About
Navimate GPS is an innovative underwater navigation system engineered specifically for scuba divers. Because GPS radio signals cannot penetrate water, Navimate employs a proprietary 'GPS gateway' — a compact unit hung from a dive boat or buoy — that receives GPS signals at the surface through a floating radio antenna and relays precise positioning data to diver wrist units via underwater acoustic (transducer) signals. This allows each diver to see their exact latitude and longitude on their wrist display in real time, regardless of the gateway's drift or movement. The system includes detailed underwater terrain maps (where available), letting divers orient themselves to the seafloor environment. Divers can mark interesting or important locations during a dive and return to the exact spot on future dives, with all waypoints saveable through a companion computer interface that also supports downloading new maps. When multiple divers are equipped with Navimate units, they can see each other's positions simultaneously, share air pressure readings, and send SOS alerts in emergencies. Navimate is ideal for recreational divers exploring unfamiliar sites, professional dive operators managing group safety, and underwater researchers needing precise location documentation. The self-contained acoustic architecture means the system is independent of surface vessel movement, ensuring reliable positioning throughout a dive. A product of SHB Instruments, Inc. — a high-technology electronics firm based in Northridge, California — Navimate represents a significant leap forward in diver safety, situational awareness, and underwater navigation precision.
Key Features
- Real-Time Underwater Positioning: Displays exact latitude and longitude on a wrist-mounted unit by communicating with a surface GPS gateway via underwater acoustic signals.
- Underwater Terrain Maps: Provides detailed maps of underwater terrain where available, helping divers orient themselves and navigate safely.
- Dive Site Marking & Waypoints: Allows divers to mark interesting or important locations during a dive and return to the exact spot on future dives, with waypoints saveable via computer interface.
- Buddy Location & Communication: Displays the positions of other Navimate-equipped dive buddies in real time and supports air pressure sharing and SOS alert transmission.
- Drift-Independent GPS Gateway: The surface gateway unit can drift freely with the boat without affecting the accuracy of position displayed on diver wrist units.
Use Cases
- Recreational scuba divers navigating unfamiliar dive sites and finding their way back to the dive boat.
- Dive operators and instructors monitoring the positions of multiple students or clients underwater simultaneously.
- Underwater photographers and researchers marking precise coordinates of interesting marine features or specimens for future return visits.
- Dive groups coordinating safety through shared air pressure information and emergency SOS signaling.
- Professional divers documenting underwater infrastructure, wrecks, or survey sites with repeatable GPS-accurate waypoints.
Pros
- True GPS Accuracy Underwater: Delivers GPS-grade positional accuracy in an environment where standard GPS is unavailable, giving divers reliable location data at depth.
- Enhanced Diver Safety: Buddy tracking, air pressure sharing, and SOS capabilities significantly improve group safety and emergency response underwater.
- Convenient Wrist-Mounted Form Factor: Keeps navigation data immediately accessible without requiring the diver to carry additional handheld equipment.
- Persistent Waypoint Storage: Marked dive sites can be saved to a computer and reused on future dives, making it easy to revisit the best spots.
Cons
- Requires Surface Gateway Unit: The system depends on deploying a GPS gateway on a boat or buoy, adding setup complexity and making solo shore dives more difficult to support.
- Map Availability Limited: Detailed underwater terrain maps are only available in select locations, limiting full functionality in less-charted dive areas.
- Not Yet Commercially Available: As of the time of publication, Navimate is not yet available for purchase, limiting access for divers eager to adopt the technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Navimate GPS work underwater where GPS signals don't reach?
Navimate uses a surface-mounted GPS gateway attached to a dive boat or buoy. The gateway receives GPS signals via a floating radio antenna and communicates with diver wrist units through an underwater acoustic transducer. Wrist units calculate their exact position based on range and bearing from the gateway plus the gateway's known GPS coordinates.
Does the boat or buoy need to stay still for Navimate to work accurately?
No. The system is designed to be drift-independent. Even if the boat or gateway drifts, each wrist unit continuously recalculates its absolute position based on the gateway's current GPS location, so displayed positions remain accurate.
Can I save dive sites and marked waypoints?
Yes. Navimate includes a computer interface that allows you to save marked dive locations to a PC and download new map data. This makes it easy to plan future dives and return to your favorite spots.
Can I see where my dive buddies are underwater?
Yes, provided your buddies are also wearing Navimate units. The system displays the positions of other Navimate-equipped divers, and you can also share air pressure readings and send SOS signals between units.
When will Navimate GPS be available for purchase?
As of the latest information on the website, Navimate is not yet available for sale. Interested buyers can contact SHB Instruments, Inc. directly at [email protected] or by calling 818-773-2000 for updates on availability.
