MSV Explorer case study by QinetiQ MSV Explorer case study by QinetiQ

MSV Explorer at QinetiQ Ocean Basin - April 2012

In at the Deep End... without a Splash !!!

The MSV Explorer team descended on Britain's number one Marine Testing Facility, QinetiQ Ocean Basin in Gosport on the 4th and 5th of April 2012 to exhibit their new semi-submersible craft, the MSV Explorer.

Attending were top executive producers from the BBC and Tigress productions as well as VIP's from the world of commerce, who all had the pleasure of trying out the MSV Explorer Mk2 first hand.


MSV Explorer Mk2                                                Click to enlarge

Portsmouth news reported as follows;

"It's not 007 – but this craft is on a mission to thrill.


It looks like something out of a James Bond movie. But this unusual vessel isn't the latest gadget out of Q's secret workshop, it's a half-submersible boat which lets people view the wonders of the sea. And the people behind the futuristic water craft are using a once-secret marine technology site in Gosport to test it.

After a close encounter with a large shark in 1986, inventor Chris Garner wanted to find a safe way for people to explore life beneath the waves. Now after years of meticulous planning and research, the MSV Explorer is ready for trials.



Chris Garner with the MSV Explorer

Chris Garner with the MSV Explorer

Chris Garner, who is from Cornwall, and his team brought the craft to QinetiQ's Haslar base yesterday to put it to the test. He said: 'Most people agree it looks like something out of a James Bond movie. 'It's unique and is the first in the world like it.

'The starting point was me getting bumped by a large shark. I decided it wasn't a safe place to be.

'When I tried to buy something that would do the job I couldn't find anything. 'So I decided to learn all the science behind it and do it myself. It's about letting people see the wonders of marine life.'


Click image to view video of MSV Explorer Mk2


Although the craft was built for tourism, it could be put to other uses including naval security and film-making. It has also been designed for disabled people to sit inside the cockpit to enjoy underwater experiences.

TV documentary makers will be coming to Gosport today to see the technology for themselves.

It comes with a catamaran which can lift the vessel out of the water. The rig has also been specially designed to be able to rescue stranded dolphins."




End of report for the MSV Explorer