Hi scuba divers we need your help!

[Scubadoobadoo2]

Hi,
I'm David, I go to Florida Gulf Coast University and I'm currently majoring in Business Management. Our class called Business Plan is in-charge of several group projects. We are the SCUBA ASSIST team.

We are working together with the engineers in our university to design a functioning product that will lift the diver and their heavy gear in and out of the water quickly and efficiently. It will provide a sense of comfort and protect the diver from potential strain and/or injury caused by climbing in and out of the boat with heavy gear on. The lift will also protect the boat from any potential damage, such as scratches and dents that may be caused by lifting scuba diving gear in and out of the boat.

I hope you guys don't mind helping us by filling out our easy 10 question survey to figure out if this is in need or not.
Thank you Scuba Divers! we really appreciate it!

Scuba Assist Survey

 

[RVBldr]

I think you'll find that God's Pocket resort in Pt. Hardy, BC does have a diver elevator on their boat. God's Pocket Resort - Boat Elevator - YouTube

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I also understand they are pretty much standard in the UK. Unless you are going to what, halve the cost, make it to fit any boat, etc. the technology and design work is already done.

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[Crass3000]

Everything can always be improved. Someone from the board posted a day or so ago about a system like that in California that they were putting together (after tons of work) to help disabled get into the water. I believe they were making it so you can don your equipment while in a chair in the water, etc. Sounded like a great project.

 

[Kharon]

How about something a bit simpler. Climbing in and out of the boat would be vastly easier without the BC/tank/reg/weights. Something that would quickly lift the BC & all attached equipment into and out of the water:

would make getting in and out much easier;
be easier to design for all/most boats;
wouldn't need to lift massive weights (I weigh 220 and my equipment probably adds nearly another 50 or so);
wouldn't have a liability component (diver injury on failure);
it's a simpler project all round.

Yes, someone could do the lifting from the boat - but it is awkward, strenuous and might damage the equipment, the boat, or the person lifting if dropped. Of course it presumes that divers remember what they all learned in OW training - how to get in and out of the equipment while in the water.

 

[mtngoat2674]

How about something a bit simpler. Climbing in and out of the boat would be vastly easier without the BC/tank/reg/weights. Something that would quickly lift the BC & all attached equipment into and out of the water:

would make getting in and out much easier;
be easier to design for all/most boats;
wouldn't need to lift massive weights (I weigh 220 and my equipment probably adds nearly another 50 or so);
wouldn't have a liability component (diver injury on failure);
it's a simpler project all round.

Yes, someone could do the lifting from the boat - but it is awkward, strenuous and might damage the equipment, the boat, or the person lifting if dropped. Of course it presumes that divers remember what they all learned in OW training - how to get in and out of the equipment while in the water.

I know a guy who has built one of these for his own personal boat. Basically a winch on an arm that rotates over the water and back to the deck of the boat. Doff your gear in the water, attach it to the hoist, and climb aboard. Also works well for lifting stringers of fish or goodie bags, etc.

 

[Scubadoobadoo2]

Thank you everyone for your sharing your information, ideas, and replies!
I should have been a bit more specific. We considering to make an affordable convenient way for everyone to get out of the boat with the gear. We are thinking of making it small and easily removable from the boat so it does not have to be attached to your boat all the time, you can remove it from the boat when you know you're not going scuba diving.

Kharon I like you're idea, yes I was thinking of something where it does not need assistance,where all you have to do is set it up before going into the water. For example, something like the coast guard wire they use in dangerous waters that is mechanically pulled but more friendly customized for scuba divers and boats. Maybe with capabilities of different attachments that can be used for fishing as well like pulling heavy fish out of the water, etc.

 

[rick00001967]

---------- Post added October 7th, 2013 at 01:16 PM ----------

I think you'll find that God's Pocket resort in Pt. Hardy, BC does have a diver elevator on their boat. God's Pocket Resort - Boat Elevator - YouTube

^^^^^^

 

[James R]

I think it's called a divemaster. It's a great thing, you (if you are the type that needs this help) take the gear off next to the boat and this divemaster thing (person) lifts it up out of the water for you. Crazy huh? Best thing is they work solely for tips on many dive boats, so as an operator your costs can't be beat.

 

[Mustard Dave]

I also understand they are pretty much standard in the UK. Unless you are going to what, halve the cost, make it to fit any boat, etc. the technology and design work is already done.

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They are very common, although I'm not sure I would say they are standard kit. A large number of UK charters are converted fishing boats with quite high gunwales. Also drysuits (and therefore more weight) are very common, as are twinsets. Most are similar to the video posted by RVBldr.

Now if you want a proper diver recovery system, how about this!

Dorothea Quarry freediving 2007. On the T.W.A.T - YouTube

Sorry for the jerky video - you'll see the lift in action just after 1:45. It is named after its inventor - The Wooley Aqua Transport. The lift was made from a fork-lift truck mechanism.