Sci-Tech GNSS tracker strapline with man overboard symbol
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Sci-Tech (POB) Marine Tracker and Alert System
Diver Safety Aid

Tracker Concept


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In 2008, Christine Edwards and Peter Hall were the first triple winners of the European Satellite Navigation Competition, winning the UK prize, the GSA special topic prize for the best use of EGNOS, and the coveted overall prize, the Galileo Masters.

They continued developing their Man Overboard system, but were stunned by the number of divers who asked us: "Why can't you develop a system for us?"

They also said, "We don't just want an emergency system, we want to be tracked on the surface all of the time!"

The Main Problems:
  • effective and efficient diver retrieval
  • diver separation incidents
Open Water film
  • Divers can lose visual and audible contact with their cover boat, due to sea state, weather conditions, currents

  • Divers fear separation from their cover boat

  • Divers suffer exposure if not retrieved quickly

  • Divers fear being lost at sea - a scenario so vividly portrayed by the film 'Open Water'
Our solution:
We have combined a number of existing technologies to create a system that can continuously track divers, on the water's surface.

Including:
  • a state-of-the-art GNSS receiver that uses EGNOS to pinpoint each surfacing diver.
  • a sensitive radio link and some clever algorithms to get the divers' positions back to the dive cover boat.
  • using the boat's own navigation equipment to display the diver positions to the boat crew.
  • offering an alternative display to show the diver positions.
  • providing an Alert button for a diver in distress to raise an alarm on the cover boat.
The Dive Manager on the dive boat can monitor where each diver is on the surface all the time, not just when an emergency arises.

This saves time, fuel, and makes the end of the dive easier for divers. It also means fewer diver separation incidents, and fewer SAR Alerts generated.

From the outset, we have designed the system with the needs of divers in mind, consulted the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), and talked with divers. Especially, we have designed it:
  • to be rugged,
  • to withstand rough treatment in a RIB,
  • to comply with Egyptian Legislation requirements.

What sets our system apart from others is the ability to track divers in a non-emergency mode. The Sci-Tech (POB) Diver Tracker is not just a safety device but is also a dive aid or enhancer, to make the overall experience more enjoyable.

Enquiries:
 Enquiries:

Note: Sci-Tech (POB) Ltd are planning to modify their prototype. They are following a grant application with the European Space Agency, but have put it on hold waiting for investor funding to complete the process.
General enquiries and more information: click here.


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