New Scuba Technology Offers Valuable Tool For Marine Workers And Ship And Boat Crews

Dec. 15, 2008 - PRLog -- The introduction of a new training course means that shallow water scuba diving is now available as a solution that can permit emergency inspections and minor repairs to be performed by trained crew using Mini B scuba gear. This can be for personal use or in compliance with relevant health and safety regulations. Intended for use at depths of less than 9 metres, Mini B systems have been designed in the UK to be kept available for immediate use and to enable the wearer to enter the water with sufficient diving time to perform basic tasks.

           Although seafarers can reach the top of the highest mast and the most distant piece of superstructure, the underside of any vessel has traditionally remained inaccessible. Fouled propellors or fishing gear, blocked hull openings or damaged steering are some of the many incidents that can render a vessel helpless when far from port and the support of professional divers.

           A new Mini B training course has consequently been launched in the UK and is about to be introduced in the United States. It enables marine workers and crew members to gain all of the know-how and experience needed to scuba dive safely to depths of 9 metres using the advanced Mini B system. Because of the depth restriction, shallow water scuba diving is safer and easier to learn than conventional open-water diving. It cannot, however, replace the support provided by professional contract divers whose capabilities far exceed those of any Mini B diver. It can, however, be used as a last resort if professional divers are unavailable and it might enable a crew to overcome a difficult situation on their own.

           “There are many occasions when it would be helpful to be able to find out what is happening beneath the surface of the water,” said Rob Hart, managing director of Mini B Shallow Water Scuba Products Ltd. “It consequently makes good sense for every crew to include a couple of people who are trained Mini B divers. It is quick, easy and inexpensive to achieve, yet the benefits can be priceless. When the course is combined with the low cost of the equipment it becomes possible for anyone to obtain everything they need for a lifetime of safe shallow water diving for under £1000. This is significantly less than the cost of the training and equipment needed for conventional open water diving and a fraction of the costs that can arise from some emergencies” he said.

           The new Mini B training courses were launched at the beginning of December and are provided by a network of instructors throughout the United Kingdom. A similar network is now close to completion in the United States so that every Mini B scuba gear sales outlet is able to refer customers to a suitable instructor.  

           The courses are run by the PSA International training agency and are delivered in three stages aimed at making them an enjoyable experience. The theory section of the course is completed on-line at times convenient for the student. This is followed by a swimming pool session and the course concludes with a dive in open water and the awarding of a certificate that confirms the trainee’s ability. Any Mini B divers who become bitten by the scuba diving bug  will then be well-placed to develop their expertise and progress to training for deeper water. If this happens they will find that they can continue to use their Mini B gear as it is rated for use down to 50 metres and is acknowledged as being safer and more advanced  than conventional scuba diving equipment.

           The Mini B product range includes the C-Pro model that has been designed specifically for seafarers and boat owners so that it is available for instant use. It consists of a compact and hardwearing cordura back pack that neatly contains all of its components stored fully assembled and ready for use. The C-Pro features its own buoyancy, which is a vital safety feature and uses a five-litre air cylinder that is positioned at right angles across the wearer’s back for superior stability.  

           Shallow water scuba diving is also a fast-growing new water sport that is attracting enthusiasts around the world. It is the first type of diving to acknowledge that many people prefer to dive only in shallow water which is warmer, brighter and has more abundant sea life. The new Mini B training course recognises this and teaches students everything they need to know for this less hostile environment. The courses are consequently less time consuming and expensive than those needed for more advanced forms of diving. Shallow water scuba diving is now being offered as a leisure activity by resort hotels in the Middle East. It has also been added to the curriculum for pupils at schools in south west England where it has become one of the most popular activities.

For full details please visit; www.mini-b.com

For sales information contact:

Mini B Shallow Water Scuba Products Ltd. Unit 2, Kings Close, Charfleets Industrial Estate, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0QZ, United Kingdom.


ENDS

Note to editors:

The Mini B shallow water scuba system was introduced in 2000 and is regarded as the first significant development in the design of scuba equipment for more than 30 years. It was invented by Rob Hart, a highly experienced diving instructor who has logged over 6,500 dives totalling 109 full days under water. Mini B uses modern materials and manufacturing techniques and is fully certified to EN 1809 safety standards which exceed those of most conventional scuba equipment. Mini-B consequently won the Industries Global Award for innovation in 2001 at the U.S DEMA (Diving Equipment and Marketing) and the British-based NESTA award for consumer products and the British Diver Magazine’s innovation of the year award in 2001.