semi-submersible
Partially submerged vessel
A semi-submersible is a vessel or platform designed to float partially submerged, with most of its hull below the waterline while the deck remains above.
The design provides stability in rough seas, making semi-submersibles common as offshore drilling rigs.
Drug smugglers also use makeshift semi-submersibles to evade radar detection: The Coast Guard intercepted a semi-submersible carrying cocaine.
Hole-making by rotation
- platformRaised flat structure
- rigEquipment arrangement or vehicle
- oilfieldUnderground hydrocarbon reserve area
- deepwaterOf oceanic depths
petroleum · extraction · wellhead · derrick · production · hydrocarbons · reservoir · crude
Fluid's upward resistance
- ballastShip stability material
- pontoonBuoyant platform or vessel
- hullOuter covering or frame
- displacementRemoval from usual location
draft · stability · hydrodynamics · trim · watertight · flotation · freeboard · columns
Scientific study of seas
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- deep-seaOf ocean depths
- ROVPiloted-from-above underwater craft
- samplingExtracting subset for study
scientific · observation · hydrothermal · bathymetry · Alvin · instrumentation · survey · expedition
Secret, undetected movement
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- submarineUnderwater naval craft
- sonarUnderwater detection by echoes
warfare · torpedo · infiltration · littoral · covert · patrol · detection · combat
Illegal covert transport
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
- cartelPrice-fixing coalition
- interdictionAuthoritative prohibition or blockade
- low-profileDeliberately avoiding attention
evasion · detection · concealment · fiberglass · makeshift · Pacific · Caribbean · seizure
drilling
Hole-making by rotation
- platformRaised flat structure
- rigEquipment arrangement or vehicle
- oilfieldUnderground hydrocarbon reserve area
deepwater · petroleum · extraction · wellhead · derrick · production · hydrocarbons · reservoir · crude · jack-up
buoyancy
Fluid's upward resistance
displacement · draft · stability · hydrodynamics · trim · watertight · flotation · freeboard · columns · deck
oceanography
Scientific study of seas
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- deep-seaOf ocean depths
- ROVPiloted-from-above underwater craft
sampling · scientific · observation · hydrothermal · bathymetry · Alvin · instrumentation · survey · expedition
stealth
Secret, undetected movement
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- submarineUnderwater naval craft
sonar · warfare · torpedo · infiltration · littoral · covert · patrol · detection · combat · military
smuggling
Illegal covert transport
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
- cartelPrice-fixing coalition
- interdictionAuthoritative prohibition or blockade
low-profile · evasion · detection · concealment · fiberglass · makeshift · Pacific · Caribbean · seizure
- marine structuresoffshore platform, oil platform, oil rig, drilling platform, jetty
- oilfield equipmentdrilling rig, oil rig, offshore rig, derrick, rotary drill
- shipsship, vessel, freighter, tanker, cargo ship
- submersiblessubmarine, mini-sub, deep-sea sub, Alvin, Trieste
- Workboatsworkboat, tugboat, tug, towboat, pusher
semi-submersiblesubmarine
Underwater naval craft
drillship · cargo ship · tanker · submersible · bathyscaphe
semi, submersible, submerge, submerged, submerging, submersion, submerses, merge, merged