Some technologies bridge the gap between different types of equipment and require diving insurance that protects the worker. An example is the "Exosuit" currently being used in a diving mission in the Aegean Sea. Live Science reported on the expedition and the high-tech gear that's helping it along. The scientists are looking for artifacts from the Antikythera shipwreck, a site that has yielded valuable ancient jewelry, human remains and other important finds since the 1950's.
Photos accompanying the article show a diver inside the giant suit, which includes several features to allow for easy maneuverability underwater. One of the biggest benefits is that a diver inside experiences surface-level pressure even when fully submerged, reducing disorientation and allowing work to go faster.
The 530-pound suit also comes with 50 hours of life support, four jet-powered thrusters for easy movement, and a live video monitoring feed for communication with the support crew based above.
One of the divers, Phil Short, told Design & Trend about the advances in diving technology that this suit represents. In a place like the Antikythera site, more time underwater means more finds and information.
"It's basically a wearable submarine," Short said. "The pressure inside is no different from being in a submarine or in fresh air. We can go straight to the bottom, spend 5 hours there and come straight back to the surface with no decompression."
The suit cost more than $1 million to develop and was created by Nuytco Research. If this version of the suit is successful, other commercial diving companies should reach out to marine insurers for help covering similar projects.