KEY WEST, Florida (20 Dec 2003) -- It's called BOB. Though the acronym stands for Breathing Observation Bubble, the device itself looks more like something out of a James Bond movie. Invented by a British automobile designer, BOB has arrived in Key West. The unit, described by BOB Key West as an underwater motorized scooter, consists of a large bubble on top that resembles old diving bells and a motorized propulsion unit on the bottom. In between sit the rider and a scuba tank of air. The scooter pushes the rider through the ocean waters at about three knots. BOBs have been available for a couple of years in Cozumel, the Bahamas, Guam, at the Great Barrier Reef, and even in the south of France. BOB Key West also rents them on St. Thomas. According to Laura Edge, co-owner of BOB Key West, the units are very safe. "We never take anyone below seven feet, which is about the depth of a home swimming pool," she said. "That way, no one has any problem with water pressure. It's a great way for people to get used to the idea of being underwater." In fact, Edge says that once people have experienced BOB, many want to become certified so they can begin scuba diving. Her company takes people out in groups of 11 on a 60-foot power catamaran. However, the tours only allow a maximum of six riders on BOBs at a time. | | Click to expand image These people are accompanied by three certified divers for safety. While six are tooling around on the BOBs, the remainder of the group snorkels. Edge also emphasized that BOB is environmentally friendly. Her company doesn't take people onto the reefs themselves, so there's no danger of collision and damage. Furthermore, the motors are all battery-powered. Currently the tour group takes those renting the units out to Sand Key, leaving from Conch Harbor Marina in front of Monty's on Caroline Street. They have wetsuits available for people who want them, but Edge indicated that most don't. BOBs rent for $99 per person for the trip. The ride out takes about half an hour and then each of the two groups uses the units for half an hour. SOURCE - Keynoter |
