High-Tech Tourism
Piloting a personal sub
Approximate cost:
$15,000 for lessons, $10,000/day to operate
the ship
Would-be Captain Nemos can learn to pilot a one- to two-person sub
themselves. The trip requires a three-day course at an underwater
"flight school," where potential pilots learn how to operate the
battery-powered sub. Then, with underwater pilot's license in hand,
they can strap themselves into the sub and head off on a personal
journey. Just over 10 feet long, the subs can descend to depths of
3,000 feet and can travel much faster and maneuver within tighter
spaces than traditional submarines. A newer, sleeker version of the
sub is slated to launch in 2007.