Underwater Habitat
For IWR and Research
Divers possess a profound sense of purpose and belonging, fueled by their deep love for nature and the intriguing underwater world. This innate desire for connection fosters strong relationships within the community where they engage in their activities. In this instance, we focus on a nestled diving town in a remote corner of the Venezuelan coast. With its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters, the town serves as an idyllic backdrop for divers seeking exploration and fellowship. Together, they share unforgettable experiences with the locals, forging bonds that enhance their appreciation for the ocean and the unique environment that surrounds them.
The isolated location requires careful attention to emergency procedures, including further development of in-water recompression techniques. Divers use in-water recompression when a hyperbaric chamber is not immediately at the disposal of the diver. Every delay in a bent diver may cause irreparable physical damage and long-term health impacts.
In-water recompression (IWR) is an emergency treatment for decompression sickness (DCS) that involves returning the diver underwater to help resolve or mitigate gas bubbles in the tissues causing the symptoms. IWR performed in the water has a history of success. Nonetheless, its risks may be further mitigated by incorporating a habitat as a controlled space for patient management by the caregiver or monitoring clinical expert.
Project Purpose: To deploy a purpose-built portable habitat system which will allow continued research in to IWR techniques, and serve this remote Venezuelan diving community.
What specific types of research projects will be conducted in the new habitat?
We will develop emergency protocols and provide IWR, when necessary, as hyperbaric treatment for those who need it. The habitat system will be a local asset also used to help in other research fields such as archaeology, biology, and applied medicine. Another application for the marine habitat I'll be experimenting with is hyperbaric treatment for specific health afflictions, like spinal hernia. This treatment is costly in a hyperbaric chamber, and the community will benefit from these types of therapy in this habitat. It's ideal for isolated communities or costly therapy treatments in developing countries.
How will the community be involved in implementing and managing the habitat?
The community will be educated on its use, providing an opportunity to promote citizen scientists, who will benefit from emergency treatment and other physical treatment.
Collaborator
We will collaborate with Michael Lombardi, a scientist, inventor, and National Geographic Explorer, who has developed and deployed multiple small portable habitat systems for scientific research. Together, we will set up a habitat on the coast of Venezuela. Michael has spent more than 7000 hours underwater, with his business focusing on advancements in scientific diving technologies and techniques. meet Michael Lombardi - Oceans of Opportunity
Funding Request
We need to reach US$ 20.000,00 to build the habitat, anchors, and materials, plus shipment and miscellaneous expenses.
I'm excited to contribute to the community through this project, which will benefit the community in several ways, not only in an emergency but also through practical research and tangible applications.
I'm Carlos Lander, the leader of this project. I'm a citizen scientist, a diver, a father, and an archaeologist aficionado. I studied economics.
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