P-63 Submarine
Our P-63 submarine, measuring 5.5 m long and weighing 6.5 t, was built in 1987 in one of the largest shipyards on Lake Constance for a diving depth of up to 300 m, and it was certified by Germanischer Lloyd. It was originally used to carry out underwater work and inspections in various lakes and reservoirs. During a complete overhaul in 2020/21, the submarine was equipped with state-of-the-art systems and is now available for public dives of up to 100 m. It has capacity for up to four people. The P-63 is the only submarine licensed for commercial use in Swiss lakes. We’re proud of that.
Motors & equipment
The submarine is powered by four environmentally-friendly electric motors. Each motor is controlled individually and supplied with energy via its own electrical circuit.
The navigation system guides us to our destination. Thanks to our positioning system, both we in the submarine and our team on the escort boat know exactly where we are at all times. We also have a voice link to the submarine via our hydrophones. Using a voltage funnel, we can detect cables and pipes beneath metres-thick layers of sediment and determine whether they have sustained any insulation damage. When searching for wrecks and carrying out surveys of the lake bed, we have a variety of instruments at our disposal depending on the task at hand – some are also used in combination. For example, we use front- and side-scan and radar to search for objects, while sonar is a reliable tool for measuring distances to objects, as well as depths. With our gripper, we can clamp onto an object with a force of 2 t, after which it can be recovered.
Uses
Lake Lucerne is a prime location for dives thanks to its wide range of amazing sights, such as wrecks and an underwater world, as well as its excellent topography and visibility.
We are always adding exciting new wrecks to our route. Occasionally, we also run special dives in other lakes in Switzerland, expanding the range of Subspirit experiences on offer. The submarine is also used to carry out technical work in reservoirs.
Uses
With all its instruments, the P-63 is suitable for both commercial public dives and technical use. The submarine was originally used to check reservoir walls for cracks and damage, and to monitor reservoir drainage.
These are still some of the submarine’s main technical tasks. It is also used for locating and carrying out maintenance work on cables and pipes in lakes, many of which can no longer be found on maps. We can even determine whether and where cables have been damaged. Lake bed surveys, highly precise measurements, as well as videos and photographs are some other services provided by Subspirit. We can also carry out search and, thanks to our gripper, recovery operations for authorities.
You can find more technical information
on our fact sheet.
Fascinating technology and safety features …
Each safety-related system is backed up with multiple redundant systems. In addition to its motors, the P-63 submarine also has one physical and four mechanical ascent mechanisms:
Buoyancy mechanisms
In accordance with Archimedes’ physical law of buoyancy, the submarine returns to the surface on its own. Our mechanical ascent mechanisms include jettisoning the ballast weights, emptying the regulation tanks and blowing out the external tanks, as well as the option to launch a rescue buoy.
Power supply
The submarine has two independent electricity circuits. 12 volts for all instruments and 48 volts for the motors. Each motor is supplied with energy via its own electricity circuit.
Communications systems
Subspirit can contact the escort boat via a voice link, as well as through text communication. We can also use Morse signals to contact the outside world.
… and relax
Escort boat
The escort boat, waiting on the surface, can locate the submarine at any time via a positioning system. This ensures that the P-63 is monitored at all times.
Audible signal
At intervals of three minutes, the pilot is prompted to confirm receipt of an audible signal. If the pilot fails do so, the ascent process is automatically initiated.
Rescue
When full, the submarine’s air supply lasts for four whole days. Submarine rescues can be carried out by specialist companies within 24 hours at any point on Earth.
Safety
The submarine is operated in accordance with stringent safety regulations. For example, we have to work through several checklists at different points, such as when boarding the submarine and before each dive. As part of the safety checks, we ensure that the redundant buoyancy systems and their valves, plus the communications systems, are working properly.
Maintenance and inspection
We carry out regular maintenance work and inspections in accordance with strict standards. The submarine also has to be sent to a workshop twice a year for major maintenance, during which all mechanical parts are checked and serviced.
Relax and enjoy your ride with us
