Aqua Lung International, manufacturer of regulators and other scuba and skin diving equipment, has announced their introduction of a revolutionary buoyancy compensator integrated signaling device called the Surface Observation Signal or S.O.S.
World renowned underwater photographer Stephen Frink conceived and patented this innovative device to assist during his working dives when his hands are full of expensive camera gear. “I figured there must be some way to use the pneumatics of a buoyancy compensator to inflate an integrated signal device, so that with the push of a button, the signal device would pop up. I wanted it to be so easy that the hassle factor would go away, and that divers would inflate their signal device when needed. Not only would it save cameras dropped into the abyss, more significantly I felt it could save lives. With such a device there would be no confusion between the boat and a diver. Does a waving hand mean, “hello … I’m OK” or does it mean “Yikes … big trouble here … come and get me NOW”. Inflating an S.O.S. device would mean, “pick me up” states Stephen Frink.
The Surface Observation Signal attaches directly to the existing buoyancy compensator connector on the lower right side. It easily inflates using standard BC air inflation as the diver-controlled “rip cord” deploys the signal device without further handling. Fully inflated the device extends well above the water surface for increased surface visibility of the diver.
After use, it is easily repacked into the integrated holster for streamlined storage and ready for your next dive. The S.O.S. will be demonstrated at the DEMA show by Stephen Frink in the Aqua Lung America booth (#1212) at 12:00 p.m. and 2 p.m. each day.
The S.O.S. will fit Aqua Lung and Sea Quest BC’s and will be sold at Authorized Aqua Lung and Sea Quest Dealers worldwide. For more information, visit www.stephenfrink.com or to locate the dealer nearest you, visit the Aqua Lung website at: www.aqualung.com or the Sea Quest website at: www.sea-quest.com.
