The Next Big Thing...

[shakeybrainsurgeon]

Diving has seen a number of "paradigm" shifts over the last sixty years --- the switch from helmet to scuba diving, the introduction of BC and wing technology, the advent of computer-assisted diving, the explosion of recreational diving, blended gas technology, the maturation and availability of rebreathers... what will be the next Big Thing for diving, from the rec/tec perspective? Segmented suits that are cheap enough for non-research divers that permit megadepths? Better underwater GPS systems that make compass navigating old fashioned? Thoughts? How will our grandchildren be diving?

 

[1_T_Submariner]

I think GPS/Inertial navigation combined into one unit that would be manageable size would be great!! It would work in caves, wrecks etc... GPS to get periodic correction when available then inertial to update it until it can get another fix.

 

[FishDiver]

Smaller, lighter, safer CC rebreathers.

 

[sbrooks]

Unfortunately GPS won't work in an overhead environment - it needs line-of-sight to the satellites in orbit. I'd like to see something along the lines of an advanced dive computer that can tell you real-time nitrogen absorption by ACTUALLY measuring - not just approximating.... Just a pipe dream.
S.

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

The Mares HUB trimix rebreather....

 

[Bill51]

I think GPS/Inertial navigation combined into one unit that would be manageable size would be great!! It would work in caves, wrecks etc... GPS to get periodic correction when available then inertial to update it until it can get another fix.

With the new cigarette pack sized laser ring inertial units I think you’re dead on with that prediction.

I also think with more older bifocal wearing divers the market is ripe for heads up displays now.

An idiot proof rebreather will also be a huge hit.

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

OW diver training printed on the back of cornflake boxes.

Read the back of the box, complete the 5 multiple choice questions and send away for your cert - no messy pool or OW training required.

 

[Bill51]

Unfortunately GPS won't work in an overhead environment - it needs line-of-sight to the satellites in orbit. I'd like to see something along the lines of an advanced dive computer that can tell you real-time nitrogen absorption by ACTUALLY measuring - not just approximating.... Just a pipe dream.
S.

Given the specialized ultra sound unit developed for the space station I do think we will see a unit specialized for diving that can interface with your dive computer and update your actually N2 load before each dive.

The inertial unit would drive the navigation between GPS updates between dives.

 

[Nemrod]

Mask with built in high definition picture quality sonar so you can see in zero viz.

Full authority digital regulator control--electronic regulators that are actually breathing assist machines---not regulators as such we now know.

Inertial "compass" that uses a GPS fix while on the surface--predive--to update it's starting position--and has 3D capability with memory to download the dive in 3D space.

The re-emergence of the double hose regulator as king of the open circuit hill because it steps you right into a rebreather (same reason the Navy still trains with them)

N

 

[IceIce]

- built in computer in the mask (some company had done this)
- water filter to produce gas that we breath, so we minus regulator, tank and bcd.

It's free diving with something small around the nose and mouth and mask with digital display.