
>DPVs — or scooters, as many divers call them — come in a variety of configurations. The most popular design is the teardrop or torpedo-shaped rig with an aft-mounted propeller and handgrips. The diver squeezes a trigger or triggers to route power to the motor and adjusts his body position to steer the DPV. Alternative configurations include ride-on scooters, back- or tank-mounted models that free up divers' hands and even foot-mounted DPVs.
>Unfortunately, improved efficiency and robust design translate directly to dollars, and so in general, the machines that provide higher performance come fully equipped with higher price tags. While an entry-level DPV might cost about $200, more powerful (faster) models and those designed for greater depths can range from $400 to more than $2,000.
>One measure of a DPV's capabilities is its run time — the period the scooter will operate on a full battery charge. This combined with speed, the other primary performance measure, gives users an idea of the distance the DPV can take them. It's important to consider that over time battery capacity and efficiency can degrade, so a better battery has a higher long-term value. If you're going to splurge on a particular aspect of a DPV, a better battery is the place to do it.
>But high energy-density storage is intrinsically dangerous, and pushing the envelope too far or too fast can lead to unintended consequences. As Boeing recently learned with their 787 Dreamliner, an oversight in battery design can put users on the sidelines rather than in the action. When the planes' high-tech, high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries started shorting out and causing fires, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly grounded the Dreamliners. Despite this recent bad press, lithium-ion batteries offer advantages. They have a high power-to-weight ratio, can charge more quickly and offer more desirable cycling characteristics.
>While at least one DPV manufacturer has made the leap to lithium-ion batteries, most use conventional sealed lead-acid batteries, which are fairly reliable but still carry some risk. During the charging process, hydrogen gas is generated as a byproduct, and it can accumulate in explosive concentrations. To counter that issue, a catalytic element is generally added; it combines atmospheric oxygen with the hydrogen before the concentrations reach dangerous levels. However, incidents have occurred in which systems failed and explosions resulted. To avoid such situations, divers must observe proper precautions for maintenance and operation of DPVs.
>Overall weight and buoyancy are also important. Most DPVs weigh between 20 and 40 pounds, with higher performance models being heavier. Instrumentation such as depth alarms and battery-power meters can help divers maintain a margin of safety in their dive operations. High on the list of desired characteristics should be ease of maintenance, charging time and availability of parts. Also keep an eye out for accessories such as lights and variable-buoyancy systems.
>Among the challenges that come with DPVs is maintaining buddy contact between divers (zipping around doing barrel rolls can be absorbing), so resist the tendency to get separated. There are also the aforementioned hazards associated with routine maintenance (i.e., battery charging), which means established protocols must be followed to minimize the risk of explosion. So before you grab the horns and wrestle the aquatic mechanical bull into the bay, take some specialty training to get a handle on the basics of safe operation and maintenance.
>Diver propulsion vehicles can seriously redefine fun and performance in our underwater world, but with heightened performance comes heightened risks. With the right knowledge and training, we can sidestep the risks and enjoy the ride.
>© Alert Diver —Spring 2013