Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to purchase a new-build submarine for my yacht. Why should I contact UVI for assistance?UVI can assist the new buyer in many ways as we are not biased in any way towards any particular submarine. We can direct the buyer cautiously towards a number of different vehicle types and review the advantages and disadvantages of each submarine design.
In many cases, UVI has access to submarines new and used that are not openly in the marketplace.
We can also offer pilot training, maintenance training and ongoing support.
How long has UVI been in business? Since 1993. The business was founded by Jonathan Newman and Gerry Benzon in Vancouver, BC.
Why are your prices not listed?
Our prices reflect the current market value of the used vehicles which will vary according to demand. Often only one vehicle is available at any time and demand can be quite high. If you are serious please e-mail or better call and we will ensure an exceptional price. More importantly we will offer expert support and assistance.
Why should a submersible be classed? What agencies classify submarines or submersibles?
Certification is important for two reasons - safety and insurance. Lloyds, American Bureau of Shipping, det Norkse Veritas will review the engineer's drawings and monitor the sea trials of vessel prior to their approval. Quote from American Bureau of Shipping Underwater Vehicles guidelines..."Classification is a representation by the Bureau as to the structural and mechanical fitness..."
What qualifications do your staff have?
Our staff are: members of the Deep Submersibles Pilot Association, qualified ADS pilots, qualified ROV pilots, qualified commercial divers, qualified Newt Suit pilots. We have also operated submersible pilot training courses worldwide. Our staff have also been extensively involved in submersible and ROV salvage operations and subsea inspections. We have a large base knowledge of all submersible maintenance and refit programs.
Which submersibles have your staff piloted?
We have considerable experience piloting approximately 17 different submersible vehicles such as:
>Taurus 5 person diver lock-out submersible
>Mergo 10 person Tourist submersible
>Sea Urchin submersible
>Spyder ADS submersibles
>Pisces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 submersibles
>Atlantis tourist submarine
>Perry submersibles
>LR5 and LR5K Submarine Rescue submersibles
>Mantis 1 person submersible
>Newt Suit
I would like to start a tourist submarine operation. Can you assist my operation? In what capacity?
Yes we can. UVI can provide trained submersible pilots and previous tourist submarine operators on site before, during and after the commencement of operations.
We are familiar on a first hand basis with the pitfalls of startup operations and how to avoid such potential problems.
Even more importantly we will offer onsite supervision at the initial startup for as long is necessary to get the operation on its feet. We can also advise on proven marketing techniques to create the flow of new clients to your operation.
The best place to start would be a Comprehensive Site Evaluation and Analysis Report that UVI can provide and would include the following:
1. Market criteria
2. Operational considerations
3. Business arrangements
4. Political, business and economic criteria
5. Startup expenses
6. Capital costs
7. Break-even and market penetration
8. Licensing considerations
9. Group marketing funds
10. Direct sales, cruise ship arrangements
11. Sales agencies
12. + much more
I have a group of investors interested in investing in a tourist submarine operation. Do you have qualified technical people to assist in the operation of a small tourist submarine project?
Yes we do. We even have qualified individuals who have experience at submarine operations but do not have the total amount of capital for a startup operation who are seeking investors looking for a sound marketing and business plan as well as an experienced operations team. Call UVI and we will put the two groups together.
We can also assist the new submarine operator for an extended startup period with our hands-on tourist submarine operation experience.
In many cases, UVI has access to submarines new and used that are not openly in the marketplace.
We can also offer pilot training, maintenance training and ongoing support.
How long has UVI been in business? Since 1993. The business was founded by Jonathan Newman and Gerry Benzon in Vancouver, BC.
Why are your prices not listed?
Our prices reflect the current market value of the used vehicles which will vary according to demand. Often only one vehicle is available at any time and demand can be quite high. If you are serious please e-mail or better call and we will ensure an exceptional price. More importantly we will offer expert support and assistance.
Why should a submersible be classed? What agencies classify submarines or submersibles?
Certification is important for two reasons - safety and insurance. Lloyds, American Bureau of Shipping, det Norkse Veritas will review the engineer's drawings and monitor the sea trials of vessel prior to their approval. Quote from American Bureau of Shipping Underwater Vehicles guidelines..."Classification is a representation by the Bureau as to the structural and mechanical fitness..."
What qualifications do your staff have?
Our staff are: members of the Deep Submersibles Pilot Association, qualified ADS pilots, qualified ROV pilots, qualified commercial divers, qualified Newt Suit pilots. We have also operated submersible pilot training courses worldwide. Our staff have also been extensively involved in submersible and ROV salvage operations and subsea inspections. We have a large base knowledge of all submersible maintenance and refit programs.
Which submersibles have your staff piloted?
We have considerable experience piloting approximately 17 different submersible vehicles such as:
>Taurus 5 person diver lock-out submersible
>Mergo 10 person Tourist submersible
>Sea Urchin submersible
>Spyder ADS submersibles
>Pisces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 submersibles
>Atlantis tourist submarine
>Perry submersibles
>LR5 and LR5K Submarine Rescue submersibles
>Mantis 1 person submersible
>Newt Suit
I would like to start a tourist submarine operation. Can you assist my operation? In what capacity?
Yes we can. UVI can provide trained submersible pilots and previous tourist submarine operators on site before, during and after the commencement of operations.
We are familiar on a first hand basis with the pitfalls of startup operations and how to avoid such potential problems.
Even more importantly we will offer onsite supervision at the initial startup for as long is necessary to get the operation on its feet. We can also advise on proven marketing techniques to create the flow of new clients to your operation.
The best place to start would be a Comprehensive Site Evaluation and Analysis Report that UVI can provide and would include the following:
1. Market criteria
2. Operational considerations
3. Business arrangements
4. Political, business and economic criteria
5. Startup expenses
6. Capital costs
7. Break-even and market penetration
8. Licensing considerations
9. Group marketing funds
10. Direct sales, cruise ship arrangements
11. Sales agencies
12. + much more
I have a group of investors interested in investing in a tourist submarine operation. Do you have qualified technical people to assist in the operation of a small tourist submarine project?
Yes we do. We even have qualified individuals who have experience at submarine operations but do not have the total amount of capital for a startup operation who are seeking investors looking for a sound marketing and business plan as well as an experienced operations team. Call UVI and we will put the two groups together.
We can also assist the new submarine operator for an extended startup period with our hands-on tourist submarine operation experience.