'Segway of the sea'

[IowaDiver]

That site scares me to death. As a new diver I'm just getting used to all the equipment but the thought of sticking my head in a fish bowl and saying "No problem" to this one just doesn't cut it.
I think I'll stick to the tanks on my back.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[gj62]

They've been around quite awhile in the Keys - called BOB.

I think they have more possibility of reef damage than being a threat to your safety...

 

[LoneWolf]

It's heavier than scuba equipment. Alot more expensive than scuba equipment. Far more inconvenient than scuba equipment. And it make syou look like a complete idiot. Yep, I'm sold

 

[archman]

These things were prominently displayed on that BRILLIANT mid-'90's Spielberg production, Seaquest DSV. I believe it was the season two premier episode, when the genetically engineered camouflage-skinned warriors escaped from their island prison and broke into headquarters. Fortunately Roy Scheider and his talking dolphin Darwin saved the day.

I miss that show so very much.

 

[Mountaindiver]

A fool and his money are soon parted! This thing looks like a train wreck looking for a place to happen (imho)
Rob

 

[Mako Mark]

They have had these things in cancun for years (BOB), they are tethered to the surface to control depth. They are lifted into the water by a crane off the back of the boat then the victim jumps in the water and is helped into the bubble.

I dont know what their safety record is, but I envisage a scary situation where the client swims out of the bubble in a panic and bolts to the surface while breath holding. OTOH, these guys are still around so either they have good lawyers, or they are not injuring anyone.

 

[zboss]

Ironically, I had the chance to use a real segway in San Francisco this past weekend and it was a blast - so much more fun then I expected they would be.

 

[ScubaTwo]

This looks scarey to me. How do they control buoyancy? Is it auto built in the machine? I like kinda swimming around with the fish, anyone agree?

 

[Vie]

I know there's a thread somewhere on SB a couple of months ago that talked about them, but I couldn't find it.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=91881

http://www.bob-diving-center.com/bob_en.htm

 

[seakdivers]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.


EEeeeeeeep!