I'm calling my sub Esmae:   for   Electric SubMersible with Articulating Entry.
 
This is a one man sub of the flying type based on Graham Hawks "aviator" sub. 
My sub is configured with a "canard" design where the up and down dive planes
are located in the front of the craft.  The steering is stick and rudder like
an airplane.  
 
Structure:  All of the components of this craft are supported by a super
structure made of ferro-cement.  Ferro-cement is basically mortar reinforced
with superimposed layers of wire mesh and small diameter steel bars giving a
structure with a high degree of elasticity and resistance to cracking.  It is
very similar to steel reinforced concrete except it is only about 1" thick. 
Constucting this superstructure will be the first phase of the project. 
Aspects of successful ferro-cement construction involve the internal steel
matrix, wire mesh, as well as the cement mix, and the proper curing of the
cement which should be at least 28 days.  It is also important that there is
absolutly no protruding metal once the plastering is finished.  After the cement
is fully cured then a marine grade protective coating can be applied.
 
Articulating Entry:  This sub is meant to be operated in a manner where the
user (me) will be able to enter and exit the sub while it is in the water rather
that having to rely on a support vessel for entry.  I'm sure everybody remembers
FLIP (Floating Instrument Platform)!!!   Operated by Scripps

http://sio.ucsd.edu/voyager/flip/flip2.html 

Flip is extremely stable when it is in it's vertical position.  It is similar to
a spar buoy and is virtually unaffected by surface waves.  Esmae will take
advantage of this same principle.  By flooding the forward trim ballast and
forward compensating ballast as well as filling the main ballast with air the
sub will right itself into a vertical position.  The hatch is located at the top
(in the vertical position).  I'm hoping to achieve 2.5' of freeboard.
 
Batteries:  The battery pod will be located forward so as to help serve as ballast
when the sub goes vertical.  I will either use AGM or gel batteries.
 
Pressure Hull:  The pressure hull will be long enough so that in the vertical
position the pilot will be able to stand to open the hatch.  View port will be
acrylic dome.  Hull  1/4"  516 - 70 grade steel with reinforcing rings with 3/8"
thick end caps.
 
Valves:  Valves for ballast tanks will be able to be operated both inside and out
of the pressure hull.  I'm hoping to find some type of valve that has a thru shaft
that can be turned from both sides so I don't have to duplicate every valve.  Main
ballast will be soft ballast.  Everything else will be hard ballast.
 
Air:  I think I may be able to fit eight 80 cu' scuba tanks in the air area.  I
know I can get at least six in that area.
 
O2 and Scrubber:  Located inside the pressure hull.
 
Propellers:  Motors will be inside pressure pods and the whole propeller unit will
be attached to the superstructure.
 
Ailerons:  Ailerons will most likely be made of fiberglass and be operated with cables.