The positively buoyant[1] submersible was designed by Graham Hawkes.
[5] It travels up to 5 knots,[2] has an operating time of one hour,[2] and an open cockpit,[2] requiring the use of scuba gear by occupants,[2] and giving them 360-degree views of the space around them.
[7] It is capable of hydrobatic maneuvers[clarification needed] and 360-degree turns.
[8] It weighs 750 kg, is 4.6 m long, 3.0 m wide, 1.2 m tall, and runs off battery power.
[10] The first example of the Merlin, the Necker Nymph, was sold to Richard Branson's Virgin Hotel Group.