Victoria, British Columbia - Dec. 12, 2002 - Dangerous underwater rescue operations around the world have become much safer for dive units using a unique underwater communication system develop, and unveiled today in Victoria, by Divelink InternationalTechnologies Inc.

The Victoria-based hi-tech company's systems are favored by rescue divers because theirs is the only system that allows divers to communicate without being connected by wires and without having to operate awkward hand-held units. The latest technology developed by Divelink is a special adaptor that enables further communication using a cell phone. Not only can divers now talk to other divers and someone on the surface, but also they can speak to a person anywhere in the world.

"Our system is a natural fit for emergency response professionals as they need to communicate with a variety of sources during a rescue operation," says Pete Devine, Vice President of Divelink. "We're proud of our technology and we're also proud that it helps to save lives."

The Divelink system is the only multi-channel underwater communication system and has a range of up to 2000 metres. The system gives divers voice contact with the surface and with each other through a hands-free microphone attached to the dive mask. The system works on a patented voice recognition chip, allowing dive teams to work more cooperatively.

Divelink's products have quickly become fundamental dive tools in the field of search and rescue, scientific data gathering, movie production, underwater photography, salvaging, weapon retrieval and diver instruction. It is a vast improvement on the old system which consisted of line pulls on a rope stretching from the diver to the surface.

The company's client list includes the US Navy Seals, Japanese Coast Guard, Malaysia Fire Brigade Search and Recovery Unit, Disney World, the Seattle Aquarium, National Geographic Magazine and over 40 search and rescue dive units in North America alone. Their latest client is Florida State University where Divelink equipment will be used for an underwater crime scene course.

The full-face single channel mask retails for approximately $900 US; a full-face multi-channel unit for $1500 US; a single channel surface communications unit for $900 US and a cell phone surface unit for $1250 US.

Divelink Technology

Divelink® is built on custom chip technology. The patented voice recognition chip is not triggered by bubble or ambient noise and automatic gain and squelch leaves the diver hands free for the duration of the dive.Divelink® has the only waterproof microphone on the market. It can berepeatedly flooded and withstand pressure differentials to depths of over 200 ft. Divers can communicate with each other at a range of up to 4500 feet. The Divelink system attaches to any mask, and can be fully integrated into an existing system. Divelink® is the only system equipped with an emergency signal that alerts other divers and the surface when a diver is in distress. The mouthpiece is a patented silicon rubber speaking cavity and doesn't require any straps.

Divelink's system is the first to fit all sport diving training criteria.

"I've been extremely satisfied with the performance of my units and I'd recommend Divelink to any recreational or technical diver looking for a cost effective, high performance solution to underwater communication needs."

Pierce Hoover, Sport Diver Magazine

Who's Using Divelink?

The Divelink® system is used around the world in situations which require a reliable hands free underwater communications system. Divelink has quickly become a fundamental dive tool in the field of search and rescue, scientific data gathering, movie production, underwater photography, seafood harvesting, salvaging, weapon retrieval and diver instruction.

Divelink's client list includes the US Navy Seals, Disney World, the Seattle Aquarium, New York Police and Fire Departments, National Geographic Magazine and over forty search and rescue dive units in the North America.

Divelink equipment was used on the set of Flipper (the TV series), GI Jane and Lake Placid, allowing Hollywood directors to stay in contact with their underwater camera operators and actors.

When the wreck of Blackbeard the Pirate's Flagship was discovered in April, 2001, ABC asked Divelink how to conduct a live interview between the Good Morning America crew in New York and the divers on the ocean floor in North Carolina. The diver's voice was picked up by the surface unit and then retransmitted via a cellular phone which was attached to the surface unit. The result was a broadcast quality interview which was wireless through the water as well as wireless through the air. It was a first in the industry.

The term Divelink is synonymous with underwater communications in Japan. The Divelink® system is used exclusively at over 15 major resorts throughout coastal Japan where guests participate in tours of the resorts dive sites.

Divelink's listen-only Explorer model has proven indispensable for dive instructors giving open water skills demonstrations and instruction. The class doesn't have to repeatedly return to the surface for detailed explanations, speeding up the rate of learning.

For further information on the company's products and services Contact: 800-348-7815 or visit www.divelink.net.