Scientists plan to have the interior of the underwater base off the Welsh coast built by 2027 – where researchers will live 28 DAYS in tight pods 660 feet below the surface

The idea of ​​living underwater for a month is enough to terrify any claustrophobic.

But it could become a reality in as little as three years, considering new designs.

Scientists from DEEP have unveiled plans to build a 660ft deep base off the coast of Wales where researchers could live for up to 28 days at a time.

Dubbed the Sentinel, the base will give scientists expanded access to the epilagic zone, where an estimated 90 percent of marine life occurs.

“The ability to comprehensively explore the entire extent of this part of the ocean, rather than just conducting incursions from the surface, will represent a major step forward in the way scientists can observe, monitor and understand the oceans,” explained DEEP.

The idea of ​​living underwater for a month is enough to terrify any claustrophobic. But it could become a reality in as little as three years, considering new designs

The renderings show how the base will feature a central “Great Hall” with labs on a mezzanine level above

Often referred to as the Sunlight Zone, the epilagic zone extends from the surface to a depth of 200 meters (660 feet).

“This zone has the most visible light,” NOAA said.

“Along with this sunlight is solar heat, which is responsible for large temperature variations in this zone, both seasonally and latitudinally — sea surface temperatures range from 36°C (97°F) in the Persian Gulf to 28°C (97°F). ) in the Persian Gulf °F (-2°C) near the North Pole.’

While scientists can currently explore this zone using submersibles, these can typically only stay underwater for hours.

To give researchers better access to this zone, DEEP proposes building a permanent base off the west coast of the UK.

Steve Etherton, DEEP EMEA President, said: “We need to protect the oceans.” To do that, we need to understand them.

“The oceans are at the heart of many of the generational challenges facing the world, and they also offer opportunities that we don’t even begin to grasp.”

Scientists from DEEP have unveiled plans to build a 650ft deep base off the coast of Wales where researchers could live for up to 28 days at a time

To give researchers better access to this zone, DEEP proposes building a permanent base off the west coast of the UK

The scientists will live in private bedrooms with a single bed with built-in storage space and a small side table, while their bathrooms have a fairly spacious shower in addition to a toilet and sink

“They are the source of at least every other breath we take.” They affect the weather. They affect the climate.

“They influence us. Yet this life-sustaining ecosystem remains surprisingly unknown.

“Through our innovative technology, DEEP will enable scientists to operate at depth for extended periods of time and we hope that it will contribute in some way to our understanding of this life-giving environment.”

The renderings show how the base will feature a central “Great Hall” with labs on a mezzanine level above.

The scientists will live in private bedrooms with a single bed with built-in storage space and a small side table, while their bathrooms have a fairly spacious shower in addition to a toilet and sink.

The galley has a dining table, basic kitchen and large windows overlooking the seabed

DEEP’s first base will be off the coast of the south-west of the UK and in Wales, but the exact location remains unclear (MailOnline has contacted DEEP for more information).

The galley has a dining table, basic kitchen and large windows overlooking the seabed.

DEEP’s initial base will be offshore in the south-west of the UK and Wales, but the exact location remains unclear (MailOnline has contacted DEEP for more information).

This area was chosen for its “unique collection of relevant expertise in marine engineering, diving, hyperbaric and submersible vessels and links to the whole UK commercial and technical diving industry,” said DEEP.

It also remains unclear how much the base will cost to build, although MailOnline has also reached out to DEEP for clarification.