Shearwater Research

In 2004, Shearwater Research was founded by Bruce Partridge who produced their products in a spare bedroom at his home. As of 2014, Shearwater was producing thousands of dive computers per year in a manufacturing facility with twenty employees.

From the beginning the company sought to develop products that are simple to use and easy to read underwater.{{cite magazine |author=Tourish, Jeff |title=Shearwater Predator CCR Computer |magazine=Advanced Diver Magazine |url=http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/shearwaterpredator.html |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2015-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017041739/http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/shearwaterpredator.html |url-status=live }}

Shearwater Research began by building controller boards for the Innerspace Systems Corp (ISC) Megalodon rebreathers in 2004.{{cite web |author=Micjan, Ron |title=Building my very own Megalodon. |date=2005-12-23 |publisher=TMIShop.com |url=http://www.tmishop.com/megbuildtemp.htm |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2009-06-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622022143/http://www.tmishop.com/megbuildtemp.htm |url-status=live }} There was a problem with the configuration and by the end of 2005, ISC was no longer offering the Shearwater electronics package. Since that time, the initial issues have been resolved and Shearwater electronics are again available for use on the ISC Megalodons.{{cite web |author=Barbet, Michel |title=Eight Days at Innerspace Systems Corporation |date=June 2011 |publisher=OnPlonge.com |url=http://www.onplonge.com/Portals/0/articles/Reportage%20ISC%20Final%20Anglais.pdf |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2024-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419145040/http://www.onplonge.com/Portals/0/articles/Reportage%20ISC%20Final%20Anglais.pdf |url-status=live }}

Shearwater decompression computers began with an implementation of the Bühlmann decompression algorithm with gradient factors into their Shearwater GF in the Spring of 2006.{{cite magazine |author=Bowen, Curt |title=Shearwater GF |magazine=Advanced Diver Magazine |issue=24 }} It was available in either the partial pressure of oxygen with decompression or control versions.{{clarify|date=July 2020}}{{cite book |title=Shearwater GF Computer |series=Shearwater instruction manual |url=http://www.shearwaterresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Shearwater-GF-V3.pdf |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2013-05-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513011642/http://www.shearwaterresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Shearwater-GF-V3.pdf |url-status=live }}

File:Predator OC CC External.jpg

File:Shearwater Predator.jpg

With the release of the Predator in 2009, Shearwater moved away from the older LCD display technology to the use of newer technology OLED displays in their computers.{{cite web |author=Sullivan, Chris |title=Recreational Diving with a Shearwater Predator |date=2011-03-07 |url=http://deepstop.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/recreational-diving-with-a-shearwater-predator/ |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2016-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312024221/https://deepstop.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/recreational-diving-with-a-shearwater-predator/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |author=Rawlings, John |title=OLED Shearwater Predator Dive Computer Review |date=2010-08-07 |magazine=AtlasOmega Media |url=http://www.atlasomega.com/2010/08/shearwater-predator-dive-computer/ |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2014-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527212746/http://www.atlasomega.com/2010/08/shearwater-predator-dive-computer/ |url-status=live }} This was the first color OLED diving computer available in the market with a user replaceable battery. Power was a major limiting factor in the development process to include the OLED technology.

With the Predator, Shearwater also introduced bluetooth to allow easier syncing with their desktop software. Their reason for the move to bluetooth was to make a computer that could be used on multiple operating systems. The Predator's two button design has been called "intuitive and easy to use".{{cite web |author=Ehrenberg, Megan |date=2013-03-11 |title=The Shearwater Predator Technical Dive Computer |publisher=John Chatterton's Website |url=http://www.johnchatterton.com/dive-locker/technical-diving-computer/ |access-date=2013-04-25 |archive-date=2013-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430065659/http://www.johnchatterton.com/dive-locker/technical-diving-computer/ |url-status=live }} The top-of-the-line{{clarify|top of the line|date=May 2021}} Predator will also allow for up to five breathing gases for the rebreather and up to five bail-out gasses. The user can make gas switches on the computer at any point during the dive.

Shearwater received their certification for ISO 9001-2008 in 2010 and all their products are compliant with CE, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and IC international standards.{{cite web |author= |title=Shearwater Research: Technology for Demanding Technical Divers |publisher=Shearwater Research |url=http://www.shearwaterresearch.com/company/ |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2013-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502122841/http://www.shearwaterresearch.com/company/ |url-status=live }}

In 2011, Shearwater announced that they had licensed a technique to thermally monitor the condition of rebreather carbon dioxide absorbent canisters developed by the United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit.{{cite magazine |author=Tang, Calvin |title=Shearwater Research to Develop Scrubber Sensor |date=2011-07-16 |magazine=AtlasOmega Media |url=http://www.atlasomega.com/2011/08/shearwater-research-to-develop-scrubber-sensor/ |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2013-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507081402/http://www.atlasomega.com/2011/08/shearwater-research-to-develop-scrubber-sensor/ |url-status=live }}{{patent|US|6618687|"Temperature-based estimation of remaining absorptive capacity of a gas absorber"}}{{cite journal |author=Warkander, DE |title=Development of a scrubber gauge for closed-circuit diving |journal=Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine |year=2007 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/5110 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509072748/http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/5110 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=2013-04-08}} In collaboration with rEvo rebreathers, they were able to show that the thermal canister CO₂ monitor would work with Shearwater's Predator dive computer.{{cite magazine |date=2011-11-28 |title=rEvo CO2 monitor |magazine=X-Ray Mag |volume=45 |url=http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray45/X-Ray45_part3_locked.pdf |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2012-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105095213/http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray45/X-Ray45_part3_locked.pdf |url-status=live }}

Shearwater has continued to develop new ways to calculate decompression in their equipment by releasing an implementation of the Varying Permeability Model (VPM-B/GFS) in 2011.{{cite magazine |author=Salama, Asser |title=VPM-B Variations: /E, /GFS and /U |magazine=Tech Diving Mag |volume=5 |year=2011 |url=http://www.techdivingmag.com/download005.asp |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2016-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221013600/http://www.techdivingmag.com/download005.asp |url-status=live }} The "GFS" is for Gradient Factor Surfacing and indicates the combination where VPM and GF models are compared and the longer time utilized for the displayed profile.

File:Shearwater Predator OC CC Standalone.jpg

The Shearwater Petrel has been described as the "Predator with improvements".{{cite magazine |author= |title=Computer Shearwater Petrel |magazine=DIVER Magazine |date=March 2013 |url=http://www.divernet.com/Diving_Gear/diver_tests/1840716/computer_shearwater_petrel.html |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2014-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002190637/http://divernet.com/Diving_Gear/diver_tests/1840716/computer_shearwater_petrel.html |url-status=live }} The Petrel was designed to allow a user serviceable standard AA battery to supply the power it needs for calculations, and OLED display with automatic brightness changing to suit ambient lighting.{{cite magazine |author=Bowen, Curt |title=Shearwater Petrel Dive Computer |magazine=Advanced Diver Magazine |url=http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/video/petrel.html |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2013-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516131522/http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/video/petrel.html |url-status=live }} The unit is 40% smaller than the Predator. The Petrel includes both the Bühlmann algorithm and their VPM-B/GFS algorithm. The Petrel also extends the profile data storage that was previously available from 200 to approximately 1000 hours.

With the release of the Petrel, Shearwater also improved the educational materials available to their owners.

In 2013, Shearwater was presented with the International System Safety Society Award for safety in "Scientific Research & Development" at the 31st International System Safety Conference in Boston.{{cite web |title=31st International System Safety Conference |publisher=International System Safety Society |url=http://issc2013.system-safety.org/ |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2013-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422053159/http://issc2013.system-safety.org/ |url-status=live }}

Shearwater's NERD or Near Eye Remote Display is a head-up display that places the divers information in front of their eyes.{{cite news |author=Hoover, Pierce |title=Shearwater Research Goes NERD |publisher=Underwater Journal |url=http://www.underwaterjournal.com/shearwater-research-goes-nerd/ |access-date=2014-03-01 |archive-date=2024-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419145017/http://www.underwaterjournal.com/shearwater-research-goes-nerd/ |url-status=live }} The Shearwater NERD was released at Dive 2013 in Birmingham, UK.

File:Shearwater Perdix in compass mode P9070457.jpg

In 2015, the Perdix wrist mounted dive computer was released. The Perdix is similar to the Petrel but has a 30% longer battery life and a thinner and lower profile.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix/|title=Perdix – Shearwater Research|access-date=2016-07-13|archive-date=2016-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814162453/https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix/|url-status=live}} The computer was named after the grey partridge Perdix perdix.{{cite news |url=http://www.xray-mag.com/content/shearwater-perdix |title=Shearwater Perdix |work=X-Ray Mag |first=Rosemary E. |last=Lunn |date=2016-02-09 |access-date=2016-06-23 |archive-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713213528/http://www.xray-mag.com/content/shearwater-perdix |url-status=live }} Unlike the Petrel, the Perdix is only available in a stand-alone configuration and does not have a version that can be connected to a rebreather.

In 2016, the Perdix AI was released. It built on the success of the Perdix by adding air integration features designed to function in conjunction with Pelagic Pressure Systems wireless gas pressure transmitters. The Perdix AI allows for 2 cylinder pressures to be displayed simultaneously.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

In 2017, Shearwater launched the NERD 2. A successor to the original NERD heads-up dive computer, the NERD 2 eliminated the brain box from the NERD system,{{clarify|brain box|date=May 2021}} incorporating all of the electronics into the eyepiece. The NERD 2 contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, heads-up compass, and dual air integration capability. Unlike the original NERD, the NERD 2 is available in a stand-alone model, making it practical for open circuit diving for the first time.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

The Teric which was launched in May 2018, is Shearwater's first dive computer in a watch format.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

{{expand section|Teric specifications, Peregrine nitrox dive computer, images for NERD or NERD 2 , Teric and Peregrine |date=May 2021}}

In 2010, Shearwater was one of the founding manufacturers for the Rebreather Education and Safety Association.{{cite magazine |date=2011 |volume=42 |title=New rebreather association established |magazine=X-Ray Mag |url=http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray42/X-Ray42_locked.pdf |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2012-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519111523/http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/xray42/X-Ray42_locked.pdf |url-status=live }} Shearwater's Bruce Partridge served as Secretary for the founding board of the organization.

Partridge also presented at the Rebreather Forum 3 meeting held in 2012.{{cite magazine |author=Menduno, Michael |date=2012 |title=A view from Rebreather Forum 3: Improving Rebreather Safety |magazine=X-Ray Mag |volume=49 |url=http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/articles/Feature_RF3report_49_locked.pdf |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2012-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813071822/http://www.xray-mag.com/pdfs/articles/Feature_RF3report_49_locked.pdf |url-status=live }} He presented on the use of information technology with focus on human factors in equipment design.{{cite web |author=Partridge, Bruce |title=And Don't Get It Wet… Information Technology |publisher=Rebreather Forum 3 |url=http://www.rf30.org/presentations/information-technology/?sf11691732=1 |date=20 May 2012 |access-date=2013-04-16}}

Shearwater is also a sponsor for the diving research efforts of the Rubicon Foundation.{{cite web |author= |title=Sponsors |publisher=Rubicon Foundation |url=http://rubicon-foundation.org/sponsors/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311062017/http://rubicon-foundation.org/sponsors/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=March 11, 2012 |access-date=2013-04-08}}

In 2016 Shearwater funded a rebreather sorb absorption research study by Harvey and colleagues.{{cite journal |author=David Harvey |author2=Neal W Pollock |author3=Nicholas Gant |author4=Jason Hart |author5=Peter Mesley |author6=Simon Mitchell |year=2016 |title=The duration of two carbon dioxide absorbents in a closed-circuit rebreather diving system |journal=Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine |volume=45 |number=2 |pages=92–97 |url=http://www.xray-mag.com/content/rebreather-sorb-research-unveiled |access-date=2016-06-23 |archive-date=2016-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626072550/http://www.xray-mag.com/content/rebreather-sorb-research-unveiled |url-status=live }}

In July 2024 Shearater announced aailability of Avelo mode on the Teric model dive computers.{{cite web |url=https://divemagazine.com/scuba-diving-equipment/shearwater-research-avelo-mode-for-teric-dive-computer |title=Shearwater Research announces Avelo mode for Teric dive computer |date=4 June 2024 |access-date=17 June 2025 |publisher=Dive Magazine }} This feature is also available on Shearwater Tern TX, Peregrine TX, and Perdix 2 dive computers via firmware downloads and an unlock code.{{cite web|url=https://shearwater.com/pages/avelo-mode |title=Avelo Mode for Shearwater Air Integrated Dive Computers |website=shearwater.com |access-date=7 April 2025 }}{{cite web |url=https://johnsonoutdoors.widen.net/s/dzj2qcpblg/sp_20941-j-o_g2c_avelo_manual_en |title=G2C Avelo Mode User Manual |website=johnsonoutdoors.widen.net |access-date=7 April 2025 |publisher=Scubapro }}{{cite web |url=https://diveavelo.com/aveloMode.html |title=Avelo Mode |website=diveavelo.com |access-date=7 April 2025 }}

In late 2024 Shearwater announced an R&D partnership with Avelo Labs to develop the Avelo Jetpack buoyancy control system.{{cite web |url=https://divemagazine.com/scuba-diving-equipment/shearwater-unveils-jetpack-for-avelo-diving |title=Shearwater unveils Jetpack for Avelo diving |date=9 June 2025 |access-date=17 June 2025 |publisher=Dive Magazine }}

A Shearwater Predator was used to calculate decompression on a 2010 expedition that led to the identification of HMS Snaefell that went down on July 5, 1941.{{cite magazine |author=Matthewman, Brian |title=2010 North East Wreck Week: Silent Running Mixed Gas Dive Team |magazine=Advanced Diver Magazine |url=http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/articles/silentrunning/silentrunning.html |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2013-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808122052/http://advanceddivermagazine.com/articles/silentrunning/silentrunning.html |url-status=live }}

Lance Robb utilized an ISC Megalodon rebreather with a Shearwater Predator in a 2010 expedition to explore Osprey Reef at a depth of {{convert|156|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite magazine |author=Isaacs, Ross |title=Osprey Reef: Close to the edge |magazine=Advanced Diver Magazine |url=http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/articles/ospreyreef/ospreyreef.html |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2010-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212223410/http://advanceddivermagazine.com/articles/ospreyreef/ospreyreef.html |url-status=live }}

Shearwater also supported research by the University of Connecticut and Ocean Opportunity to explore the Tongue of the Ocean. This project, funded by the National Geographic Society/ Waitt Grants Program to explore the mesophotic zone between {{convert|200|ft|-1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|500|ft|abbr=on}} carried The Explorers Club flag number 172.{{cite web |author= |title=Andros expedition documents reef to 130 m using mixed-gas rebreathers |website=Mesophotic.org |url=http://www.mesophotic.org/2011/02/andros-expedition-documents-reef-to-130m-using-mixed-gas-rebreathers/ |access-date=2013-04-08 |archive-date=2016-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222619/http://www.mesophotic.org/2011/02/andros-expedition-documents-reef-to-130m-using-mixed-gas-rebreathers/ |url-status=live }} The Shearwater electronics were utilized to record the diver profiles.{{cite conference |author1=Lombardi, Michael |author2=Godfrey, J |title=In-Water Strategies for Scientific Diver-Based Examinations of the Vertical Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem (vMCE) from 50 to 150 meters |editor=Pollock NW |book-title= Diving for Science 2011. Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences 30th Symposium |location=Dauphin Island, AL |year=2011 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/10105 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616133015/http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/10105 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=2013-04-08}}{{cite conference |author=Lombardi, Michael |title=A Visual Profile of the Vertical Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem of the Tongue of the Ocean (TOTO), Andros, Bahamas to 100 meters |editor=Pollock NW |book-title=Diving for Science 2011. Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences 30th Symposium |location=Dauphin Island, AL |year=2011 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/10106 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616133023/http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/10106 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=2013-04-08}}

• Bühlmann decompression algorithm (ZH 16) with user selected gradient factors is the standard algorithm. The settings are selected by the user and there are no hidden or proprietary factors.
• Varying Permeability Model (VPM-B) is available as an option.
• Thalmann algorithm (VVAL-18) is available to the US Navy.{{cite magazine |url=https://indepthmag.com/thalmann-algorithm/ |title=Dial In Your DCS Risk with the Thalmann Algorithm |first=Tim |last=Blömeke |date=3 April 2024 |access-date=16 April 2024 |magazine=InDepth |archive-date=16 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416190438/https://indepthmag.com/thalmann-algorithm/ |url-status=live }}

• In 2013, Shearwater was presented with the International System Safety Society Award for safety in "Scientific Research & Development" at the 31st International System Safety Conference in Boston.
• The EUROTEK 2014 Innovation Award,{{cite web |url=http://eurotek.uk.com/Awards/index.php |title=Eurotek diving conference awards |access-date=2015-05-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820213845/http://www.eurotek.uk.com/Awards/index.php |archive-date=2015-08-20 |first1=Liz |last1=Rodgers |website=eurotek.uk.com }} for manufacturing "an advanced or technical diving product or service that has enabled you to further your diving or made your diving safer" was granted to Bruce and Lynn Partridge of Shearwater Research for the Petrel and NERD.

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Category:Underwater diving equipment manufacturers