Form-Fitting HAZMAT Diving Suit System for Protection Against Contaminated Water for Free-Swimming Diver Navy SBIR FY2009.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.2 Topic No.: N092-146 Topic Title: Form-Fitting HAZMAT Diving Suit System for Protection Against Contaminated Water for Free-Swimming Diver Proposal No.: N092-146-0472 Firm: Oxazogen, Inc. 1910 West St. Andrews Road Midland, Michigan 48640-2696 Contact: Peter Carver Phone: (989) 832-5590 Web Site: www.oxazogen.com Abstract: Dry diving suits currently available for use in category 1 contaminated water are not elastomeric. They are bulky, heavy, require assistance with both donning and removing and are therefore incompatible with the precepts of speed, agility, maneuverability and stealth, which form the foundation of modern combat diving. An entirely new design of dry suit is proposed, utilizing a highly chemically and biologically resistant coating on a dry diving suit. The innovative lightweight material will facilitate a new form-fitting, less restrictive suit that will allow combat divers to undertake missions with a greater degree of safety, while being protected from toxic chemicals and harmful pathogens that may be present in the water as well as maintain a high level of durability to abrasion. This will constitute a paradigm shift in dry suit technology. Benefits: Prevention of serious health issues as a result of exposure to contaminated environments depends entirely on the protection offered to the individual. Scuba diving is a popular sport practiced by 2.4 million people in the United States. Dry suits also clearly have a very important military significance. Dry suit sales make up a significant portion of the scuba diving market, which has an annual sales value of around $50 million. An alternative to traditional bulky dry suits will be an attractive option to a larger group of participants of other water related sports such as jet skiing, surfing, skurfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, kite surfing, water skiing and wind surfing to name but a few. A lightweight and comfortable dry suit that offers enhanced chemical and biological protection for the wearer, while not impeding physical performance would be a desirable alternative to permeable wetsuits. Return