The DiveSafe program ran from 2017 to 2020 as a program co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund of the European Union.

DiveSafe’s main objective has been to test and implement a technologically advanced product designed to benefit the diving market. Its primary focus is on professional and scientific divers, with secondary applications for recreational diving.

DiveSafe allows divers to safely and efficiently carry out underwater surveys for tasks related to coral reef health assessment, fish population surveys, photographic and photogrammetric recording, exploration of unknown areas, research and recovery, tourist visits to underwater areas, etc.

The system consists of:

  • An underwater scooter equipped with various useful components and a mainboard with high computing capacity, managed by an underwater tablet
  • An underwater tablet and Apps for research, navigation, mission planning, and real-time monitoring
  • A diver tracking system based on acoustic underwater positioning (USBL)
  • Wearable sensors for monitoring breathing, heartbeat, and blood sugar
  • An audio modem that supports both the USBL tracking channel and the communication channel for relaying data, such as diver health and position data, to the support vessel on the surface

DiveSafe’s performance and reliability were rigorously tested and evaluated. It underwent controlled environment testing in laboratory pools and the Istanbul Aquarium to confirm its functionality. Subsequently, it was evaluated by marine archaeologists in pilot areas within the Mediterranean Sea, including underwater areas of cultural heritage interest (UCH) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) such as Cesarea and Rosh Hanikra in Israel, Isola di Capo Rizzuto in Italy, and Fournoi Korseon in Greece, in collaboration with the KORSEAI Institute of Historical & Archaeological Research.

For more details regarding the program, visit: https://divesafe.eu/