Unique Group, an integrated subsea and offshore solutions provider, has developed and delivered a DNV-compliant Human Support and Safety System (HSSS) for MATSYA 6000, India’s first manned submersible rated for a depth of 6,000 metres. Commissioned by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the system is designed to support three occupants for up to 12 hours under normal conditions and 96 hours in emergencies.
The HSSS was engineered to operate within the confined 2.1-metre internal diameter personnel sphere of the submersible, which maintains internal pressure at 1 atmosphere while withstanding external pressures of up to 600 bar. The life support system underwent Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) in November 2024 in the presence of DNV surveyors.
The system includes an oxygen supply unit, a carbon dioxide scrubbing system, and a dehumidification unit, all developed in-house. It also features a custom-built environmental monitoring system tailored for MATSYA 6000, a project-specific fire suppression system, and a modified emergency breathing apparatus adapted for deep-sea use. These components were developed or customised to address the spatial and operational constraints of the submersible.
A full-scale prototype was initially built at Unique Group’s facility to validate the system prior to integration. The HSSS was subsequently tested during harbour trials, where it supported three personnel for a continuous three-hour period. NIOT acknowledged the successful commissioning and certification of the system, noting that the Class Product certification had been achieved for deployment in the MATSYA 6000 project.
Unique Group stated that the design methodology used in this project could be adapted for other submersible platforms, including those intended for strategic, military, or tourism applications.
Unique Group is an integrated subsea and offshore solutions provider with capabilities across engineering, manufacturing, and servicing of diving, survey, and life support systems. The company operates globally, delivering customised and certified equipment to the marine and energy industries.
