-underwater adventurers

inventor brings

air to d

vers

Belize resorts to C-Breathe technology

NORTH SHORE technology has
opened a window to a bit of heaven on
earth.

HOME BASE
By Michael Becker

North Vancouver mechanical engineer
Keith Collyer operates The Atlantic
Enginecring Company Ltd. from home.

He's developed a product that allows
the ability to

“explore under water to depths up to. 25 feet

without scuba gear,

The C-Breathe diving air supply system is
in use at Jaguar Reef Lodge on the central
coast of
Belize and is
also used by

’ Vancouver-

“based. Island -
-. Expeditions
‘at - Glovers
- Reef off the

‘a

‘Belize in
Central

coast of

America.

? Last” fall
Collyer
‘linked = with
Stuart Zellar.of Mendocino Kayak, a kayak
manufacturer. in ‘California, to produce a

- version of C-Breathe that fits on to a twin-

&

Fes

i¢hull kayak.

The: battery powered air. supply system
allows three divers to,connect to the unit
simultaneously and draw in pressurized air

66... 1 get them up in the morning
and play Mr. Mom mornings and
evenings and sometimes during the
day. The schedule can get a little hec-
tic, but it’s a great way to work. 99

the C-Breathe.

Collyer came to Canada about 15
ago to work on a mining project.

In 1989 he found himself thinking about
a better way to maintain the underside of his
boat without removing it from the water.

He built a battery powered pump that
could sit on the deck of his boat and supply
him with air while he was under water. “I
got quite a bit of interest when | would use
it,” he said.

By 1991 he had refined the concept and
took the idea to the Science Council of B.C.
for development funding.

The government kicked in $20,000 and
he matched the amount.

“After about a year Thad a really good
production model. | think they were quite
surprised
that I'd gone
away = and
came back
with a work-
ing unit.”
Collyer said.
He's excited
about — the
connection
wii toh
Mendocino
Kayak. The
boats = are
sold world-
wide and t now the C-Breathe is available as
an option.

Working from home is working out well
for Collyer.

“I have two girls age three and four. My
wife works full time or more, so I get them
up in the morning and play Mr. Mom morn-
ings and evenings and sometimes during the

years

to. swim through coral cays and a barrier
: day.

“The schedule can get a tittle hectic, but
it’s a great way to work,” he said.

For more information about C-Breathe,
contact Collyer at 980-2936.

Collyer says he_uses local companies for NEWS photo Mine Waktld :

“the : parts’ necessary to build his product.
* Right | snow -he's working with Calmar
ee to develop a new. enclosure for

KEITH COLLYER displays a C-Breatnhe ‘battery powered air supply. system. The: ;
device aliows swimmers to remain under water to 25 feet without scuba gear. ar

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