Deep Research Labs

DEEP Research Labs (commonly referred to as DEEP) is a UK-based ocean technology and exploration company headquartered in Bristol. Founded in 2023 by Steve Etherton, DEEP engineers new technologies to improve the understanding and preservation of deep water environments. They specialise in the development of subsea technology.
==Company Overview==
DEEP Research Labs was founded by Steve Etherton and is now led by Michael Shackleford. The company first focused on underwater technology development, working towards creating an underwater habitat. The company hosted the first meeting of the Submersible Operators Group in Bristol in 2023,https://media.deep.com/wp-content/uploads/SubmersibleOperatorsGroup_Brochure_WEB-ART.pdf which brought together leaders in submersible manufacturing and operation to work together on safer standards for the exploration of underwater environments.
The company has been developing the Sentinel System since its inception. This underwater habitat will allow academics, researchers, and operators to live and conduct work underwater for up to 28 days. The first mission, # OccupyMare, is scheduled for 2026 and aims to send a crew of six researchers 200 metres below the ocean's surface to study underwater habitats and ocean health.
==Notable Projects==
DEEP has been involved in several notable projects.
===The Sentinel System===
The Sentinel System is a fully integrated modular underwater habitat intended to enable research activities in the Epipelagic zone (also known as the "sunlight zone"), where it's estimated that 90% of marine life can be found.
DEEP chose the former National Diving and Activity Centre in Tidenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, as its underwater research site. DEEP is also working with the international certification body DNV to attain the first third-party certification for subsea habitats.
Sentinel is expected to be operational in 2027 and allow scientists to live at a depth of 200m for up to 28 days.
===DED-Arc System===
DEEP has also developed a Direct Energy Deposition (DED) Arc system. This additive manufacturing system uses wire arc technology to produce large-scale metal components. DED-Arc was the preferred manufacturing method for sentinel hulls because of its high deposition rates, scalability, and support for multiple metal feedstock materials.
===Research Projects===
DEEP's research division contributes to scientific inquiry into oceanography. In 2023, DEEP published "How Much Carbon is Stored in the Ocean?",https://media.deep.com/wp-content/uploads/How-much-carbon-is-stored-in-the-ocean_ART-WEB.pdf a report detailing the ocean's role in storing carbon as part of the global carbon cycle. The report revealed that the ocean holds approximately 40 teratonnes of carbon, which makes up 95% of the active carbon cycle.
===DEEP Facilities===
DEEP Campus is a 50-acre research and training facility located in the Wye Valley, United Kingdom. Equipped with testing, training, and manufacturing facilities, it is used for testing and training and to train new operators from DEEP's Institute. The campus houses Loch Lyr, an 80-metre-deep clear and controlled water body used for training and testing equipment.
==Notable Personnel==
The DEEP team consists of leaders in the field of oceanography.
Rob McCallum
Rob McCallum is part of DEEP's strategic advisory council. Founding partner of EYOS Expeditions, McCallum has experience in a number of notable projects, including dives to Challenger Deep and explorations of the Titanic and the Bismarck, as well as circumnavigating Antarctica. McCallum provides strategic advice and technical insights to support DEEP's ocean exploration projects and serves as a brand ambassador.
Dr. Dawn Kernagis
Dr. Dawn Kernagis serves as the Director of Scientific Research at Deep. Overseeing the company's internal scientific research and R&D initiatives, Kernagis expands relationships with external scientific partners. She has experience in undersea research and served as a NASA analog mission commander.
Dr. Kathy Sullivan
Dr. Kathy Sullivan is a member of DEEP's strategic advisory council. She has experience as a geologist, oceanographer, NASA astronaut, and US Navy Officer. She is also the first American woman to walk in space, the first woman to dive to the Challenger in the Mariana Trench, and the only person to do both.
Dr. Michael Lang
Dr. Michael Lang is the co-director of the San Diego Center of Excellence in Diving and a marine biologist. He is part of DEEP's strategic advisory council advising on diver safety training and program development.
==Certifications & Recognitions==
DEEP holds a number of certifications for its manufacturing and research operations. These include QA ISO 9001 – Q2 2024 quality assurance certification, DNV Type Approved Product Q2 2024, and DNV AoM Q3 2024 manufacturing certifications.
Category:Companies established in 2023
Category:Companies based in Bristol
Category:Exploration