Apparatus and methods for measuring a position of a point on a submerged surface. The apparatus includes: a platform; a liquid-tight pressure vessel fixedly coupled to the platform, wherein the liquid-tight pressure vessel is formed in part by an optically transparent enclosure; a pan-tilt mechanism coupled to the platform and disposed inside the liquid-tight pressure vessel; a camera mounted to the pan-tilt mechanism; a laser range meter affixed to the camera; and a refractive index sensor coupled to and disposed outside the liquid-tight pressure vessel. In accordance with one proposed implementation, the optically transparent enclosure is spherical, the pan-tilt mechanism has a pan axis and a tilt axis that intersect at a center of the optically transparent enclosure, and the laser range meter is located to emit a laser beam that is perpendicular to the optically transparent enclosure.

An underwater camera system includes a camera assembly configured to scan a seabed while submerged under water and moving in a direction of travel. A buoyant support is coupled to the camera assembly and configured to position the camera assembly under water during the moving in the direction of travel. A stabilization assembly is coupled to the camera assembly and configured for adjusting an orientation of the camera assembly relative to the direction of travel.

A watercraft mounting system that embodies a moving mounting platform and a protective hull cavity which provides protection, prevents damage and improves storage of data collection systems.

Use: in building of light, predominantly individual sports and tourist floating craft. Essence of the invention: the display on the surface of the swimming board or surfboard broadcasts the information received both from video cameras located either on the surface of the floating craft or on the supports or pulled in tow under the water, and from external mobile and other devices. The display is configured to stabilize the displayed image and compensate effects caused by water refraction coefficient, and has the ability of creating animated graphic marks and tips to facilitate user's balancing on the floating craft.

Use: in building of light, predominantly individual sports and tourist floating craft. Essence of the invention: the display on the surface of the swimming board or surfboard broadcasts the information received both from video cameras located either on the surface of the floating craft or on the supports or pulled in tow under the water, and from external mobile and other devices. The display is configured to stabilize the displayed image and compensate effects caused by water refraction coefficient, and has the ability of creating animated graphic marks and tips to facilitate user's balancing on the floating craft.

Apparatus and methods for measuring a position of a point on a submerged surface. The apparatus includes: a platform; a liquid-tight pressure vessel fixedly coupled to the platform, wherein the liquid-tight pressure vessel is formed in part by an optically transparent enclosure; a pan-tilt mechanism coupled to the platform and disposed inside the liquid-tight pressure vessel; a camera mounted to the pan-tilt mechanism; a laser range meter affixed to the camera; and a refractive index sensor coupled to and disposed outside the liquid-tight pressure vessel. In accordance with one proposed implementation, the optically transparent enclosure is spherical, the pan-tilt mechanism has a pan axis and a tilt axis that intersect at a center of the optically transparent enclosure, and the laser range meter is located to emit a laser beam that is perpendicular to the optically transparent enclosure.

Apparatus and methods for measuring a position of a point on a submerged surface. The apparatus includes: a platform; a liquid-tight pressure vessel fixedly coupled to the platform, wherein the liquid-tight pressure vessel is formed in part by an optically transparent enclosure; a pan-tilt mechanism coupled to the platform and disposed inside the liquid-tight pressure vessel; a camera mounted to the pan-tilt mechanism; a laser range meter affixed to the camera; and a refractive index sensor coupled to and disposed outside the liquid-tight pressure vessel. In accordance with one proposed implementation, the optically transparent enclosure is spherical, the pan-tilt mechanism has a pan axis and a tilt axis that intersect at a center of the optically transparent enclosure, and the laser range meter is located to emit a laser beam that is perpendicular to the optically transparent enclosure.

The present invention provides a board mountable system for filming underwater video. The inventive board mountable system can be mounted to the underside of water vehicles for incorporating a camera for filming from an underwater perspective. The inventive board mountable system is shaped to minimize drag as a result of the mounted camera or camera system. Embodiments of the inventive system includes a fin shaped housing for holding a camera or camera system. In certain embodiments, the fin is removably attached to the water vehicle, such as a surf board, where the fin housing can be swapped with other fins being used with the water vehicle for controlling the direction of a watersports board in motion. These embodiments of the inventive system further include a connection means for connecting the fin to the underside of a water vessel.

The present invention provides a board mountable system for filming underwater video. The inventive board mountable system can be mounted to the underside of water vehicles for incorporating a camera for filming from an underwater perspective. The inventive board mountable system is shaped to minimize drag as a result of the mounted camera or camera system. Embodiments of the inventive system includes a fin shaped housing for holding a camera or camera system. In certain embodiments, the fin is removably attached to the water vehicle, such as a surf board, where the fin housing can be swapped with other fins being used with the water vehicle for controlling the direction of a watersports board in motion. These embodiments of the inventive system further include a connection means for connecting the fin to the underside of a water vessel.

The present disclosure is directed to a personal watercraft, such as a standup paddleboard, provided with a viewing window that allows the user to view the underwater environment. The viewing window may be watertight and constructed from at least two durable, transparent panels. The area between panels may be sealed from air and water infiltration. A user may add waterproof lights to the bottom of the standup paddleboard in order to allow viewing of the underwater marine environment at night.