An Autonomous Acoustic Positioning System for Divers

A diver carried acoustic navigation system has been developed to enable divers to follow predetermined survey lines during search operations. The system includes a backpack containing a computer and an acoustic transceiver as well as an arm mounted, backlit LCD display and switch. The system is capable of both active and passive acoustic navigation using standard transponders and beacons, respectively. Prior to a dive mission, predetermined survey lines, transponder array data and other mission data are loaded into the backpack computer. During the mission, the diver´s entire course as well as the location of diver identified objects are recorded in computer memory for subsequent retrieval and playback. Capability is also included for coded two way communications between the diver and a support vessel.