Deep Ocean Exploration and Research

DOER was founded in 1992 by Dr. Sylvia Earle as Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, a marine consulting firm.

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A bit about DOER

We design and build underwater vehicles

More about us

Building underwater vehicles is a fascinating and complex field that involves designing and manufacturing machines and ancillary equipment capable of navigating the underwater environment. These vehicles, which include science class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and classed manned submersibles, are engineered to withstand the immense pressures and harsh conditions found beneath the ocean's surface.

Our vehicles are true multi mission platforms. Uses include: deep-sea exploration, multidisciplinary oceanographic research, underwater archaeology, mapping, infrastructure inspection, search/recovery, cinematography, survey, subsea observatory support, and much more.

DOER incorporates circular manufacturing into every design. Materials are selected not only for their strength and functionality but also for their recyclability or reuse at life end. The development of these vehicles continues to push the boundaries of engineering and innovation, offering new insights into the least explored areas of our planet.

30+
Years of experience
200+
Underwater Vehicles Built
25+
Team members
11,000M
Max Depth Achieved
Memberships

Marine Technology Society, Association of Manufacturers Bay Area, DEMA, Alameda Chamber of Commerce

Awards

East Bay Innovation Award, MTR 100, Wings World Trust Innovation Award, AMBayArea Manufacturer of the Year 2024

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Our services

We're not just builders, we're DOERS.  

Machining

Aside from building underwater vehicles and submersibles, we also specialize in providing top-tier custom machining services for the marine research and exploration sector. Our machine shop has an array of machine tools

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Machining

Marine Consulting & Research

With a breadth of specialties and expertise, DOER Marine is able to offer consulting services on a myriad of different topics including: Coastal resilience, vessel feasibility studies, pipeline and tunnel intervention, adaptive reuse, containerized solutions, sampling and collection tools, monitoring and enforcement in MPAs, and expert witnesses.

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Marine Consulting & Research

Bespoke Design Services

At DOER, we're don't just build submersibles and other underwater vehicles; we craft personal, underwater experiences that are as limitless as the seas themselves. Dive into the extraordinary that is the ocean with us.

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Bespoke Design Services

Testing

With our range of services going from enhanced safety of vehicles to material testing, we work with companies from all sectors to ensure they're building as efficiently and safely as possible.

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Testing

Field Operations & Support Management

Field Operations and Support Management Consulting offers a range of services designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of field operations in various industries. Take a look to see how we can work with your unique business needs to support your missions.

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Field Operations & Support Management

ROV & Submersible Training

Supporting and training staff to operate our submersibles is one of our top priorities. We help pilots and support staff understand the highly specialized field of piloting and maintenance that comes with our bespoke vehicles.

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ROV & Submersible Training
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Our Underwater Vehicles, Accessories, and Products

Vehicles & Accesories

Submersibles

DOER Marine is at the forefront of designing and manufacturing advanced fully classed human occupied submersible vehicles, catering to a wide range of underwater exploration and research needs from one person to ten passenger systems. DOER was the first to obtain dual classification on a submersible for both research and tourism applications. In addition to ground up and bespoke builds, we assist clients with operations, training, re-fits, launch and recovery systems, equipment integration, and recertification work on existing systems. DOER designed and built the first ABS classed cinema camera housings for use by the BBC and NHK television and undertook the research to validate the safety of acrylics on submersibles operating in polar waters. Ancillary equipment designed and built by DOER, including manipulators, compensators, releases, and sampling tools have been proven to full ocean depth on submersibles. Robust and reliable, DOER’s submersibles enable deep-sea exploration with precision and safety, making them a preferred choice for oceanographers, marine biologists, and industry professionals. With a commitment to sustainability, excellence and innovation, DOER Marine continues to push the boundaries of underwater exploration.

Location
Alameda, Ca
Service
Submersible
Submersibles
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Remotely Operated Vehicles

Our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) collection is based around a modular architecture. This allows us to offer a diverse range of configurations, each designed to meet the specific client needs. These range from compact hydraulic units, perfect infrastructure inspections and scientific research, to powerful and robust systems capable of deep-sea exploration to highly customized builds for specific environments. Our ROVs are intended to provide years of service by adapting to ever changing technologies.

Location
Alameda, CA
Service
Submersibles
Remotely Operated Vehicles
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Hydraulics

Explore the advanced engineering and unparalleled versatility of DOER Marine's hydraulic compensators, available in 1-liter and 4-liter capacities. Designed for precise fluid control in a variety of subsea and industrial applications, these durable systems offer customizable options and robust performance, ensuring your operations run smoothly and efficiently in any environment.

Location
Alameda, CA
Service
Hydraulics
Hydraulics
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Manipulators

Elevate your underwater capabilities with DOER Marine's Sea Mantis 5 Submersible Manipulator Arms, designed for precision, power, and adaptability in the most demanding marine environments.

Location
Alameda, CA
Service
Manipulator Arms
Manipulators
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Mission Modules

Mission modules are critical for enhancing the capabilities of underwater vehicles, supporting tasks like environmental monitoring and scientific research. DOER Marine specializes in creating custom research-focused modules, ensuring precise and reliable performance for various marine operations.

Location
Worldwide
Service
Mission Modules
Mission Modules
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It's time to explore the ocean

Whether you're in need of a submersible, ROV, or help with an expedition. We have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve your needs. Let us know how we can help, collaborate, and expand our knowledge of the oceans!

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Testimonials

What our clients say about us

We've worked with many different companies interested in deep ocean exploration. From academic and research institutions to working with James Cameron, our submersibles, ROVs and  manipulators have helped uncover and explore the deptsh of the ocean.

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“Thank you DOER for this quality product, helping bridge man and ocean during our expedition.”

After thoroughly reviewing the global market for subsea robotic manipulators our team unanimously decided to purchase two of DOER’s Sea Mantis manipulators. Clearly, with the combination of effective cost, service, state-of-the-art technology and seamless integration to our submersibles the Sea Mantis became the perfect match. Our mission was of great importance to humankind, the objective; curing cancer, through the collection of deep sea coral which provides an “organic chemical” roadmap for scientists to study, thereby unlocking the oceans medicinal secrets humans have yet to discover. Thank you DOER for this quality product, helping bridge man and ocean during our expedition.

Chris Hartman, CEO
American Aquanaut
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Projects We've Worked On