The first new subsea human habitat of its kind to be built in almost 40 years has been unveiled today by DEEP in Miami, Florida.

Designed for four crew to live underwater for seven days or more, the Vanguard pilot habitat aims to advance ocean exploration and expand our understanding of the marine environment.

Beneath the surface of the ocean lies a vast, largely unexplored frontier that has fascinated humans for centuries. DEEP is setting out to change this by pioneering a new era of underwater living. Their ambitious mission – to make humans aquatic – begins with Vanguard and represents a major step forward in how people can live and work beneath the waves.

Vanguard will provide a secure living environment for ocean scientists, conservationists, and explorers. By allowing teams to remain submerged for extended periods, the habitat will enable more comprehensive research and real-time observation of marine ecosystems. This could revolutionize areas such as coral reef restoration, climate monitoring, and even astronaut training for future
space missions. The project also marks a milestone in safety and innovation, as Vanguard will be the first underwater habitat to be classed by Det Norske Veritas DNV), a leading authority in subsea standards.

Ultimately, Vanguard represents the beginning of a larger vision – a global network of underwater habitats that could give humans a permanent presence in the ocean. Each mission will build upon the last, refining technology and operations until living beneath the sea becomes routine. By overcoming the limitations of time and depth that have long hindered exploration, DEEP’s initiative invites us to rediscover our planet and form a more profound connection with the ocean that sustains life on Earth.