Wearable Freedive Computer With Acoustic Communication

The spread and performance of freedivers have increased enormously in recent years. In addition to the ever-increasing depth, diving time also increases. Due to this, even relative beginners dive into depths in the no longer visible area. Regardless of the depth or duration of the dive, the freediver needs to be continuously monitored so that the safety freediver can react quickly. To address this problem, we present the Wearable Apnea Divecomputer with Acoustic Communication (WADAC). The device collects and displays basic data about a dive is easily expandable and enables digital underwater communication between several freedivers. At the time of writing this contribution, the data that can be transmitted contains depth, time, heart rate, and temperature. The prototype is waterproof to 250 m and enables a data transmission range of 200 m regardless of direction. Results from tests in the water with the help of a subsequent Usability evaluation questionnaire showed, based on 14 freedivers, that the interest and novelty toward the WADAC compared with 452 other products is significant.