RAPID DIVER™ is a lightweight, all-inclusive scuba system that mates a tank, regulator
and buoyancy module to a uniform-fit, load-bearing harness. It was created in response to public safety and military needs
for a universal fit, compact, versatile and easily deployed scuba system.
Mission requirements called for
a system that is universal fit, could be stored in a small space, donned and activated quickly, and worn in situations such
as helicopter and boat operations in which conventional scuba gear would prove too cumbersome and restrictive. Comfort was
also of great importance, as some operations would require the user to wear the gear for extended periods of time while engaged
in complex, task-loaded missions. With an overall weight of just 25 pounds, the Rapid Diver stores in a compact hand-carried
pouch, and readies for use in less than a minute. It provides sufficient air duration for the average dive a 20 to
25 minutes at moderate depths. The Rapid Diver can go from duffel to dive in 15 seconds.
Though designed
for professional use, many of the Rapid Diver's performance characteristics make it equally suited to a range of civilian
applications. It is the preferred system for shore diving, due to its user-friendly design, universal fit capability
and ease of transporting and storage. Persons who are unable to wear heavy conventional scuba gear, or who simply feel uncomfortable
with the associated bulk and weight, appreciate the light overall weight and wearer comfort of Rapid Diver. In addition to
a low overall weight, the Rapid Diver features a unique load-bearing harness that distributes the weight of the tank evenly
over the diver's torso, making it well suited for difficult shore entries and is also beneficial for long walks to the
water or water entry from ladders or small boats. Rapid Diver's small size allows it to be stowed aboard a boat,
where it can be deployed for underwater boat maintenance, anchor checks, and fast response to emergencies such as a fouled
prop or suspected hull damage.
Also unique to the Rapid Diver
system is the ability to configure the rig for a wide variety of mission profiles. In it's simplest form, the Rapid Diver
can be configured to become a PFD by removing the tank and life support system, beneficial in most boat operations (Tactical
Swimmers Vest TSV). For extended dive profiles, the Rapid Diver can be configured with standard sized tanks
(80 cu ft) mounted on the innovative back pad. If mission requirements call for an even longer diving profile,
the Rapid Diver can be used in conjunction with surface supplied air or in a traditional side mount configuration.
Other custom-configurable gas management options allow the user to configure the rig with a redundant air supply, and
to use full-face scuba masks in conjunction with a gas switching block. To extend duration and stealth, a rebreather
module which clips onto the existing Rapid Diver Tactical is in the works and will be made available for military applications.
Rapid Diver is a premium product and was created by dive equipment developer and long time diver, Christopher
De Felice. The Rapid Diver is manufactured in the United States, constructed using materials selected for extreme
durability and wear resistance. |