■Mission of Shinkai 2000 With its superior diving capabilities and maneuverability, the Shinkai 2000 can generally carry out the following operations. 1） All surveys and observations down to depth of 2,000 m. 2）One researcher may travel on board to use the various instruments, equipment, and payload aboard Shinkai 2000. 3） The standard dive time (from descent to ascent) is 6 hours. 4）Where the seafloor is smooth and level, the Shinkai 2000 can navigate along the bottom for visual observations, while photographs and video footage are shot. 5）At inclined areas, it is standard procedure to navigate from deeper to shallower parts. 6）Sampling and installing observation instruments are carried out when the Shinkai arrives at the bottom.