FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USA–UAE Coral Civilization Initiative Announces the 140-Foot Maximum Depth Rule and the 30-Foot One-Atmosphere Protocol:
The Safest and Most Scientifically Valuable Depth Standard in Undersea Engineering
KEY WEST / ABU DHABI / SHARM EL-SHEIKH — December 2025 —
The United States and the United Arab Emirates today released the official depth-operational standards for the Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels — establishing the 30-foot operational depth and the 140-foot maximum seafloor requirement as the global doctrine for safe, stable, one-atmosphere underwater living.
This clarity confirms that underwater hotels will operate only in calm, reef-protected, shallow coastal environments, never in open ocean and never in high-swell zones.
1. The 30-Foot Operational Depth
30 feet is optimal because it allows one-atmosphere operations (no decompression), ideal coral visibility, strong fish activity, excellent camera clarity, and safe repeated diver work.
2. Why the Hotel Rises to 26 Feet During Ocean Swell Events
Ocean swells transmit kinetic energy downward. The vessel rises from 30 ft to 26 ft to dissipate wave energy above the vessel and protect guest comfort and systems.
3. The 140-Foot Maximum Seafloor Rule
No underwater hotel will operate above seafloors deeper than 140 feet, ensuring stable currents, consistent temperatures, manageable emergency ascent, and optimal coral nursery deployment.
4. Never in Open Ocean
Open ocean introduces swells, storms, surge, and dangerous oscillation loads. The vessel operates in reef-protected bays/lagoon environments.
5. Supports Coral Restoration at Industrial Scale
Operating at 30 feet enables efficient Biorock deployment, safer diver work, and more successful coral nursery monitoring.
6. Elevator Safety Inside the 16-Foot Steel Shaft
Six glass traction elevators operate inside a sealed, protected shaft at one atmosphere, providing safe vertical transport.
7. Insurance, Compliance, and Regulatory Advantage
Shallow, one-atmosphere operations reduce liability and accelerate approvals.
8. 33 International Locations Meet the Depth Doctrine
Dozens of global locations align with these rules, enabling rapid deployment.
9. Dubai 2021
“Underwater civilization must obey the laws of the ocean. Depth is destiny.”
USA–UAE Closing Statement
“The 30-foot operational level and 140-foot maximum seafloor requirement establish the world’s safest underwater standard, protecting the ocean, the vessel, the people, and the future of coral restoration.”