James Cameron Criticizes OceanGate’s Submarine Safety and Design

James Cameron, the renowned movie director of Titanic and an expert in submarines, has expressed his concerns about the safety of OceanGate’s tourist submarine expeditions. Cameron’s worries have unfortunately come true with the recent loss of the Titanic submarine owned by OceanGate, which was declared to have exploded in the sea. Before this tragic incident, Cameron had already raised several notes regarding the expedition.

Having seen the wreck of the Titanic 33 times at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and even ventured into the deepest trench in the world, the Mariana Trench, Cameron is no stranger to sea exploration. However, he stated that the loss of five lives on board the submarine is unprecedented in his experience.

“There has never been a loss of life at this depth and certainly no explosion,” Cameron said, emphasizing the magnitude of the event if the ship had indeed exploded. He compared it to the explosion of 10 crates of dynamite.

In 2012, Cameron designed and piloted an experimental submarine to the Challenger Deep, an area in the Pacific Ocean. However, he consciously chose not to request ship safety certification from maritime industry organizations, as the ship was experimental and its mission was scientific. Nevertheless, he firmly believes that a vehicle designed to carry passengers should always be certified for safety.

Cameron strongly criticized OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush for operating a submarine that was never certified to transport tourists safely. Rush had cited certification as a barrier to innovation, but Cameron argued that such an attitude is unacceptable when innocent guests trust the company’s statements about vehicle safety.

According to Cameron, there were flaws in the design of the submarine and possible warning signs for the occupants. He pointed out that the sub’s construction, made of a carbon fiber composite, is not suitable for deep dives and increased water pressure. While carbon fiber composites are lighter and stronger than steel or aluminum, they lack the necessary compression strength for underwater vehicles.

OceanGate utilizes sensors in the submarine’s hull to assess the status of the carbon fiber composite hull. The company promotes these sensors as an innovative feature for gastric health monitoring. However, Cameron disagreed with the company’s claims, viewing the sensor network as an inadequate solution to a design he considers intrinsically flawed. He compared it to a light that goes on when the oil in a car is low, stating that it is different in the case of the submarine’s bilge sensor network.

The loss of the Titanic submarine and the tragic loss of lives have raised serious concerns about the safety of OceanGate’s tourist submarine expeditions. James Cameron’s expertise and experience in submarines have shed light on the flaws in the design and operation of these submarines, urging the industry to prioritize passenger safety and proper certification.

What are some specific concerns that James Cameron has about the safety of OceanGate’s expeditions compared to his own?

Did not have the same concerns about safety as he does with OceanGate’s expeditions. He trusts his own design and engineering skills, but is skeptical about other companies that may not have the same level of expertise.

Cameron’s concerns about OceanGate’s submarine expeditions stem from his vast knowledge and experience in underwater exploration. He understands the risks and dangers that come with exploring the deep sea, and believes that safety should always be the top priority.

Unfortunately, Cameron’s concerns were validated when the Titanic submarine owned by OceanGate was reported to have exploded in the sea. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of five lives, a situation that Cameron finds unprecedented in his own experience.

“The loss of life at this depth and the occurrence of an explosion are both extremely rare,” Cameron stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He compared the explosion to that of 10 crates of dynamite, further highlighting the magnitude of the event.

Recalling his own involvement in underwater exploration, Cameron shared that he designed and piloted an experimental submarine to the Challenger Deep in the Pacific Ocean in 2012. However, his trust in his own abilities does not extend to other companies like OceanGate, whose safety measures and precautions may not meet the same standards.

As an expert in submarines and someone who has dedicated a significant part of his career to exploring the depths of the ocean, Cameron’s concerns regarding the safety of OceanGate’s expeditions should not be taken lightly. The recent incident with the Titanic submarine serves as a grim reminder of the potential risks involved in such ventures and the need for utmost caution.