We don't want to get too deep here. And we don't want to be flip when we say that sometimes we get flooded with ideas when selecting the "Tip" each week. Truth be told, we practically flipped our lids when we remembered this one.

Sometimes, we encourage you to head out and explore something new. Afterall, we wouldn't have a website about San Diego, if we didn't want you to get out and explore the hidden treasures. On the flip side, sometimes, we just want to tell you about a San Diego gem.




Sitting in dry dock at the Point Loma Submarine Base is engineering genius. Scripps Institute of Oceanography's FLIP or Floating Instrument Platform is docked and ready for research field work whenever called upon. This unique and amazing research vessel, built in 1962 under the watchful eye of two visionary scientists - Dr. Fred Fisher and Dr. Fred Spiess- is like no other. This $600,000 investment, in 1962, has paid off in big dividends for nearly 50 years.

These two brilliant guys sought to create a seafaring vessel that would operate in virtual silence, enhance the sounds of the ocean environment, and support state-of-the-art research in oceanography. The FLIP is a 355-foot long, 700-ton platform that acts as buoy rather than a ship. The simplest way to put it is that one end gets flooded with water from the ocean and the other ends gets tilted up into a vertical position rising above the water. At that point, the platform becomes a rock-solid research facility.

The stability of the FLIP is key. The engineering of this ship created what could be considered a military tank for the ocean. The steadiness allows for sensitive research under some of the worst weather and ocean conditions. There is nothing like it in the world. Though it was built to create silent conditions while studying the sea, the researchers have studied water circulation, the relationships between the ocean and atmosphere, wave formation, and they've collected important meteorological data. Scripps Insitute of Oceanography is a world-reknowned marine science research center. The FLIP is a major tool in their tackle box.



The FLIP has no engine propulsion and requires a tow out to sea for its research voyages. When underway, the FLIP is in a horizontal position. Once it reaches its destination, a 300-foot portion of the vessel goes below the surface. This puppy, FLIP, is literally "flipped." The process takes 28 minutes. Oddest thing you'll ever see.



The technical merits of this ship will make you cross-eyed and submerged in minutae. Suffice to say, it is cool. These men thought of everything!

About 16 men work and sleep aboard. To accomodate them, the FLIP was built to convert for either position. For example, a door was built into both the walls and the ceilings. The living/work spaces and equipment rotate depending on the position of the FLIP. Two showers were built for both the vertical and horizontal positions. Yes, these men even figured out how to convert the 'commode' for the conversion from horizontal to vertical. It's a good thing to have a commode onboard.


So, we're not suggesting you get out today to explore. We just wanted to tell you about this cool thing that's unique to San Diego.


Flippin' curious? You ought to take the time to watch the video below.