TESTCENTRE
Diver-to-surface text display Diver position information on surface feed individual or group. Preset messages can be sent to one or all and crucially, a diver can home in on the buoy with a display on their device giving both direction and distance.
The in-water test
I decided to give the S1 its first outing at my local shore dive, a straightforward compass bearing across a slowly-descending sandy bottom to a drop-off, then a reciprocal heading back to land. I surface-swam out, anchored the buoy with a weighted spool line and attached an SMB with its mini A-flag to the buoy.
Both my buddy and I were wearing compatible Descent devices – our surface support monitored our progress connected to the buoy via a mobile phone on the shore. After initial descent we received one of the quick access messages from our topside cover:“ Are you okay?” Then, having responded in the affirmative, continued on our way.
Switching to the buoy location screen on my computer, I was able to see its position in relation to mine as we continued to put distance between us and it. The SubWave system relies on line-of-sight, so if there’ s an obstruction such as wreckage, large rock formations or when closer to the surface, other vessels, then the signal can be broken.
In instances such as these, the display will show the last-known position of the buoy, providing an indication of where it may be. Once back in range, the signal is automatically reconnected. I chose this particular dive site due to its quite steep drop. As the buoy was in relatively shallow water, the angle of the drop-off meant it was unable to communicate with us until we popped back into range. We were, however still able to communicate diver-to-diver.
I’ d arranged that our surface support would give us the‘ Turn Dive’ instruction after
Dive computer displays indicating navigation to buoy 47