Can Someone Submarine to the Titanic and Dive Around It?

The question of whether someone could submarine to the Titanic and dive around it has been a topic of debate among enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike. Given the Titanic's depth of approximately 12,500 feet below the surface, it seems like an almost impossible feat. Could such a dive even be considered safe for a human? Let's explore the challenges and realities of such an endeavor.

The Unfeasibility of Scuba Diving to the Titanic

First and foremost, it's important to understand that no human could scuba dive to the Titanic, and attempting to do so would be tantamount to suicide. The water pressure at 12,500 feet is several tons to the square inch, and no human body can withstand such immense pressure. Even if one were to reach such a depth, the pressure inside each cell of the human body would need to be adequate to sustain life, which is impossible given the 400 atmospheres (atm) pushing on each cell designed to withstand only 1 atm.

Key Factors in Submarine Diving to Such Depths

Submarines capable of reaching such depths use spherical pressure vessels that cannot be opened at such depths. This means that even if one were to attempt to exit the submarine to explore the Titanic, the ambient water pressure would press everything inside to an almost unimaginable degree. Every crack or opening in the submarine could lead to catastrophic results, such as implosion, loss of limbs, or even death.

The Pressure at 12,500 Feet

To put this into perspective, the pressure at 12,500 feet is 5403.09 pounds per square inch (psi), which is about 367 times the pressure at sea level (14.7 psi). If a door of the submarine were to open, the compressed water would rapidly compress everything inside, reducing it to a small fraction of its original size. This is akin to what occurs in an automobile tire when it bursts and the air is released at high pressure.

Historical Context of Deep Diving

Even with specialized equipment, the deepest anyone has dived using a diving suit is not quite 2000 feet. Reaching and exploring the Titanic at 12,500 feet would require equipment and techniques that are currently beyond our technological capabilities. Professional divers who have dived to such depths often use pressure-resistant suits and carry specialized equipment to manage the decompression process. The time required to decompress could be months, which is impractical and dangerous.

Comparing the Depths: Titanic vs. Space

It is often easier to deal with the vacuum of space than the immense pressure at such depths. In space, once the initial danger of launch is past, the environment is relatively stable and safe. However, in the deep ocean, even the slightest error in pressure management can lead to catastrophic results.

Additionally, the air supply and decompression process become critical factors. At such depths, divers must breathe helium with a small amount of oxygen, which is necessary to manage the high pressure and prevent the bends (a condition caused by the release of nitrogen from the bloodstream). The time required for decompression after such a dive is extensive and logistically impossible for most people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the idea of a human submarine exploring the Titanic at 12,500 feet is not only highly improbable but also dangerously impractical. The extreme pressure, lack of breathable air, and the complex decompression process make such a venture a near impossibility. While the allure of such an endeavor is strong, the reality of the deep ocean's unforgiving nature quickly brings it back to the realm of science fiction.