Superyacht Crew Essentials

The first prototype (SC3) Scubacraft was built in March 2009, following which June saw the development of the SC6 variant, which was larger and more powerful than the initial vessel and designed to carry up to six safely from the shore direct to the dive location. The manufacturers marketed the craft as a revenue-maker that would be suitable for dive tours. Scubacraft opened their order book in August 2009.

The Scubacraft is operated by a singe person both above and below the water surface. On the surface, the combustion engine is used for power and directional control through a steering wheel and throttle arrangement. In order to submerge, the main engine shuts down and seals airtight. Occupants then fit scuba equipment before the craft sinks down into the water where electric thrusters provide the power and hydrofins control the direction.

The Scubacraft is designed to have a slight positive buoyancy at all times, using the power of the thrusters to dive. Should power be lost the craft will float back up to the surface in a controlled manner. However, the Scubacraft is able to lose its positive buoyancy in a special "park" mode that allows occupants to leave the craft before diving the local area.

The manufacturers are proud that the vessel has "exceptional surface handling" derived from its advanced twin tunnel hull with high speed dynamic lift. The air cushioned performance and 250 Hp jet power enables the vessel to achieve a top speed of 43 knots. The Scubacraft can run 90 minutes and dive to a depth of 30 metres (with an option for 50 metres).

At the moment the Scubacraft does not meet with any international classification and certification requirements, although the company have always had safety as a principal design factor: For example the scubacraft features a system of limiting the maximum dive depth to suit specific market demands. The vessel also has emergency backup systems that ensure any system issues will result in the craft rising safely back to the surface. Even with total failure of the main buoyancy system, Scubacraft can snorkel its main engine at the surface and rise up onto the plane under power.

In addition to these features there is an automatic depth control (ADC) system that assists the operator in maintaining depth, controlling ascent and descent. VHF radio, underwater communications, lights and GPS are accessories that further enhance safety and performance in operation. The craft has an onboard GPS and dive computer as well as an onboard air supply with backup automatic depth control. The vessel's bright yellow colour makes it highly visible and the pod's cockpit even contains VHF radio and underwater comms.

Scubacraft call their vessel "the ultimate watercraft" and though if follows a series of submarine style toys, it stands out as unusual due to the way the divers ride in an exposed cockpit. Whether the vessel will appeal as a superyacht toy has yet to be seen. It certainly seems like it could be a valuable edition to a diveboat with clients making ambitious dives.

JB