is the operational hub of the UNDER THE POLE IV • DEEPLIFE program.
THE WHY
The WHY expedition boat is a sturdy aluminum schooner, designed to navigate in every sea, in tropics, in polar regions and even to winter when caught in the pack ice.
MATERIAL AND EXPERIENCE OF DEEP DIVING
UNDER THE POLE divers use underwater thrusters and closed-circuit diving suits (called “rebreathers”) which allow them to dive for longer, deeper and to get as close as possible to the fauna in silence and without blowing bubbles.
Perfectionning their technique for two years in the polar region and by carrying out two world premieres (the first dive to more than 100 m in the polar region and the first dive to more than 100 m under the pack ice), our divers have built a unique experience.
INNOVATIONS OF DIVING TECHNIQUES
During the UNDER THE POLE III expedition, the Research & Development crew has developed a communication system between the surface and the divers. It connects by a fiber optic cable the underwater camera to the screen located on the WHY boat. It is coupled with an audio system that will increase the efficiency of scientific dives: divers become the eyes of researchers who can give live instructions (where to look, what to sample, etc.). This way the scientists explore the mesophotic layer (30 to 200 m depth), observe it remotely, and study the samples.
Since 2017, the crew develops a saturation life “capsule” tested in 2018 in the Polynesian warm waters. Saturation is an equilibrium state that the diver reaches after a certain period of immersion. From this point on, the diver can stay at depth without increasing the time required to return to the surface. So far this technique is only used in industrial diving on oil or gas platforms. Adapted, it could revolutionize scientific studies of the deep underwater environment.
THE DIVING CCR
A typical scuba tank lasts about 45 minutes for 10 m depth and only 10 minutes for 90 m depth. This is unsuitable for exploring.
A rebreather assures autonomy (longer and deeper dives) and thus provides access to the mesophotic zone thanks to a closed circuit, optimized use of gas and decompression. It collects the exhaled gas, treats it, and returns it to the diver, who can adjust the flow when needed. Without any bubbles, it allows the divers to approach closely the fearful marine life. This technology is reserved for disciplined and well-trained divers. The equipment should be maintained to perfection and the gas level should be carefully adjusted.
2021 - 2030
UNDER THE POLE IV • DEEPLIFE
DEEPLIFE research program, devoted to the exploration of the oceans mesophotic zone to 200 m depth, has been recognized as an official project of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development.
2017 - 2021
UNDER
THE POLE III
The UNDER THE POLE led an extraordinary adventure dedicated to the oceans exploration. For 4 years, divers and scientists traveled the world aboard the WHY polar schooner, from the Arctic to the Pacific, exploring polar and tropical underwater environments.
2014 - 2015
UNDER
THE POLE II
A systemic exploration of the seabed throughout the Greenland west coast, over one season cycle with overwintering in pack ice, between the surface and 112 m depth.
2010
UNDER
THE POLE I
Deepsea UNDER THE POLE by Rolex is an underwater polar expedition on the Arctic pack ice near the Geographic North Pole, from March 26 to May 10, 2010.
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Data Protection Act of 6 January 1978 : the undersigned is informed that his personal data will be collected and processed electronically by the Club. This data will be stored by the UNDER THE POLE for administrative purposes for a period of 3 years. The undersigned is informed of his right of access, communication and rectification, in case of data proven inaccuracy as well as his right to oppose the processing and / or publication of his data for legitimate reasons. To do so, simply send an email to the following address: contact@underthepole.com
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Data Protection Act of 6 January 1978 : the undersigned is informed that his personal data will be collected and processed electronically by the Club. This data will be stored by the UNDER THE POLE for administrative purposes for a period of 3 years. The undersigned is informed of his right of access, communication and rectification, in case of data proven inaccuracy as well as his right to oppose the processing and / or publication of his data for legitimate reasons. To do so, simply send an email to the following address: contact@underthepole.com
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Data Protection Act of 6 January 1978 : the undersigned is informed that his personal data will be collected and processed electronically by the Club. This data will be stored by the UNDER THE POLE for administrative purposes for a period of 3 years. The undersigned is informed of his right of access, communication and rectification, in case of data proven inaccuracy as well as his right to oppose the processing and / or publication of his data for legitimate reasons. To do so, simply send an email to the following address: contact@underthepole.com
Data Protection Act of 6 January 1978 : the undersigned is informed that his personal data will be collected and processed electronically by the Club. This data will be stored by the UNDER THE POLE for administrative purposes for a period of 3 years. The undersigned is informed of his right of access, communication and rectification, in case of data proven inaccuracy as well as his right to oppose the processing and / or publication of his data for legitimate reasons. To do so, simply send an email to the following address: contact@underthepole.com
