Bruce Partridge started writing software for accounting systems in Fortan in the early 70s. In 1981, he evaluated the brand new IBM PC XT for use in hospital information systems. After a 25 year career in computing science, Bruce sold his computer consulting firm to a multinational and retired in 1996. His new diving hobby became a passion as closed circuit rebreather systems for recreational use appeared on the market. Bruce started investigating the design of rebreather electronics and software.
Shearwater Research Inc. was formed in 2004 to produce a closed circuit rebreather oxygen controller. At the request of customers, standalone dive computers followed and Shearwater now sells dive computers for technical and recreational divers in 70 countries.
Shearwater has become a significant player in the world of dive computers and rebreather control systems. Bruce will present the history of Shearwater from its beginnings to the present. He will follow the path from the early experimentation with the CCR 2000, Draeger Dolphin, and KISS rebreathers through EN 14143 certification, to the current widespread use of Shearwater rebreather control systems.