Dive computers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed that store information concerning a dive site. The stored information can be accessed during the dive to provide information concerning such things as points of interest and/or hazards. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor, memory connected to the processor, a pressure transducer connected to the processor and configured to measure depth, and a display connected to the processor. In addition, the memory contains factual information concerning a dive site, and the processor is configured to display at least a portion of the stored factual information concerning the dive site via the display.

Dive computers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed that store information concerning a dive site. The stored information can be accessed during the dive to provide information concerning such things as points of interest and/or hazards. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor, memory connected to the processor, a pressure transducer connected to the processor and configured to measure depth, and a display connected to the processor. In addition, the memory contains factual information concerning a dive site, and the processor is configured to display at least a portion of the stored factual information concerning the dive site via the display.

There is disclosed a method and system for determining the partial pressure of at least one gas in a mixture of gasses contained in a pressure vessel, in particular a pressure vessel in the form of a life support pressure chamber/decompression chamber, or a diving gas storage cylinder. The method comprises the steps of: coupling a gas analysis sensor (14) to a pressure vessel (10); directing a portion of the mixture of gasses in the pressure vessel to the sensor for analysis; reducing the pressure of the portion of the mixture which is to be analyzed by the sensor to a level which is below the pressure in the vessel but above local atmospheric pressure; operating the sensor to measure the partial pressure of the at least one gas at the reduced pressure level; and using the partial pressure of the at least one gas, measured at the reduced pressure level, to determine the actual partial pressure of said gas in the mixture contained in the vessel.

There is disclosed a method and system for determining the partial pressure of at least one gas in a mixture of gasses contained in a pressure vessel, in particular a pressure vessel in the form of a life support pressure chamber/decompression chamber, or a diving gas storage cylinder. The method comprises the steps of: coupling a gas analysis sensor (14) to a pressure vessel (10); directing a portion of the mixture of gasses in the pressure vessel to the sensor for analysis; reducing the pressure of the portion of the mixture which is to be analysed by the sensor to a level which is below the pressure in the vessel but above local atmospheric pressure; operating the sensor to measure the partial pressure of the at least one gas at the reduced pressure level; and using the partial pressure of the at least one gas, measured at the reduced pressure level, to determine the actual partial pressure of said gas in the mixture contained in the vessel.

Apparatus and method for collecting and decompressing one or more live specimens from a relatively high-pressure environment. The apparatus includes at least one hyperbaric chamber having an inner jar and an outer jar, the inner jar being insertable into the outer jar. A pump is configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the hyperbaric chamber. The inner and outer jars are respectively dimensioned such that an annular gap is created between them when the inner jar is inserted into the outer jar. The annular gap is configured as a return path for the pressurized fluid to travel from a second outer end to a first outer end of the outer jar. At least one pressure control valve is operatively connected to and configured to control an internal pressure of the hyperbaric chamber. The pressure control valve is selectively adjusted to decompress the live specimens.

Apparatus and method for collecting and decompressing one or more live specimens from a relatively high-pressure environment. The apparatus includes at least one hyperbaric chamber having an inner jar and an outer jar, the inner jar being insertable into the outer jar. A pump is configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the hyperbaric chamber. The inner and outer jars are respectively dimensioned such that an annular gap is created between them when the inner jar is inserted into the outer jar. The annular gap is configured as a return path for the pressurized fluid to travel from a second outer end to a first outer end of the outer jar. At least one pressure control valve is operatively connected to and configured to control an internal pressure of the hyperbaric chamber. The pressure control valve is selectively adjusted to decompress the live specimens.

Apparatus and method for collecting and decompressing one or more live specimens from a relatively high-pressure environment. The apparatus includes at least one hyperbaric chamber having an inner jar and an outer jar, the inner jar being insertable into the outer jar. A pump is configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the hyperbaric chamber. The inner and outer jars are respectively dimensioned such that an annular gap is created between them when the inner jar is inserted into the outer jar. The annular gap is configured as a return path for the pressurized fluid to travel from a second outer end to a first outer end of the outer jar. At least one pressure control valve is operatively connected to and configured to control an internal pressure of the hyperbaric chamber. The pressure control valve is selectively adjusted to decompress the live specimens.

A method for for assessing severity of an underwater dive includes calculating a dive severity index by: (a) determining the gas breathed by the diver; (b) measuring the dive time; (c) determining the depth profile of the dive; (d) calculating a dive severity index based on a function of steps (a), (b) and (c); and (e) assessing severity based on the dive severity index calculated in step (d), wherein the steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) are carried out in real time, at each instant of the dive time of the diver, and step (d) is performed according to the formula: DSI=k.sub.1*f(GAS)*f(D)*f(T), where: DSI is the dive severity index, k.sub.1 is an arbitrary constant, f(GAS) is a function of the inhaled gas, f(D) is a function of the dive depth, and f(T) is a function of the dive time.

A method for for assessing severity of an underwater dive includes calculating a dive severity index by: (a) determining the gas breathed by the diver; (b) measuring the dive time; (c) determining the depth profile of the dive; (d) calculating a dive severity index based on a function of steps (a), (b) and (c); and (e) assessing severity based on the dive severity index calculated in step (d), wherein the steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) are carried out in real time, at each instant of the dive time of the diver, and step (d) is performed according to the formula: DSI=k.sub.1*f(GAS)*f(D)*f(T), where: DSI is the dive severity index, k.sub.1 is an arbitrary constant, f(GAS) is a function of the inhaled gas, f(D) is a function of the dive depth, and f(T) is a function of the dive time.

A remotely controlled air supply assembly for simulating emergency situations includes a self-contained breathing apparatus, such as used by firemen and scuba divers. At least one governor is configured to fluidically couple to and position in-line with tubing of the self-contained breathing apparatus. The at least one governor is configured to modify airflow through the tubing. The at least one governor is configured to communicate wirelessly. A controller is wirelessly coupled to the at least one governor. The controller is positioned to communicate at least one command to the at least one governor to compel the at least one governor to modify the airflow through the tubing to simulate an emergency situation.