DSV Pisces VI
Asking Price: € 3.9 million
About
Pisces VI is designed for efficient worldwide operations at a fraction of the typical cost. One of its most distinctive advantages is its compact footprint—both the submarine and its fully equipped Mission Control with mobile workshop fit neatly into a standard shipping container (6,058 mm x 2,438 mm x 2,896 mm). This unique portability allows for seamless transport and rapid deployment anywhere in the world.
Versatile by design, Pisces VI is engineered to support a wide range of underwater missions—from scientific research to deep-sea exploration.
Its team of expert operators is ready to customise the submarine to meet the specific requirements of your project.
A defining feature of Pisces VI is its environmentally responsible ballast system. Unlike conventional subs that rely on heavy steel weights, Pisces VI uses seawater as ballast, eliminating impact on the subsea environment. This innovative approach enables safe and sustainable diving in marine protected areas and delicate ecosystems without compromise.
| General | |
| Manufacturer | International Hydrodynamics Corporation, ltd. (HYCO), Canada |
| Model | DSV Pisces VI |
| Type | Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) |
| Classification Society | Lloyd’s Register |
| Depth-rating | 2,180meter / 7,155 ft |
| Capacity | Nominally 3 (one pilot and two observers), but certified for 4 persons |
| Size (L x W x H) – metric | 556 cm x 220 cm x 349 cm |
| Size (L x W x H) – imperial | 18′3″ x 7′3″ x 11’6″ |
| Weight | 9,500 kg / 21,000 lb |
| Pressure Hull | |
| Material | HY100 Steel, 3 conical viewports |
| Hatch | Steel |
| Battery | |
| Type | Lead-acid |
| Capacity | 40 kWh |
| Endurance | Nominally up to 8 hours (legally up to 14 hours) |
| Propulsion & Performance | |
| Thruster Type | Brushless DC Rim-Driven |
| Thrusters Horizontal | 2 x 525N |
| Thruster Vertical | 2 x 525N |
| Advertised Speed | 3 knots |
| Safety Systems | |
| Locating System | Radio Beacon and Xenon Strobe |
| Emergency Life Support | 120 hours |
| Dropweight | Yes (manual hydraulic release by pilot) |
| Communication & Tracking | |
| Surface | VHF |
| Underwater | 10 kHz through-water comms |
| Tracking | Sonardyne Mini Ranger 2 |
The submersible comes installed with the following accessories:
- Imaginex 360 degree Scanning Sonar
- 2 x 6-function Robotic Arm
- USBL Tracking System
- 2 x 4K video camera
- Slurp Gun
- Sediment Core Samplers
- CTD Auto Logging Set
- Nisken Water Sample Rack
The following ancillary equipment is also part of the package:
- Battery Charger
- Spare Parts Kit
- Manuals
- Topside communication and tracking system
Built in 1976 by International Hydrodynamics Corporation (HYCO) in Vancouver, B.C., Pisces VI has a remarkable history of exploration and discovery. Originally destined for the Soviet Union, the sale was halted under U.S. pressure, and the submersible remained with HYCO for contract work.
After a brief period in storage, Pisces VI made history in 1986 when it was reactivated for National Geographic’s two-year William Beebe Expedition in Bermuda. Led by the legendary Dr. Eugenie Clark, the mission transformed our understanding of the elusive sixgill shark and added a new chapter to deep-sea science.
Fast forward to 2015, when the current owner, an explorer, purchased Pisces VI and began restoring it to its former glory. In 2019, Pisces VI moved to Canada, launching a full plan for sea trials. By 2022, the submarine had completed Lloyd’s Register verification tests and secured worldwide operational insurance — making it ready once again for groundbreaking missions beneath the waves.
Pisces VI isn’t just a submarine — it’s a vessel of discovery, built for those who dare to explore the ocean’s most mysterious depths.
Pisces VI is immediately ready for deployment with current LR classification, and backed by a dedicated support team prepared to ensure a smooth handover and comprehensive owner training.
With its containerised design, the submarine and its mission control unit can be shipped efficiently to any destination worldwide, enabling rapid mobilisation for projects in even the most remote locations.
This combination of global transportability, technical readiness, and expert support ensures that Pisces VI can transition seamlessly from delivery to full operational use.