Deep Ocean Expeditions is currently planning to undertake The Real North Pole expedition in late August 2006. For more information and registration please contact  deepsea@wildwings.co.uk

Some places on our planet are so out of reach that their very isolation has stirred generations of explorers into voyages of adventure and discovery. One such place is the North Pole. Join us on a historic voyage to 90º North - The Top of the World.

Sailing from Spitsbergen, we head north through dense, multi-year pack ice to the North Pole, a worthy goal for our amazing ship, the nuclear powered icebreaker Yamal. Only very few vessels have the power to negotiate the challenging ice of the Arctic Basin . Navigating the polar pack at speeds up to 12 knots, we are enthralled by an ever-changing panorama of wind-polished ice, narrow channels of dark green water and aquamarine pools.

From the North Pole, we head south to Franz Josef Land , a marvellous place of glaciers, volcanic mountains and wildlife. Here we hope to call at historic sites of early exploration and to encounter walruses and polar bears on the ice. The voyage ends in Spitsbergen.

But this once-in-a-lifetime expedition will not be content with merely resting on the surface of the ocean at 90° North.

Our aim and focus is to create history as we challenge difficult logistic problems to put our manned MIR submersibles down to the ocean bottom - at approximately 14,500 feet (4,400 meters) below! If we are successful, a long chain of human polar endeavors will reach a new pinnacle with the final attainment of the 'real' North Pole.

Previous attempts at conquering the Pole certainly involved more hardship and determination - and this expedition will in no way detract from their courageous accomplishments - but our achievement will be a unique and thrilling adventure never attempted before by using the most modern technology possible.

THE NORTH POLE DIVE  POSTPONED TO 2008

Itinerary

Day 1 - Oslo, Norway
Today is at leisure for you to explore independently. Overnight accommodations are provided at a centrally located hotel. Group air arrangements are available upon request*.

Day 2 - Oslo - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight* to Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago. There may be an opportunity to explore the town before we fly by helicopter to the Yamal positioned off the coast of Spitsbergen. We depart later this evening.

Day 3 - North of Spitsbergen
Today we relax and explore our extraordinary icebreaker. Join our naturalists in the lecture room for presentations on the unique wildlife of the Arctic, geology, glaciology, oceanography and polar history. We cross 80º north and enter a remote world of dense pack ice, covering the Arctic Basin all year round.

Days 4 & 5 - To The Pole
Heading further north, we continue through the polar pack, a kaleidoscope of vast ice floes, pools of open water and channels. We marvel as the Yamal surges forward through meters-thick ice, leaving great blocks of blue ice in its wake. Our resident lecturers continue a series of outstanding slide-illustrated presentations and help you to keep watch for polar bears, seals and Arctic birds.

Dividing into teams, we board the helicopter for unique aerial views of our extraordinary ship at work and a landing on the ice. Along the way, we also pause and put down the gangway for an invigorating walkabout on the Arctic pack (subject to suitable ice conditions). The ship's open-bridge policy enables us to watch navigation and icebreaking operations around the clock. Our experienced officers guide the Yamal through the polar ice sailing at up to 12 knots through ice thick enough to stop any conventional icebreaker. Ice reconnaissance flights, together with ice charts submitted to us via satellite and our onboard ice experts, will help the Captain to find open water leads, or cracks, in the polar ice cap. Traveling through these leads greatly facilitates our voyage.

Days 6-10 - The North Pole
Depending on ice conditions, today will herald our arrival at the Geographic North Pole. We gather on the bridge of the Yamal as we confidently approach 90º North, one of few expeditions to reach the North Pole itself. Champagne will flow as we record our special achievement. Subject to conditions we wander out onto the ice. Here, at the top of the world, we explore the Arctic landscape and contemplate the heroic struggles of early explorers to reach this spot.

To accomplish our task we will remain at the North Pole for about five days, during which period we aim to complete around eight individual submersible dives to the ocean bottom, approximately 14,500 feet (4,400 meters) below. However, this ultimate number may vary significantly depending on ice and weather conditions and the complexity of the operational logistics.

Preparation of the submersibles and their support equipment will have taken place on the way to the Pole, so soon after our arrival the submersible crew will swing into action. A careful assessment will be made of surrounding ice conditions (these can vary significantly at this time of the year) before the placement of acoustical transponders, which help the submersibles navigate accurately to the exact location of the Pole on the ocean floor and, even more importantly, safely back to the vessel.

As soon as preparations are complete, MIR I will be launched for its history-making dive to the 'real' North Pole. For the first two dives of our project, only a single submersible will be 'down' at any one time. Subsequent cycles may involve double dives, with both submersibles in the water at the same time.

The chief pilot and scientist on our expedition, Professor Anatoly Sagalevitch, will make all ultimate decisions concerning submersible operations. We expect each individual dive to last about seven to eight hours and we will take advantage of the continuous daylight at the Pole to schedule a regular dive sequence. The return of each submersible at the completion of a pole dive, especially the history-making first one, will be greeted with suitable celebrations!

During our stay at the Pole there will be an extensive program of activities in addition to the submersible dives. Our onboard science team will be carrying out a unique science project with 'round the clock' collection of data in a number of disciplines. The scientists will give full briefings and descriptions of their programs and you are welcome to observe. Our pole visit will provide unique opportunities for scientific studies especially as we will be in the area for about five days. Ocean bottom and water column samples gathered during our dives will provide 'first time' scientific data from one of the earth's most remote places.

We also plan to carry onboard Yamal a sophisticated ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) System which carries a video camera as part of its hardware. We will use the ROV under the pack ice with live videos being sent back to the ship for your viewing. An ice barbecue and a 'black tie' classical music recital will be a highlight, as will be helicopter sightseeing trips in the area and scuba diving sessions for the more trained (and adventurous). Other interesting programs and activities are planned.

Days 11-14 - Southward & Franz Josef Land
Heading to the south, the Yamal navigates the tall hummocks and pressure ridges that characterize multi-year ice. The exact route to Franz Josef Land depends on local conditions. As always, our helicopter pilots stand ready for reconnaissance flights and excursions. We are invited in small groups to the ship's control center and engine room. Our lecture series continues.

The show of power and ever-changing icescapes easily keeps our attention - an absorbing jumble of wind-polished ice and pools of aquamarine water. As we progress south our chances of encountering polar bears increase. These 'Lords of the Arctic' roam the pack ice in search of prey and have been seen as far as 88° north. Amazingly, they often ignore the approach of our ship - a great opportunity for photography!

Approaching Franz Josef Land , we enter a remote and stunning world of dense pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers. Not discovered until 1873 by the Austrian Tegetthoff expedition, much of the vast archipelago is still relatively unexplored. Cruising into Calm Bay, we intend to stop to view Rubini Rock. If conditions permit, we approach the sheer basalt cliff by ship. Nearby, we will see the remains of a now-abandoned research station and watch several huge glaciers tumbling down into the bay.

We also plan to visit Cape Norway . Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen, together with Hjalmar Johansen, spent the winter of 1896-97 here, after a bold attempt to reach the North Pole and a heroic trek over the ice. They survived by hunting polar bears, seals and Arctic foxes. The remains of their hut, considered one of the shrines of Arctic history, were lost until 1990, when the site was discovered by a joint Soviet-Norwegian expedition.

Day 15 - Barents Sea
On our way back to Spitsbergen we review with the lecturers our unique and historic journey of exploration and adventure.

Day 16 - Longyearbyen - Oslo
We disembark by helicopter from the Yamal positioned off the coast of Spitsbergen. On landing, we transfer to the airport in Longyearbyen for the flight to Oslo*. We overnight at a centrally located hotel.

Day 17 - Oslo, Norway
After breakfast this morning at our hotel, we continue home independently.

Note: This itinerary is a guide only; our exact program will vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions (which vary from year to year) and opportunities to experience wildlife. Our goal is to operate this unique expedition voyage as outlined in the description. However our desire for success must be tempered by an overriding concern for safety and consideration for the surrounding environment.

Our polar icebreakers, the submersibles, helicopters and Zodiacs are built and maintained to the very highest standards for the most challenging conditions and we will ensure that they are operated in an environmentally responsible manner at all times.

Important: All landings on Franz Josef Land are subject to a final governmental permission.

*Airfare not included in the program

Prices & What's Included

Cost For MIR Divers:
The anticipated cost of this expedition will be £55,000

Cost For Non-Divers:
Cruise fare from approx £8825.

  .    Voyage aboard the Yamal as indicated in the itinerary.

  .    Hotel accommodations in a shared twin room for two with breakfast.

  .    All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter (as included in group excursions with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed).

  .    Program of lectures by noted scientists and leadership provided by experienced expedition staff.

  .    Program of lectures by noted scientists and leadership provided by experienced expedition staff.

  .    All meals aboard ship.

  .    Comprehensive pre-departure materials & Arctic handbook

  .    Transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship for those traveling on the group flights.

  .    All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

  .    Special expedition parka and detailed post-expedition log the voyage.

Note: Helicopter flying time in excess of the per person allotment for any reason whatsoever will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced.

Not Included
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore and supplement for single hotel accommodation; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for the stewards and others who have served you aboard (US$10-15 per day suggested). Optional North Pole Dive aboard MIR I or MIR II

All participants in submersible dives to the ocean floor at the Pole are paying an extra premium for that privilege as indicated in the price section on this page. The number of participants will be limited, and the order of dive participants will be determined in advance based on the time of booking. That sequential list of divers will be strictly adhered to, but we cannot, in any way, guarantee in advance the number of ultimately successful dives. All participants in our North Pole dives must accept this condition in writing as part of their booking. In the event that the project organizers deem it necessary to cancel a dive then the supplement paid for the dive will be refunded within two weeks after the end of the voyage.

THE NORTH POLE DIVE

What To Expect On Your Dive

The following information will provide a basic guideline for your upcoming dive at the North Pole. If you have further questions feel free to contact  WildWings. (Tel 0117 9658333 or e-mail deepsea@wildwings.co.uk)

1. How do I get in and out of the MIR?
You will embark/disembark the MIR I or MIR II submersible from the support vessel where they are stored on special racks. There is a ladder system from the deck to entrance hatch of the submersible. While the submersibles are in the water, the hatch will remain sealed at all times to prevent flooding of the interior. Climbing up and down the ladder to/from the MIR's requires care particularly when exiting after the dive since your muscles maybe a little stiff and tired. There will be trained personnel on hand to assist you.

The entrance hatch is approximately two feet (60 centimeters) in diameter and inside the submersible is relatively compact. There are no official limitations with respect to a participant's size but if your height exceeds 6 feet 8 inches (2 meters) and/or your weight exceeds 280 pounds (126 kilos), please advise us so we can determine if there are any serious impediments to your participation.

Once inside the submersible, you will assume a comfortable position where you can avoid disturbing or manipulating any of the control systems or instruments. Before your dive, you will be given an individual tour of the interior of the submersible to familiarize you with its facilities and orient you for the upcoming experience.

2. What is it like inside the MIR? What do I bring?
The habitation sphere (pressure hull) or the MIR submersible is 6 feet 10 inches (2.1 meters) in diameter and is specifically designed to carry people - in our case one expert pilot and two participants. Inside the sphere the air pressure is "one atmosphere" just like a room in your home. Around the inside of the sphere are many controls, instruments and electrical circuits. At the forward end of the sphere, there are view ports, each providing a forward and a partial peripheral viewing arc. There are two couches/mattresses for participants who can recline with their faces close to the viewing ports. You can also sit or stand up to stretch and relax. The pilot sits or kneels at a central control console and guides the submersible using the main central porthole. There is no vision directly to the sides or the aft end of the submersible.

As we dive, the climate inside the submersible will not vary much but will stabilize to a constant temperature of around 50°F (20°C). While this temperature may not seem to be too cold, please note that the interior shell of the MIR will become damp with condensation, increasing the effects of the temperature. We suggest you dress warmly in light loose layers to help you adjust to the interior climate. We suggest two pairs of warm socks, warm water-resistant booties, light thermal full-length underwear, a warm comfortable pair of sweat or fleece pants, a thick warm sweater, pullover or fleece jacket, a woolen cap and a light pair of gloves. In addition, we will provide everyone with a pair of special NOMEX coveralls (a fire resistant suit). Your clothing will be inspected before the dive to make sure that you are adequately prepared. For the dive, we will provide you with a packed lunch and drink (not too much of either to avoid added bathroom needs). There will be a hearty welcome back meal waiting for you at the end of the dive.

We also recommend you bring at least: a camera and/or compact video camera, tissue, a notebook and pen or small tape recorder to chronicle your observations and impressions. Be aware that the following items are not allowed in the submersible: anything made from a petroleum base (lip sticks, chap sticks, Vaseline, etc.), matches, lighters or other combustible materials. Please note there is absolutely no smoking in the submersibles.

3. Exactly how does the "bathroom" procedure work in the MIR?
Because of the size and design of all deep diving submersibles, there are no installed/fixed bathroom facilities. Our dives are scheduled to last from 8 to 9 hours (maximum) and we will provide temporary portable "man/woman hour-extender bottles" that allow you to deal with "non serious" matters. These bottles are designed for convenient use in relatively confined spaces such as a light aircraft, helicopters, tents in inclement conditions, etc. There will be an ample supply aboard. We will also provide some sort of "privacy curtain" although it has to be recognized that privacy has it limitations in a submersible.

As for "serious" matters, it is largely a case of "mind over matter" but a suitable device will be carried for absolute emergencies. In order to better control the need for bathroom facilities, we will recommend an eating plan that minimizes the amount of food and drink consumed for 12 to 18 hours prior to your dive. You should also know your general needs and plan accordingly.

4. How does the dive operation begin?
You will be advised of your planned dive time well in advance so you can prepare and begin your pre-dive eating and drinking regimen. You must understand that the actual dive time depends on weather, sea and ice conditions and the mechanical readiness of the submersibles.

Occasional maintenance needs may mean postponement of dives and must be accepted as necessary. You should adopt a flexible approach to the dive schedule and be prepared to accept postponements. The decision when to dive is solely in the hands of the head of the submersible team, Dr. Anatoly Sagalevitch and the Expedition Leader, Mike McDowell. Their decision is final and absolute. Any such decisions are based on many years of experience and will be in the interest of the general safety of the operation.

Shortly before dive time, you and your dive partner will receive a final briefing and equipment inspection. When the final order to prepare is given, you will be escorted to the ladder for entry into the submersible on the deck of the support vessel. Once you, your partner and the pilot are settled and comfortable, the hatch will be sealed and the submersible lowered by the ship's crane into the ocean. The surface test team will inspect the outside of the MIR and then release it from the crane, after which a launch will tow the craft to its dive point.

Once the pilot has checked all systems, he will slowly start to pump ballast water into the tanks and the MIR will begin to descend. The descent rate will be approximately 100 feet per minute. The water will turns from light green, through the spectrums of blue and in a short time to a black as ambient light disappears at around 700 to 800 feet (200 to 230 meters). The total descent time to the seafloor at the North Pole is about three hours. During that time, you may relax, enjoy music, watch the pilot operating the MIR, and/or scan the ocean depths for bioluminescent creatures. From time to time, the pilot will turn on the submersible's powerful external lighting system to look for other marine creatures. All work inside the MIR is done by faint red lights to preserve the pilot's night vision. The pilot is in constant voice communications with the support vessel to assist his navigation.

5. Will both MIR submersibles dive at the same time?
The dive plan for the MIR's will vary according to circumstances and prevailing conditions. In general, we usually dive the two submersibles closely together. Since we will use just one crane to place the two vessels into the water one after the other, their schedules may be slightly staggered by an hour or so. It is not required to operate in this manner since each submersible is fully autonomous. From time to time, logistical considerations such as a battery re-charging, needed servicing, weather/sea conditions or other contributing factors may mean single submersible dive patterns. It is preferable to have both vessels down at the same general time as they are then able to photograph each other at the site. We cannot guarantee this will always be possible since so much will depend on local sea and ice conditions.

6. What is the size of the three MIR viewing ports?
The center view port is approximately eight inches (200 millimeters) in diameter and the two smaller view ports, one on each side of the center port, are approximately five inches (120 millimeters) in diameter. Since you will be near to the view ports, you will have good views both ahead and somewhat to the sides. The view through the side ports, however, is slightly obstructed with equipment on booms in front of the submersible.

7. What will I see on the seafloor at the North Pole?
Mir completes its 14,500-foot decent, gently landing at the Real North Pole. You are in the Amundsen Plain, a north-south valley and the deepest part of this least-known ocean. No passenger has ever been here and no scientific observations have ever been made in this place. This is a true "first".

We expect the submersibles outside lights to show a smooth sedimentary terrain made of clays and the microscopic remains of dead plankton. Biologically it is a desert but you should see a few small bottom-dwelling animals. It is believed that the food supply here will be very scant and therefore only limited and adapted species will exist. Look carefully for any forms of life that could be new to science.

While you take pictures and observations through the view ports, your pilot is busy taking scientific readings and capturing seafloor samples with the sub's external arm. You journey back to the surface carrying first-time knowledge of this place. You are now a true pioneer.

8. How will we decide the dive order?
The dive order will be decided in advance using a general principle of "first come, first served" although some slots are pre-reserved for major commercial sponsors and the documentary film production team. These reserved slots will be scheduled in the best interest of the overall expedition and the dive order will be promulgated several weeks before embarkation.

It is important to know and understand that if ice conditions interfere with our schedule, some dives may have to be cancelled in which case any cancelled participant would receive a full refund of their submersible dive supplement (£32,350). We do not expect this to happen, but we need to be forthright regarding any possible and untoward eventualities.

The mothership……..

Nuclear Icebreaker Yamal

Deep Ocean Expeditions will use the icebreaker Yamal to undertake the inaugural Real North Pole expedition scheduled for August 2006. With a displacement of 23,000 tons, 75,000 total horsepower and a 48mm thick armour steel icebreaker hull, the Yamal is among the world's most powerful and sophisticated ships.

Designed as a working vessel to keep shipping lanes open along Russia's Northern Sea Route, the Yamal meets the challenge of the heaviest ice. The ship is a model of technology - and of passenger comfort. One of five icebreakers in this class operated by Murmansk Shipping Company, the Yamal has taken adventurous travelers to the North Pole since 1993.

Quality Accommodations
The vessel accommodates passengers in 50 first class outside cabins and suites, all with private facilities, large windows, desk, television and other comforts. Public areas include a large dining room (accommodating all passengers in one seating), library, lounge, theatre style auditorium, volleyball court and gymnasium, heated indoor swimming pool and sauna. Views are excellent from the navigation bridge (where we are almost always welcome) and the large open decks on several levels. The Yamal has a good polar library and a small infirmary.

Excellent European Cuisine
Western master chefs present an excellent, varied, international menu with fine provisions from around the world. A combination of western and experienced Russian staff will serve you aboard. The popular bar is stocked with your favorite spirits, wine and champagne.

Unique Helicopter Excursions
Essential for navigation in the ice, the Yamal carries a helicopter for reconnaissance and passenger excursions.

This versatile machine takes us to inland sites and otherwise inaccessible shores. The aerial views of polar landscapes and of our ship as it crashes through meters-thick ice are unique features of the expedition. In addition, the Yamal carries Zodiac landing craft which we may use if ice conditions allow.

Technical Gear
With 75,000 horsepower, a thick armour of steel plate and specialised icebreaking design with double hull, the Yamal is one of the few surface ships to have ever reached the North Pole. Icebreaking is assisted by an air bubbling system, delivering hot water from jets below the surface, polymer coatings and the capability of rapid movement of ballast water. Ice may be broken while moving ahead or astern.

The vessel is driven by three propellers, each with four seven-ton blades. Its two nuclear reactors, which provide the steam for propulsion, are encased in 160 tons of steel, high density concrete and water. Double vacuum stills produce five tons of fresh water per hour. Our vessel is equipped with the latest satellite navigation and communication equipment, including telephone, telex and fax.

Expedition Staff, Officers and Crew
Our icebreaker is staffed by an experienced crew of 150, including 50 officers and engineers. With the world's largest and most modern fleet of icebreakers, the Russians are recognised experts in polar operations. The voyage is directed by an expedition leader and staff chosen for their local knowledge and experience.

On this unique expedition we will sail with two vessels to the North Pole. A second vessel will act as mothership to our two submersibles MIR I and MIR II and also house the 24 members of the submersible team, including the pilots and support personnel.

This vessel has not been finally selected as yet but it will be an icebreaker with a crane capacity to enable it to launch and retrieve the submersibles once at the North Pole. The vessel, no matter how strong it is, will still follow on the wake of the nuclear icebreaker Yamal, guiding the submersible mothership into the heavy ice of the North Pole regions.

MIR SUBMERSIBLES

Owned and Operated By The PP Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy Of Sciences, Moscow

'As I peered down I realised I was looking toward a world 
of life almost as unknown as that of Mars'.

William Beebe, 1930

  .    The MIR submersibles were built in Finland in 1987 and are owned and operated by the PP Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow . The design of the MIR submersibles was a joint project between the scientists and engineers of the PP Shirshov Institute of Oceanology and the engineers of the Finnish company Rauma Repola Oy.

  .    The MIR submersibles can reach a maximum depth of 6000 metres (19,680 feet), thus giving them access to up to 98% of the world's oceans. The MIR submersibles are two of only five manned submersibles in the world that can dive beyond 3,000m (9,840 feet).

  .    The MIR submersibles are very safe and relatively spacious; they are equipped with view ports, exterior lights and an impressive array of instruments.

  .    The MIR submersibles are classified with German Lloyd, a leading ship and submersible classification bureau. They are inspected and certified on an annual basis and undergo a full refit each five-years.

  .    The pressure sphere is constructed of special nickel steel. It is designed to withstand the enormous pressures at these ocean depths. The MIR submersibles have an overall length of 7.8 metres (25 feet) and their cabin is 2.1 metres (7 feet) in diameter, accommodating one pilot and two passengers.

  .    Air pressure inside the cabin remains at a constant one atmosphere: the air is recycled in a manner similar to that used on board spacecraft, with lithium hydroxide scrubbers removing accumulated carbon dioxide.

  .    Over 49 worldwide expeditions have been conducted with the MIR submersibles and their dedicated mothership RV Akademik Mstislav Keldysh.

  .    The discovery of hydrothermal vent life and chemosynthesis on our ocean floor was one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. The MIR submersibles have visited 12 of these hydrothermal vent sites, both in the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean . Three of these sites were visited for the first time ever by the MIR's.

  .    Other voyages completed include extensive oceanographic research and sampling expeditions and filming on the legendary RMS Titanic including such productions as IMAX Titanica, James Cameron's Hollywood blockbuster Titanic and Ghosts of the Abyss.

Several expeditions have also been mounted to the wreck of the German battleship Bismarck located in 4,850 metres (15,900 feet) in the North Atlantic .

In 1989 the MIR's undertook observations and encapsulation of the Russian nuclear submarine Komsomolets sunk in the Norwegian Sea in 1,700 metres (5,576 feet). Work was also carried out on the wreck of the Russian submarine Kursk in the Barents Sea in 2000 and the Japanese submarine I-52 located in the Atlantic Ocean .

Expeditions are made possible with the experience and expertise of the Chief of the Expedition and Chief Pilot Dr Anatoly Sagalevitch and his MIR submersible team. Assisting him is Captain Yuriy Gorbach and his Keldysh crew. The RV Keldysh and MIR teams are highly skilled professionals and together they run one of the safest underwater operations in the world.