[user104658]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Yeah exactly, it seems like a really pointless risk when you're still only watching on a screen

Not only is there no need for human pilots because the drone tech is so good, but for one it works better (because they can be solid with no air pockets and so not as at risk from pressure) and for two with automation and AI going the way it is, it won't be long before they won't even need a drone controller... they'll be able to send down automated subs to map out the ocean floor and identify resource deposits etc. piloted by entirely by AI.

There's definitely a deep sea exploration boom coming but I don't think it'll involve people actually getting their toes wet, all of the human beings will be bunkered down in control rooms on surface ships. In fact probably not that long until they can be sat in an office 100 miles from the nearest coast, making discoveries at the bottom of the pacific ocean.