B.C.-designed dive suit to be showcased at the Pentagon

A North Vancouver shop, Nuytco Research Ltd., stands at the forefront of specialized underwater technology, being the world's sole manufacturer of atmospheric dive suits. These suits, often described as wearable submarines, allow divers to operate at extreme depths and in environments previously inaccessible.

“

Think of it as a submarine that you get into. A submarine that you wear that allows divers to get to those depths and go to places they’re not meant to go.

Jay Durant, reporting for "This is BC," met with Nuytco Research President Jeff Heaton, who explained the 40-year evolution of their atmospheric dive suit, initially developed by founder Phil Nuytten in the early 1980s. Heaton noted that the suits enable divers to perform tasks in conditions where they are "not meant to go." The company's work is predominantly for military clients, with 90% of current projects focused on submarine rescue and salvage operations for navies globally.

The latest design, the DSEND (Deep Sea Expeditionary No-Decompression system suit), is set to be showcased at the Pentagon this week. This advanced suit offers remarkable mobility, allowing wearers to walk, jump, lie down, roll over, and even kick their feet while underwater. Nuytco Research tests all its creations on-site in a dedicated tank.

“

Ninety percent of our work right now is all military, specifically submarine rescue. Most Navy divers are not war fighters; they support operations like rescue, like salvage. That’s where we excel and we perform that role for many Navies worldwide.

Beyond military applications, Nuytco's submersibles and suits have been utilized by the oil and gas industry, scientific communities, and Hollywood. Their designs have featured in films such as "The Abyss" and "Black Panther." The company continues to innovate, with future advancements promising even greater freedom and control for underwater assignments, solidifying Nuytco Research's leading position in this highly specialized industry.

“

You can walk in the suit, you can jump, you can lay down, you can roll over on your back, you can kick up your feet.

"Globally, we are the only company that is currently building atmospheric diving suits," Heaton stated, reflecting on the company's unique position and ongoing success. "This has been an amazing ride, and it's not over."

“

Globally, we are the only company that is currently building atmospheric diving suits. This has been an amazing ride, and it’s not over.