After extensive research, Oceanic's latest BCD, made exclusively for female divers, is now available

San Leandro, CA January 24, 2007 – Oceanic Worldwide, the leader in diving innovation, has announced that the company's latest buoyancy compensator, HERA, is now available. Designed from scratch with the assistance of more than 300 female scuba divers, the HERA was created specifically for the female form.

According to Oceanic's award-winning design team, the HERA is NOT a man's BCD that is scaled down for smaller sizes. The HERA is contoured for the female form. It's built to combine function, style and performance and early reviews show that the HERA is a winner.

The HERA features Oceanic's patented Custom Fit Harness that delivers the ability to custom-fit the BC from the start. Add to this the new Hybrid Bladder design and there is not a more comfortable BC available today. The Hybrid Bladder feature combines elements of a rear-inflation BC and the wrap-around feel of a jacket BC.

The HERA doesn't follow the industry trend towards weight-integrated BCs, it takes it to a new level. With the patented Oceanic Quick Lock & Release feature (QLR), divers can carry up to 20 lbs of weight in ultra-comfortable side pockets. The QLR system provides a simple way to release the weight should it be necessary. Adding rear weight pockets are also available for trim and underwater stability.

"This is one of the most anticipated new products of the year," says Oceanic Marketing Manager Doug Krause. "Women have been asking us to create a product like this for years and the HERA is the result of all the requests, test dives, focus groups, test sessions and discussions with female divers from all over the world. The demand is growing for the HERA since we unveiled it to dealers at this year's DEMA Show and we're pleased to announce that it's now available."

The HERA is available in four different sizes (XS, SM, MD, LG) and has a suggested retail price of $479.95.