World's fastest 'personal submarine' will take divers to depths of 310ft in just seconds

Ortega Submersible was developed by a Dutch company based in the region of Twente, the Netherlands

For keen divers, getting to spend as long under water as possible is the dream. But the reality is that perhaps half of a dive will be spent lugging on your equipment and getting to and from the dive spot, instead of exploring it.

This could all change soon, however, as a new 'personal submarine' enters the market. The machine will take divers to the waters' depths faster than ever before, meaning that they can spend more time under the water exploring.

And far from being just a concept idea, prototypes of the submersible has already been tested under the waters.

The Ortega Submersible was developed by a Dutch company based in the region of Twente, the Netherlands.

It's billed as the 'fastest, safest and most versatile submersible boat in the world' and can take divers down to depths of 310ft in seconds with the help of two electric motors. 

Thanks to the powerful custom-built batteries, the vessel can reach dive points quicker so divers can spend more time under water. 

The Ortega Submersible has been billed as the 'fastest, safest and most versatile submersible boat in the world'

While under the water, they can travel up to speeds of 11 knots (12.7mph).

There is on-board breathing equipment, navigation and space to carry up to 250l of cargo, meaning that divers could carry back-up oxygen if necessary.

Two models have been created, MK.1B and MK.1C, which are capable to carrying two and three divers respectively.

Footage of the submersible being tested showed it easily glide across the surface of the water like a electric-powered canoe, armed with fins to keep it steady. dailymail

While the underwater vehicle is aimed at marine biologists, underwater 

archaeologists and special forces, it could also be used for leisure

Footage of the submersible being tested showed it easily glide across the surface of the water like a electric-powered canoe, armed with fins to keep it steady.

At the touch of a button however, the vessel starts diving under the the surface of the water.

The top of the submersible is uncovered so the diver must already have his diving gear in place before going under water.

And as test footage shows, the submersible can be parked at the bottom of a body of water as you might park a car on the road.

The submersible is also designed to take the diver back to the surface, emerging from the waves like a submarine. 

While the underwater vehicle is aimed at marine biologists, underwater archaeologists and special forces, according to Dezeen, it could work for any keen diver.

These 'personal submarines' have open tops so divers have to be wearing their gear already to get into the water. But the design also allows them to get out of the vessel quickly. dailymail

Read more:

• www.ortega-subme...
• Ortega creates electric open-top submarine for divers