Ocean Builders Panama SeaPod Life

Life Beneath the Waves: A World Record, Floating Dreams, and the Seasteading Frontier 

Panama's north-central coast shimmered under a warm January sun. A short motorboat trip departed Linton Bay Marina, heading towards an unusual destination. The goal was SeaPod Alpha Deep, a cutting-edge creation by Ocean Builders, tethered above an underwater dwelling. Inside resided Rüdiger Koch, a German engineer poised on the brink of history. In less than two days, Koch intended to claim a Guinness World Record. He aimed for the longest continuous stay inside a fixed underwater habitat. Above the waterline, a security guard monitored the approach, restricting access to the unique site. A brief hoist by cable preceded a descent down a spiral staircase within the gently bobbing SeaPod structure itself. 

An Underwater Abode 

Sixty-three steps led downwards into the submerged chamber. The circular room sat 36 feet beneath the Caribbean Sea's surface. Rüdiger Koch, aged 59, offered a warm welcome. The engineer presented a distinctive appearance: bald, with a pale beard and a noticeable abdomen. Sunlight filtered through the water, casting a blue-green tinge across his face. Koch pointed through a porthole, indicating a school of sardines darting past. Life support systems hummed quietly in the background. The habitat, though compact at 304 square feet, felt surprisingly functional. It contained everything needed for extended living below the waves. 

Image Credit - NY Times

Habitat and Routine 

The underwater chamber housed exercise equipment for maintaining physical health. A bed provided a place for rest. Starlink offered satellite internet connectivity, linking the submerged world to the surface. A waterless toilet handled waste management efficiently. Koch had already spent approximately 120 days in this environment by the time of the visit. His daily routine involved working, eating, sleeping, and even enjoying cigars within the confines of the pod. A digital timer prominently displayed the countdown towards his record-breaking target. Someone arrived daily to clean the habitat, maintaining its condition throughout the lengthy stay. 

Breaking New Ground 

The previous record for such a feat belonged to Joseph Dituri. In 2023, Dituri spent 100 days living underwater. His stay occurred at Jules' Undersea Lodge, located near Key Largo, Florida. Koch's ambition surpassed this milestone significantly. During conversation, Koch, speaking with a pronounced German accent, expressed considerable contentment with his submerged life. He actively countered popular notions depicting underwater living as inherently isolating or monotonous. Koch praised the quality of his accommodation and the provisions supplied. His experience suggested a viable, even comfortable, existence beneath the sea's surface, challenging common perceptions. 

The Seasteading Connection 

Koch's underwater venture connects tangentially to the broader concept of seasteading. The San Francisco-based Seasteading Institute, a non-profit organisation, champions the development of self-sufficient floating islands. These proposed communities aim to operate with a degree of political autonomy. British filmmaker Oswald Horowitz shed light on the history of such ambitions. Horowitz is currently developing a documentary. The film focuses on businessman Samuele Landi, who tragically died when his vessel was destroyed at sea near Dubai after thirteen months aboard, representing one failed seasteading attempt. Another example involved Leicester Hemingway, brother of the famed author. 

Image Credit - NY Times

Historical Ambitions 

Leicester Hemingway founded the short-lived Republic of New Atlantis. This micronation consisted of a small bamboo raft anchored off the coast of Jamaica in the 1960s. Hurricanes swiftly destroyed the platform, ending the venture soon after its inception. Horowitz observed a recurring pattern within online forums dedicated to seasteading. Many enthusiasts discuss potential sea-based living experiences, but few translate talk into action. He pointed to concepts like Oceania or New Utopia – floating cities frequently depicted in renderings but never realised. These projects highlight the persistent allure, and significant challenges, of creating permanent homes on the ocean. 

Seasteading Institute's Goals 

The president of the Seasteading Institute previously articulated the group's goals in the news outlet Guernica. Their objective involves fostering innovative population centres. These centres would offer enhanced social freedoms compared to traditional land-based societies. However, SeaPod Alpha Deep, despite Koch's involvement, represents a distinct concept. Ocean Builders, the company behind the pod, focuses on creating alternative, eco-conscious homes rather than pursuing political autonomy. Yet, Koch himself draws parallels between seasteading and historical frontiers, like the settlement of the American West, seeing potential for societal transformation. 

Frontiers and Freedom 

Koch believes historical ruling classes often loosened their grip on power to remain attractive compared to the opportunities offered by the New World. School history lessons, he noted, taught that commoners ultimately benefited from these shifts in power dynamics. Contemporary cultures, Koch asserted, risk stagnation. He suggests that living underwater or journeying into space offer compelling alternatives, pushing boundaries and potentially revitalising societal progress. This thinking echoes visions like R. Buckminster Fuller's proposed Tetrahedron City. Fuller imagined a massive, buoyant, pyramid-shaped city, but the concept remained unrealised following an investor's death. 

Ocean Builders Emerges 

The company responsible for Koch's habitat is Ocean Builders. They constructed three solar-powered pods, each with a unique style, located around Linton Bay Marina in Panama. This endeavour brought together a trio of individuals: Koch, the engineer; Chad Elwartowski, an American Bitcoin enthusiast previously involved in a controversial Thai seasteading project; and Grant Romundt, a Canadian tech entrepreneur focused on advanced wellness practices. Koch and Elwartowski initially connected through their shared interest and involvement within online platforms related to the Seasteading Institute's initiatives, finding common ground in ocean-based living concepts. 

Funding and Philosophies 

Elwartowski expressed frustration regarding the persistent focus on Peter Thiel's connection to the seasteading movement. Speaking with journalists in Panama, Elwartowski downplayed Thiel's financial contribution. He noted Thiel provided around half a million dollars and co-founded the Seasteading Institute with Wayne Gramlich and Patri Friedman starting in 2008. Elwartowski felt this relatively small investment granted Thiel disproportionate attention within the sphere. This sentiment resonates with criticisms like those from sustainability expert Peter Newman. Newman dismissed ocean-based autonomous hubs for the wealthy as isolating "gated communities" allowing the rich to ignore land-based problems. 

Luxury versus Autonomy 

Elwartowski countered such criticisms by stressing Ocean Builders' primary focus. The company positions itself as offering luxurious lifestyle accommodations, not politically autonomous zones. He compared their SeaPods, legally classified as houseboats, to ordinary sailboats. Elwartowski questioned why individuals living aboard conventional yachts do not face similar scrutiny regarding waste disposal or environmental impact. He drew an analogy with Elon Musk's focus on Mars colonisation. Elwartowski suggested this illustrated how wealthy individuals often garner attention simply for pursuing ambitious, high-profile projects, regardless of immediate practicality or broader societal benefit. 

Image Credit - NY Times

The Thai Incident 

As of early 2025, Elwartowski no longer works directly with Ocean Builders daily. He resides in suburban Indianapolis with his partner, Nadia, and their two young children. Their departure from the seasteading frontline followed a dramatic escape from Thailand. Elwartowski, Nadia, and Koch fled by boat after learning of impending legal trouble. This trouble stemmed from their previous seasteading attempt near Phuket. They had inhabited XLII, an octagonal, 250-square-foot sea-dwelling designed and built by Koch. Its name referenced Douglas Adams' "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." The Thai navy seized the structure months into their stay. 

Misunderstandings and Motives 

According to Elwartowski, Thai officials mistakenly believed he and Nadia intended to establish an independent nation. He recalled sharing an online video expressing general opposition to coercive government oversight. Elwartowski maintained their primary motivation for living offshore stemmed from a miscalculation. They incorrectly assumed Thai authorities would not bother policing waters fourteen miles off the Phuket coast, despite being within Thailand's sovereign territory. The desire was perceived freedom from hassle, not political secession. It simply had not occurred to them, inhabiting the SeaPod for short periods, that officials would travel such distances to intervene. 

Romundt's Floating Life 

A day before Koch began his final record-setting dive, a visit occurred at another Ocean Builders capsule nearby. Grant Romundt, barefoot and casually dressed, described his enjoyment of living aboard his own SeaPod. He rarely visits the mainland, preferring boat or jetski for necessary trips. Romundt mentioned the prototype cost approximately six million US dollars to construct. He expressed pride that subsequent designs achieved significant cost reductions, potentially reaching as low as one million US dollars per unit. Standing on the rooftop deck, Romundt humorously suggested land-dwellers seemed relegated to inferior living arrangements compared to his ocean home. 

Wellness and Vision 

As the sun set, painting the sky over the Caribbean, Romundt discussed his personal practices. He engages in regular fasting and uses performance-enhancing aids. His goal is to optimise both mental and physical outcomes, pursuing a state of advanced wellbeing. Romundt and Koch's partnership solidified during the height of the global pandemic. They jointly acquired a discarded marine craft in Panama, initially intending to convert it into a floating residence. However, the project faced obstacles. Ultimately, they disposed of the vessel, an event mocked in some media outlets, highlighting the practical difficulties of their unconventional ventures. 

A Journey Through Adversity 

Romundt shared aspects of his personal history. Born in Toronto to German and Guyanese immigrant parents, he described himself as introverted and disengaged during his school years. Despite this, his life followed a fulfilling, albeit non-traditional, path. He ran a commercial paragliding business and regularly enjoyed salsa dancing. Later, Romundt founded a successful web enterprise targeting the hairdressing market, which generated significant wealth. However, his life took a dramatic turn when diagnosed with sarcoidosis. The illness severely impacted his health for several years, bringing him close to death. 

Image Credit - NY Times

Renewal and Resolve 

Recounting this period, Romundt described a moment of profound realisation. Tears flowed as he shared the memory of confronting his declining health. This confrontation sparked a renewed strength and resolve. He felt a powerful, conscious urge to continue living. His subsequent recovery felt like being granted a second chance. This experience profoundly shaped his outlook. In 2016, renting a sea cabin in Toronto via Airbnb introduced him to marine living. He found the lifestyle immediately agreeable, reinforcing his newfound appreciation for life and leading him towards his current path with Ocean Builders. 

Democratising Ocean Living? 

Koch shares Romundt's optimism about the future. He strongly refutes the notion that his underwater endeavour represents mere escapism for the wealthy. Koch explicitly distanced his project from dystopian portrayals like Neill Blomkamp's film "Elysium," which depicts the rich abandoning a degraded Earth for luxurious space habitats. Koch insists his mode of living holds potential for a much broader population. He believes access should not be restricted solely to those with significant capital or material assets. The engineer envisions underwater and ocean living becoming a viable option for many, not just a privileged few. 

Security and Controversy 

Conversation inevitably turned towards security concerns. Koch acknowledged the Linton Bay area could be dangerous. He also mentioned perceived threats stemming from individuals connected to the earlier events in Thailand. In 2023, the Financial Times reported on allegations surrounding Koch. The report suggested Koch, driven by fear or anger, paid an investigator named Kobus Steyn. The alleged purpose was to retaliate against those Koch deemed responsible for the seizure of his XLII sea dwelling in Thailand. Documents reportedly exchanged between Koch and Steyn discussed potential actions. 

Allegations and Denials 

According to the Financial Times report, citing documents they obtained, Koch considered options including torture, imprisonment, and even ending the lives of individuals perceived as obstacles. This contrasts sharply with Steyn's later assertion that he was never hired as a contract killer. Steyn, contacted electronically after the initial visit, expressed scepticism about the report's accuracy. He contested the claim that Koch hired him for anything beyond investigating alleged misconduct by Thai maritime units near the XLII structure. Koch, while acknowledging a tendency towards excessive caution, largely dismissed these specific allegations with humour. 

Past Ventures and Present Denials 

Koch, Elwartowski, and Romundt previously collaborated on another ambitious project. During the peak of global uncertainty related to the pandemic, they purchased a former cruise liner at a significantly reduced cost. Their plan involved converting it into a floating community or residence. However, maritime regulations and escalating costs in Panama ultimately forced them to abandon the project. This earlier failure also attracted ridicule on online forums. When confronted directly about the Financial Times report alleging a contract to harm Thai Navy personnel, Koch flatly denied it. He sarcastically questioned the feasibility of systematically eliminating Thai officials, while humorously admitting such desires might cross one's mind occasionally. 

Contentment Below 

As discussions about past controversies concluded, Koch reaffirmed his deep satisfaction with his recent underwater experience. He reflected on the unique nature of his submerged life. Minor frustrations existed, such as occasional issues with the toilet's efficacy. The inability to move freely vertically within the water column also presented a limitation. Despite these small drawbacks, Koch described his extended stay below the surface in overwhelmingly positive terms. The engineer appeared genuinely content with his achievement and the environment he inhabited for over four months, embracing the challenges and rewards. 

Image Credit - NY Times

Mission Accomplished 

On Friday, 24 January, shortly after midday, the moment arrived. Inside Koch's blue-lit underwater chamber, the digital timer's digits clicked over, displaying the completed duration. Zeroes flashed across the LED screen. Koch threw his fists skyward triumphantly. A deep, guttural roar, mimicking Arnold Schwarzenegger's famous vocal style, echoed in the small space: "Mission Accomplished!" Exuberant gestures and hearty laughter followed as he embraced Grant Romundt, who had joined him for the final moments. Koch, clad in a polo shirt and shorts, then surfaced and dramatically plunged seventeen feet from the side of a support vessel into the welcoming sea. 

Global Attention 

Koch's successful world record attempt garnered significant global media attention. News platforms worldwide covered the story, bringing widespread publicity and a positive reputation boost to Ocean Builders. After surfacing permanently, Koch took a simple shower within his chamber using a pail and washcloth. Following his arrival at the nearby marina, he addressed observations suggesting vanity motivated his record attempt. Koch acknowledged understanding why some might perceive his endeavour as merely an indulgence for the wealthy. He recognised the association people often make between ambitious projects like his and affluent individuals seeking novelty. 

Future Developments: Maldives 

Grant Romundt sought to counter this perception directly. He announced that Ocean Builders had secured contracts for twenty eco-conscious floating capsules. These pods are planned for a development in the Maldives. Initial renderings depict the structures forming an island-bound ring. The visualisations suggest a futuristic, vividly colourful version of Venice's canals, adapted for an ocean setting. This project represents a significant step towards realising Ocean Builders' vision of expanding buoyant living options. It aims to demonstrate the practical application of their technology on a larger, commercially viable scale in a luxury tourism context. 

Reflections from the Deep 

Later that evening, seated at a shoreline location after dinner, Koch shared further reflections on his transformative experience. He described feeling transported during his 120-day underwater stay. The environment offered a peculiar blend of profound, tranquil quietness juxtaposed with unsettling background noises. The constant clicking and snapping sounds made by marine life, particularly crustaceans, created a unique auditory landscape. This combination fostered a sense of being immersed in an alien yet vibrant world, simultaneously peaceful and teeming with unseen activity just beyond the habitat walls. 

An Evolutionary Arena 

Koch recounted moments lying awake in his bed at night. Listening to the underwater symphony, thoughts turned to the environment outside. He contemplated the constant evolutionary pressures at play among the aquatic creatures inhabiting the surrounding reef. Life and death struggles unfolded continuously just feet away. This proximity to raw nature profoundly impacted his perspective. He felt acutely aware of being a temporary visitor in a dynamic, ancient ecosystem. The experience underscored the power and indifference of the natural world operating outside human concerns and timescales. 

The Need for Diverse Perspectives 

Looking ahead, Koch emphasised the need for diverse skillsets in future underwater missions. While his engineering background proved crucial for managing the technical aspects of the habitat, he recognised its limitations. Koch felt his expertise lacked the creative or poetic sensibility required to fully comprehend and articulate the unique experience. Future endeavours, he suggested, should incorporate individuals from varied professions – artists, writers, philosophers – alongside engineers and scientists. This diversity would enable a richer understanding and communication of the profound experience of living beneath the waves, capturing its full human dimension.