There are thrills in tourism around the Titanic, but there are also risks
There are thrills in tourism around the Titanic, but there are also risks
A group of unknown individuals has managed to witness the remains of the Titanic shipwreck firsthand. To visit this monument of destruction, one needs financial capability, access to experts, and a
willingness to take risks. For those who can meet these conditions, the OceanGate Expeditions announces an eight-day mission involving tourism and research. They will take a carbon fiber submarine to the vicinity of the Titanic wreckage, approximately 13,000 feet below the ocean surface. The submarine has five seats, and each seat costs 1.5 million dollars to experience this rare adventure.
The popularity of such adventurous tourism among thrill-seekers is increasing day by day. OceanGate Expeditions is just one example of many organizations that operate in a similar manner. They provide people with the experience of exploring the depths of the ocean, which is usually beyond the reach of ordinary individuals.
According to Nick Dean, the owner of T-Rex Communications, a specialized communication agency for special events, "The wealthy individuals are willing to spend money on unique experiences that they will never forget."
OceanGate successfully carried out their expeditions to the Titanic wreck in 2021 and 2022.
Luxury travel is very costly because it involves significant expenses and requires careful preparation. Some aspects of such travel can be unpredictable and fall outside the boundaries of regulations. The Titanic was not subject to government regulations, and OceanGate claims that this technology is so new that it has not been reviewed yet.
According to Professor Carolin Campbell from the University of South Carolina and a maritime historian, there is no need for safety regulations for the Titan submarine because it operates in international waters.
Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, has repeatedly stated that the regulations for passenger safety should take precedence over commercial development when it comes to the use of the submersible. However, some unnecessary regulations exist in place of existing commercial vessels.
In an interview published in the June 2019 issue of the Smithsonian Magazine, Rush stated, "For over 35 years, there hasn't been a single accident involving commercially operated submersibles. It is very safe. There are regulations in place."
The risks associated with deep-sea exploration are not limited to the ocean but also extend to space. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the legislation for passenger safety in commercial space travel is not currently applicable to companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, or SpaceX, which design spacecraft. Currently, those who have traveled to space must sign an "informed consent" document, acknowledging that they understand the risks and will not hold the company responsible for any accidents.
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that if Congress does not renew the moratorium at the end of this year, they are prepared to strengthen the safety regulations for commercial human spaceflight to ensure passenger safety.