The SEAVU Explorer platform is a game-changing solution that redefines underwater visibility and videography by making it affordable, accessible and sustainable. It finally puts a powerful, versatile tool in the hands of fishers, boaters, researchers and documentary makers.

At its core, the SEAVU Explorer is an easy-to-use underwater live-stream and videography platform. It houses an action camera which is deployed underwater, streaming footage to a mobile phone in the hands of a person standing on a boat. Existing solutions are focused on industrial markets, either having custom built-in cameras or requiring custom screens for viewing. This makes them expensive, difficult to use and easily superseded by advancing technology sending them to landfills. With SEAVU, almost any off-the-shelf action camera (GoPro, Insta360, DJI) can be loaded into the Explorer's IP68 waterproof case and deployed into the water. The platform's integration with any mobile device (mobile phone, tablet, etc.) facilitates live-viewing and effortless social media sharing. Our innovative Passive WiFi Extension Antenna maintains connection between the action camera and mobile device, even when the Explorer is submerged up to 27 metres underwater.

Designed for diverse use cases, the SEAVU Explorer features a modular accessory clip system for unmatched versatility in the water. In Drifting Mode, the Explorer floats a metre below the surface among schools of fish. Trolling Mode allows game fishers to see marlin or tuna up close as they follow a lure and take the bait. Seafloor Mode allows documentary makers to observe marine life from a tripod-mounted Explorer on the ocean floor. Pole Mode enables yacht crews to easily spy potential obstructions or inspect fouled propellers. The accessory clip system is built to allow for deep customisation, empowering users to 3D print their own accessories and tailor the platform to their needs.

The Explorer sets the standard for the underwater videography field with its simple yet powerful technology, improved usability, versatile modes, personalised accessory options and significantly lower price point. With a modern, rugged aesthetic and designed to reduce obsolescence and waste, the Explorer appeals to both mainstream enthusiasts and professionals.

We're excited to see how people use the Explorer to connect to the ocean world and can't wait to see all the footage it will help capture. We hope that the SEAVU Explorer paves the way for a safer and more informed boating, fishing and marine community.

The SEAVU Explorer platform is a game-changing solution that redefines underwater visibility and videography by making it more affordable, accessible and sustainable.

– Design Innovation –

Highlighting advanced features, such as an IP68 waterproof case compatible with leading action cameras and a Passive WiFi Extension Antenna for live streaming up to 27 metres underwater, the SEAVU Explorer revolutionises the underwater videography experience. Designed for a wide range of use cases, from boating and fishing to research and documentary filmmaking, it enables users to connect with the mysteries of the deep from the comfort of their boat.

Offering affordability and versatility, the SEAVU Explorer defines the new entry level for underwater HD visibility and videography. Its portable, user-friendly design allows for quick setup and deployment.

Due to its innovative design and compatibility with widely available action cameras and mobile devices, all users can experience a seamless, intuitive platform that is both affordable and versatile. The modular accessory clip system allows users to customise their Explorer, tailoring it to their unique needs and preferences. Additionally, the various operational modes cater to different use cases, ensuring every underwater adventure is captured with stunning clarity. The simple yet effective Passive WiFi Extension Antenna enables real-time monitoring and recording of underwater footage from one's boat - a novel experience. At a price point that's 30% to 50% lower than the current solutions on the market, underwater videography will now become accessible to more people like it never has been before.

– Our Design Process –

When approaching the SEAVU Explorer project, we wanted to create the first underwater live-view and videography product that people would actually buy and use.

We consulted with a number of global-level pro-fishers and documentary makers to understand the key goals and pain points of existing underwater cameras. We heard that existing solutions are expensive, difficult to use while on a rocking boat and are quickly superseded by advancing camera technology. The more we researched, the more potential use-cases emerged. We discovered that there are no truly usable and affordable solutions versatile enough to appeal to hobbyists and professionals alike.

It became clear that the Explorer needed to be a platform, providing the modularity and customisability that the market was calling for. This idea started with allowing users to bring their own cameras and phones to the product. It developed into a rich platform with a range of accessories that can be easily clipped in or attached at various points. We anticipate it will lead to users creating their own accessories for their particular needs, as has been seen with the GoPro community.

A key aspect of the usability was to allow the Explorer to be disconnected from the 27m of antenna cable so it can be swapped, replaced or stored separately. Other existing products have these permanently connected, which is a nightmare for transportation, storage and maintenance. The problem was that WiFi does not transmit through water at all and the Explorer case had to be IP68 sealed. Our solution was a unique Antenna Slider on the end of the antenna cable which easily clicks onto the outside of the Case to bridge the wireless connection to the action camera. We created many prototypes and clocked countless hours testing in bathtubs, swimming pools and out on a boat in Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay to get this to work.

In line with making the product easy to use on a bumpy ocean, we challenged ourselves to design an IP68 to 27m clip closure of the front lens. Other products we have seen have a round form, allowing for a screw-on front lens. This makes waterproofing very easy as a simple o-ring will do the job. There are 2 main drawbacks we found. The first is that action cameras are all cuboid. A round shape to the entire product made it much larger than it needed to be. The second issue is that screwing on/off a large lens strong enough to get a watertight seal was difficult for most people, especially while at sea. We decided to mirror the form of the GoPro IP68 cases, but on a larger scale. Our rectangular lens allows the form to match the action cameras and our over-centre clip closure can be easily operated single-handedly. Testing of the case has shown it to be waterproof to up to 50m, far surpassing our 27m depth target.

– Cultural Impact –

The Explorer is the first product that makes underwater live-viewing and videography from a boat truly accessible to consumer markets. We anticipate that this will unlock an entire genre of videography and exploration, as drones have recently done. It will serve as a powerful tool for people to connect with the ocean and sea life in a new and intimate way.

The SEAVU Explorer has the potential to generate remarkable societal benefits by fostering a more knowledgeable and environmentally conscious boating and fishing community. Through enhanced underwater visibility, the platform empowers users to adopt responsible fishing practices, such as single-line fishing, which can help reduce the ecological footprint of commercial fishing.

The platform's smart modular design reduces obsolescence and waste while enabling users to easily update their existing action cameras and mobile devices without replacing the entire system. This adaptable design offers the unique ability to create custom accessories, broadening the platform's scope in an eco-friendly way.

Moreover, the SEAVU Explorer serves as an invaluable tool for marine research and conservation initiatives, supplying stunning high-quality footage for researchers, documentary filmmakers, and educational programs. The platform's ability to nurture a deeper connection to the ocean and its marvels ultimately inspires a greater appreciation and preservation of marine ecosystems for generations to come.

– Business Case –

Leveraging our expertise in thoughtful, practical, sustainable design, we have crafted the SEAVU Explorer to exemplify our firm's commitment to products that make a positive, meaningful and lasting impact on the world – both socially and environmentally. The key selling points are: affordability, versatility and sustainability. These qualities enable the platform to attract a diverse audience, encompassing casual enthusiasts and professionals alike.

By ensuring compatibility with existing action cameras and mobile devices, the SEAVU Explorer allows users to capitalise on their current technology investments, delivering a cost-effective solution that drives demand. Our emphasis on providing a truly sustainable and versatile product not only addresses the pain points of traditional underwater camera systems but also positions the SEAVU Explorer to make a considerable impact on the market.

– Aesthetics and Function –

The SEAVU Explorer is designed to be easy to use while on a bumpy sea, versatile for any situation, capture incredible footage and to look great while doing it all.

The SEAVU Explorer platform consists of the following core components:

- Explorer Case (where the action camera is mounted)

- Reel and Cable with Antenna Tether (with inbuilt antennas and allowing easy management of the 27m of wifi cable)

It can also be equipped with any of the following easy-to-attach accessories:

- Explorer Weight

- Drifting Fin

- Trolling Fin

- Lure Release Clips

- Pole Mount

- Mobile Phone Mount

- Seafloor Stand

- Buoy

- Dive Torches

To use the SEAVU Explorer, simply load the action camera into the Explorer Case, plug in the Antenna Tether, and attach the appropriate accessories for the desired mode. Once the Explorer Case is deployed into the water, the Cable Reel, mounted on the boat, can be used to unwind up to 27 meters of cable. Users can live-view the camera feed on their mobile phone or tablet, which can be mounted on the boat or the Cable Reel itself.

Designed for diverse use cases, the SEAVU Explorer features a modular accessory clip system for unmatched versatility in the water. In Drifting Mode, the Explorer floats a metre below the surface among schools of fish. Trolling Mode allows game fishers to see marlin or tuna up close as they follow a lure and take the bait. Seafloor Mode allows documentary makers to observe marine life from a tripod-mounted Explorer on the ocean floor. Pole Mode enables yacht crews to easily spy potential obstructions or inspect fouled propellers. The accessory clip system is built to allow for deep customisation, empowering users to 3D print their own accessories and tailor the platform to their needs.

Overall, the SEAVU Explorer's harmonious blend of form, aesthetics, and function presents a thoughtfully designed, versatile, and sustainable product that caters to a wide range of users and use cases.

In summary, the SEAVU Explorer takes the current industry to a whole new level. Its innovative design and focus on accessibility, affordability and sustainability can shift the paradigm within the underwater visibility and videography market, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and eco-friendly industry.