New England Divers Inc.: A Legacy of Innovative Scuba Diving Equipment
New England Divers Inc. (NEDI) revolutionized the scuba diving industry with its innovative regulators. Their equipment featured several key attributes that set them apart from competitors:
Direct Heritage from Sportways Hydro Twin
NEDI regulators directly stemmed from the renowned Sportways Hydro Twin design. Consequently, this lineage integrated many of the Hydro Twin’s acclaimed features and innovations, which were known for exceptional quality and performance in the diving community.
Versatile Port Configurations
Additionally, the regulators included both low-pressure (LP) and high-pressure (HP) ports. These essential ports allowed for safe and efficient connection of hoses and instruments, thereby ensuring optimal air delivery and accurate tank pressure monitoring for divers.
Enhanced Breathing with Venturi Effect
Moreover, incorporating the Venturi effect, NEDI regulators significantly reduced breathing resistance. This feature, therefore, made inhalation easier, contributing to a more comfortable and efficient underwater breathing experience.
Balanced First Stage for Consistent Performance
Furthermore, a balanced first stage in NEDI regulators ensured stable and consistent airflow regardless of changes in tank pressure or depth. As a result, divers enjoyed a smoother and more reliable experience due to this design element.
Efficient Air Delivery with Downstream Valve
In addition, NEDI regulators employed a downstream valve in the second stage. By delivering air to the diver only upon inhalation, this design feature effectively conserved air and minimized wastage.
Advanced Mouthpiece with Aquastop Valves
The mouthpiece of NEDI regulators was also equipped with Aquastop valves. Consequently, these valves prevented water from entering the regulator, which allowed divers to breathe comfortably even in challenging underwater conditions.
Legacy and Innovation in Scuba Diving
New England Divers Inc. stands out for its dedication to high-performance and reliable diving equipment. By incorporating features such as balanced first stages, LP and HP ports, and the Venturi effect, NEDI regulators showcased remarkable innovation and craftsmanship. Therefore, the advancements in scuba diving technology of their time are still appreciated by diving enthusiasts today.
Historical Background: James F. Cahill and New England Divers Inc.
In the 1950s, James F. Cahill (1926 – February 28, 2008), a pioneering figure in scuba diving, co-founded the Hui Kai scuba training camp on Children’s Island in Salem, MA, with his business partner Buster Crabbe, the famed Tarzan actor. Furthermore, Cahill served as a consultant to Lloyd Bridges during the late 1950s television series “Sea Hunt.”
As the founder and president of New England Divers Inc., headquartered in Beverly, MA, Cahill led the company to become the nation’s first and largest chain of commercial scuba diving stores and training centers.
Recognized for using Sportsways Waterlung Hydro Twin and Hydro Twin II regulators with custom labels, New England Divers featured a distinctive bright yellow decal with black lettering and an outline of a diver. The “Hydro Master,” based on the Hydro-Twin, was their first custom-labeled model, with the Hydro-Twin II being the most common variant. The Hydro Master appeared in their catalog until 1969.
In summary, New England Divers Inc. remains a prominent name in the history of scuba diving equipment, reflecting a legacy of innovation and dedication to advancing underwater exploration.
