By James Donaldson
Divers have been exploring the immensity of the ocean since ancient times in Greece and Rome. Since then, there have been a growing number of advancements in technique, knowledge and technology that have made understanding the aquatic world more accessible and safe for all types of explorers.
From the early days of freediving to today’s modern methods that are influenced by physiological research on buoyancy and the effects of underwater pressure on the body, scientists and tech professionals have partnered to create some of the most revolutionary tools for deep-water excursions.
Marine biologists, researchers and recreational scuba divers can now enhance their diving experience with the development of these six technologies:
- Drones
With image quality increasing and drone mobility improving, these tools can help divers survey a body of water with precision from above, making their dive efficient and productive when it’s time to hit the water. Now, marine researchers who use drones are able to scope out their location to save time, effort and people, reserving their resources for the most significant submersion data.
There are also underwater drones that can capture up-close encounters with marine life and other discoveries. These can be beneficial for researchers or those who dive for leisure.
- Underwater people movers
Diving is physically demanding, as well as a mental exercise. The development of underwater people moving technology is saving divers of every caliber time and energy while underwater. Without needing to rely solely on manpower to swim while loaded with weighty diving gear, these people movers are partially powered by human muscles and partially by an electric thruster.
Whether you’re taking your time in the water or you are searching for something with a bit more urgency, these tools can be as intense or relaxed as you need them to be.
- Dive computers
In light of the smartwatch movement, there have also been astounding advancements in underwater, wearable computer technology. A dive computer allows you to keep track of your heart rate, breathing and temperature while exploring underwater. All of this data can be used to compile a decompression routine that is unique to each diver, as well as offer data to support more efficient dives.
Dive computers can be used by divers of all skill levels and can be worn on the wrist for easy access. Their compact design is optimal for anyone who wants to take a bit more information away from their dives. They also contain useful tools, such as a compass and oxygen levels, aiding in navigation and safety.
- Advanced snorkels and regulators
Technology has paved the way for more powerful breathing devices, such as advanced snorkels, floating air compressors and regulators. These apparatuses each provide their own method of smooth, reliable airflow for a variety of aquatic depths and dives.
Oxygen is one of a diver’s most pertinent concerns, so these developments allow the diving experience to be enhanced at any skill level.
- Underwater cameras
Whether you’re researching or exploring for fun, it can be nice to record your underwater journey as you dive. Recent improvements in waterproof cameras have made it easy to document every discovery and experience.
Depending on your needs, you can attach cameras to your gear or use handheld versions to have a bit more control. Regardless of if you’re a novice or professional underwater photographer, there is something out there that can meet every need.
- Buoyancy compensator devices
Buoyancy compensator devices (BCDs) are crucial pieces of diving equipment that allow divers to offset their negative buoyancy while underwater. The device adds air from their oxygen tank to the BCD while diving, and allows you to float to the surface when you want to.
The latest technology in BCDs offers more variety in function, position and size, ranging from front/back-inflated devices to a donut wing shape for flexibility.
These six technologies are only a handful of the major advancements taking place in the realm of aquatic discovery. With a few more years of research and development, there will likely be another wave of incredible technology to enhance the diving experience.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media