Joe MacInnis discovered his passion for the undersea world at the age of 17, when he delved into the reef systems off Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1954 during his first scuba dive.
Reflecting on that experience, MacInnis expressed, “It’s filled with these extraordinary creatures and sunlight and shadows. It is another world.”
The profound sense of connection with the ancient, mysterious, and infinite underwater realm has stayed with MacInnis throughout his life.
At 88 years old, MacInnis has dedicated his life to exploring the depths of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans, accumulating 6,000 hours underwater. His contributions to undersea science led to receiving the Order of Canada in 1976.
Forging a Career Beneath the Waves
Originally pursuing a medical career in Toronto, MacInnis pivoted towards the ocean, drawn by the rapid advancements in diving science and technology during what he calls the golden age of ocean science.
Combining his medical expertise with a love for the underwater world, MacInnis ventured into consulting for the U.S. Navy’s Sealab project, focusing on diver health and safety.
Returning to Canada in 1969, MacInnis collaborated with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau on the nation’s inaugural ocean policy and established Sublimnos, Canada’s first underwater research station in Lake Huron.
In 1972, MacInnis led the construction of Sub-Igloo, the world’s first manned underwater station in the Arctic Ocean, marking his groundbreaking dive beneath the North Pole.
During Arctic expeditions, MacInnis and his team developed specialized gear allowing safe dives in icy waters and captured footage of narwhal, bowhead, and beluga whales for the first time.
MacInnis also hosted distinguished guests on dives, including Pierre Trudeau and Prince Charles, now King Charles.
More like thisRelated
“Prediction Markets Boom Amid Venezuela Crisis”
“2025’s Top 10 Science Breakthroughs & Discoveries”
“Word of the Year Debates Spark Linguistic Controversy”
“Elon Musk’s xAI Startup Restricts Image Generation on Social Platform X”