PRD

BuddyGuard Oceaneo - Product Requirements Document

Executive Summary

BuddyGuard Oceaneo is a revolutionary marine safety device designed to transform free diving into a safer, more accessible sport. This smart, compact safety device attaches to diving ropes and provides automatic/manual CO2-based flotation systems with real-time monitoring capabilities for depths up to 30 meters. The product targets mid-range free divers seeking independence while maintaining safety, addressing the critical gap in recreational diving safety equipment.

1. Product Overview and Objectives

Mission Statement

Transform free diving into a safer, more accessible sport globally by providing the first patent-protected recreational diving safety equipment that maintains diving authenticity while ensuring emergency protection.

Primary Objectives

  • Market Penetration: Achieve 30% market penetration (300,000 users) from 1 million global free divers by 2026
  • Safety Impact: Reduce underwater emergency incidents in recreational free diving by providing reliable emergency flotation
  • Market Creation: Establish new product category in recreational diving safety equipment
  • Revenue Target: Generate sustainable revenue through $150 device sales and $1-3 recurring cartridge replacements

Success Metrics

  • Phase 1 (Q1-Q2 2025): 1,000 units sold, 10 diving club partnerships, regulatory certification complete
  • Phase 2 (Q3-Q4 2025): 5,000 units sold, 25 retail partners, 3 insurance partnerships
  • Phase 3 (2026+): 90,000 users, established industry standard, global market presence

2. Target Audience

Primary Users

Mid-Range Free Divers (Core Segment)

  • Demographics: Ages 25-45, completed basic free diving courses
  • Experience Level: Comfortable diving 10-20 meters, seeking to improve depth/confidence
  • Behavior: Practice rope diving (one-third of all divers), often dive with minimal supervision
  • Pain Points: Fear of underwater blackouts, lack of confidence for solo diving, running out of air anxiety

Characteristics:

  • Safety-conscious but value independence
  • Willing to invest in quality equipment ($100-200 range)
  • Active in diving communities and social media
  • Seek equipment that doesn't compromise diving experience authenticity

Secondary Markets

Diving Clubs and Instructors

  • Professional diving instructors requiring student safety equipment
  • Diving clubs implementing safety standards
  • Certification programs needing compliant safety gear

Insurance and Regulatory Bodies

  • Insurance companies requiring safety compliance for coverage
  • Diving organizations establishing safety standards
  • Regulatory bodies overseeing recreational diving safety

3. Core Features and Functionality

Phase 1 Core Features (Q1-Q2 2025)

3.1 Emergency Flotation System

Feature: Manual and automatic CO2-based inflation system Acceptance Criteria:

  • Manual activation response time < 2 seconds in panic situations
  • Single-action activation requiring minimal cognitive load during emergency
  • Reliable operation at depths up to 30 meters
  • Automatic pressure compensation during ascent to prevent dangerous over-expansion
  • Failsafe mechanism ensuring inflation even if primary system fails

Technical Implementation:

  • CO2 cartridge integration with quick-release mechanism
  • Pressure-sensitive valve system with depth compensation algorithms
  • Tactile feedback confirmation system for activation
  • Inflation chamber with controlled expansion rates

3.2 Rope Attachment System

Feature: Secure, quick-connect attachment to diving ropes Acceptance Criteria:

  • Attachment/detachment time < 30 seconds
  • Maintains secure connection during ascent with emergency inflation
  • Compatible with standard diving rope diameters (8-12mm)
  • Weight distribution minimizing swimming interference
  • Visual confirmation of secure attachment

Technical Implementation:

  • Quick-release carabiner-style attachment mechanism
  • Adjustable clamp system for various rope diameters
  • Load-bearing capacity rating for emergency situations
  • Corrosion-resistant marine-grade materials

3.3 Depth Monitoring System

Feature: Real-time depth tracking and safety zone alerts Acceptance Criteria:

  • Depth measurement accuracy ±0.5 meters
  • Operational range 0-35 meters depth
  • Battery life supporting 100+ dives per charge
  • Visual and tactile alert system for preset safety limits
  • Data logging for post-dive analysis

Technical Implementation:

  • Pressure sensor with temperature compensation
  • Microcontroller with low-power operation modes
  • LED indicator system with glow-in-dark components
  • Local data storage with configurable alert thresholds

Phase 2 Enhanced Features (Q3-Q4 2025)

3.4 Smart Monitoring Interface

Feature: Mobile app integration for dive planning and analysis Acceptance Criteria:

  • Real-time Bluetooth connection with device during surface intervals
  • Dive history tracking and progress visualization
  • Safety parameter customization based on experience level
  • Emergency contact notification system
  • Social sharing capabilities for achievements

Technical Implementation:

  • Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication protocol
  • iOS/Android native mobile applications
  • Cloud-based data synchronization and backup
  • Push notification system for safety alerts
  • Social media API integration

3.5 Predictive Safety Features

Feature: AI-powered dive pattern analysis and risk assessment Acceptance Criteria:

  • Analysis of dive patterns for risk behavior identification
  • Early warning system for dangerous diving practices
  • Personalized safety recommendations based on historical data
  • Integration with weather and water condition data
  • Automatic adjustment of safety parameters

Phase 3 Advanced Features (2026+)

3.6 Community Safety Network

Feature: Multi-device safety coordination and community platform Acceptance Criteria:

  • Device-to-device emergency communication within 100-meter range
  • Diving buddy system with automatic safety checking
  • Community-wide safety data sharing and analysis
  • Integration with professional diving equipment systems
  • Global safety standard compliance tracking

4. Technical Stack Recommendations

Hardware Architecture

Recommended Approach: Custom embedded system with marine-grade components

  • Microcontroller: ARM Cortex-M4 based system (STM32 or similar) for balance of performance and power efficiency
  • Sensors: High-precision pressure sensor (Bosch BMP388), accelerometer/gyroscope for orientation
  • Communication: Bluetooth 5.0 LE for mobile connectivity, optional 433MHz for device-to-device
  • Power: Rechargeable lithium battery with wireless charging capability
  • Housing: IP68-rated marine-grade plastics with titanium pressure components

Mobile Application Stack

Recommended Approach: Cross-platform development with native performance

  • Framework: React Native with native modules for critical functions
  • Alternative: Flutter for consistent UI across platforms
  • Backend: Node.js with Express.js API framework
  • Database: PostgreSQL for structured data, Redis for real-time features
  • Cloud Platform: AWS with specific focus on IoT Core for device management

Data Architecture

Recommended Approach: Hybrid local/cloud storage for reliability

  • Local Storage: SQLite for offline dive data and safety parameters
  • Cloud Storage: AWS RDS (PostgreSQL) for user profiles and community features
  • Real-time Processing: AWS Lambda for dive analysis and safety algorithms
  • Data Analytics: AWS Kinesis for streaming data analysis and pattern recognition

5. Conceptual Data Model

Device Data Model

Device {
  device_id: UUID (primary key)
  serial_number: String (unique)
  manufacturing_date: DateTime
  firmware_version: String
  last_sync: DateTime
  battery_level: Integer (0-100)
  calibration_date: DateTime
  operational_hours: Integer
  dive_count: Integer
}

User Data Model

User {
  user_id: UUID (primary key)
  email: String (unique, required)
  name: String (required)
  certification_level: Enum [BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED, PROFESSIONAL]
  max_depth_certification: Integer (meters)
  experience_dives: Integer
  safety_preferences: JSON
  emergency_contacts: Array<EmergencyContact>
  created_at: DateTime
  last_active: DateTime
}

EmergencyContact {
  name: String (required)
  phone: String (required)
  relationship: String
  priority: Integer (1-3)
}

Dive Data Model

Dive {
  dive_id: UUID (primary key)
  user_id: UUID (foreign key)
  device_id: UUID (foreign key)
  start_time: DateTime
  end_time: DateTime
  max_depth: Float (meters)
  duration: Integer (seconds)
  location: GeoPoint
  water_temperature: Float (celsius)
  visibility: Integer (meters)
  conditions: JSON
  safety_events: Array<SafetyEvent>
  performance_metrics: JSON
}

SafetyEvent {
  timestamp: DateTime
  event_type: Enum [ALERT, ACTIVATION, EMERGENCY, WARNING]
  depth: Float (meters)
  description: String
  automated: Boolean
}

Safety Configuration Model

SafetySettings {
  user_id: UUID (foreign key)
  max_depth_alert: Integer (meters)
  time_limit_alert: Integer (minutes)
  ascent_rate_limit: Float (meters/minute)
  emergency_activation_enabled: Boolean
  buddy_system_enabled: Boolean
  community_sharing_enabled: Boolean
  updated_at: DateTime
}

6. UI Design Principles

Device Interface Design

Principle: Panic-Proof Simplicity

  • Single-Action Activation: Large, tactile button with clear feedback
  • Visual Status System: LED indicators with universal color coding (green=safe, yellow=caution, red=emergency)
  • Low-Light Optimization: Glow-in-dark elements and high-contrast displays
  • Minimal Cognitive Load: Essential information only, clear hierarchy

Mobile Application Design

Principle: Safety-First Information Architecture

  • Dashboard Priority: Safety status and current dive parameters prominently displayed
  • Quick Access: Emergency contacts and safety settings easily accessible
  • Progressive Disclosure: Advanced features hidden until needed
  • Offline Capability: Core safety functions available without internet connection

Design System Specifications

  • Color Palette: Marine-inspired blues and greens with high-contrast safety colors
  • Typography: High-readability sans-serif fonts (Roboto/SF Pro)
  • Iconography: Universal diving and safety symbols
  • Accessibility: WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, voice-over support
  • Responsive Design: Optimized for one-handed operation during diving preparation

7. Security Considerations

Device Security

Encryption: AES-256 encryption for all stored dive data and user information Authentication: Secure pairing process with mobile devices using cryptographic keys Firmware Protection: Signed firmware updates with rollback protection Physical Security: Tamper-resistant housing with secure element for key storage

Data Privacy and Protection

GDPR Compliance: Full compliance with European privacy regulations

  • User consent management for data collection and processing
  • Right to deletion implementation for all user data
  • Data portability features for user data export

Data Minimization: Collect only essential safety and performance data Anonymization: Personal data anonymized for community safety analytics Secure Transmission: TLS 1.3 for all API communications Access Control: Role-based access control for different user types

Emergency Data Handling

Critical Data Priority: Safety-related data gets highest priority in all systems Redundancy: Multiple backup systems for emergency contact information Offline Capability: Core safety functions operate without cloud connectivity Emergency Override: Emergency services can access critical safety data with proper authorization

8. Development Phases and Milestones

Phase 1: Foundation (Q1-Q2 2025)

Duration: 6 months Team Size: 8-10 developers (4 firmware, 2 mobile, 2 backend, 1 QA, 1 DevOps)

Sprint 1-2 (Months 1-2): Core Safety System

  • Implement CO2 inflation mechanism control software
  • Develop pressure sensor integration and depth calculation algorithms
  • Create manual activation system with failsafe mechanisms
  • Build basic device firmware with safety-critical functions

Sprint 3-4 (Months 3-4): Monitoring and Communication

  • Implement Bluetooth communication stack
  • Develop mobile app foundation with device pairing
  • Create basic dive data collection and storage
  • Build safety alert and notification systems

Sprint 5-6 (Months 5-6): Integration and Testing

  • Complete system integration testing
  • Regulatory compliance validation
  • Manufacturing process integration
  • Beta testing with diving clubs

Key Deliverables:

  • Production-ready device firmware
  • Basic mobile application (iOS/Android)
  • Manufacturing quality assurance processes
  • Regulatory certification completion

Phase 2: Enhancement (Q3-Q4 2025)

Duration: 6 months Team Size: 12-15 developers (expanded with UI/UX specialists and data engineers)

Sprint 7-9 (Months 7-9): Smart Features

  • Implement advanced dive analytics and pattern recognition
  • Develop AI-powered safety recommendation engine
  • Create comprehensive dive history and progress tracking
  • Build social sharing and community features

Sprint 10-12 (Months 10-12): Scale and Performance

  • Optimize for high-volume manufacturing
  • Implement cloud infrastructure scaling
  • Develop advanced safety features and emergency protocols
  • Create comprehensive testing and quality assurance systems

Phase 3: Market Dominance (2026+)

Focus Areas:

  • Advanced AI and machine learning capabilities
  • International market localization
  • Integration with professional diving equipment
  • Community platform and safety data analytics

9. Potential Challenges and Solutions

Technical Challenges

Challenge: Reliable Operation in Harsh Marine Environments Solution:

  • Use marine-grade materials with IP68+ ratings
  • Implement redundant sensor systems with cross-validation
  • Design with corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings
  • Extensive environmental testing in real diving conditions

Challenge: Battery Life and Power Management Solution:

  • Implement intelligent power management with sleep modes
  • Use low-power Bluetooth LE for communication
  • Design modular battery system with field-replaceable components
  • Optimize algorithms for minimal power consumption during monitoring

Challenge: Regulatory Compliance for Safety Equipment Solution:

  • Engage regulatory experts early in development process
  • Design with compliance requirements as primary constraints
  • Implement comprehensive testing and documentation processes
  • Position as "complementary" rather than "primary" safety equipment to reduce compliance burden

Market Challenges

Challenge: Market Education for New Product Category Solution:

  • Partner with diving clubs and instructors for education campaigns
  • Create comprehensive safety education content and materials
  • Leverage social media and influencer partnerships for awareness
  • Implement pilot programs with measurable safety impact demonstrations

Challenge: Distribution Channel Development Solution:

  • Start with diving clubs and instructor partnerships for validation
  • Build relationships with established diving equipment distributors
  • Develop online direct-to-consumer sales channel
  • Create certification program integration for market credibility

Challenge: Price Point Sensitivity in Recreational Market Solution:

  • Demonstrate clear ROI through insurance premium reductions
  • Offer rental programs for occasional divers
  • Create financing options for equipment purchase
  • Position as essential safety investment rather than optional accessory

10. Future Expansion Possibilities

Product Line Extensions

BuddyGuard Professional Series

  • Advanced features for commercial diving operations
  • Integration with professional diving communication systems
  • Enhanced depth ratings and industrial-grade durability
  • Compliance with commercial diving safety regulations

BuddyGuard Companion Products

  • Surface monitoring station for dive operators
  • Multi-diver coordination and tracking systems
  • Emergency response boat integration
  • Weather and water condition monitoring

Adjacent Market Opportunities

Water Sports Safety

  • Surfing and kiteboarding emergency flotation systems
  • Snorkeling safety equipment for recreational swimmers
  • Swimming pool emergency detection systems
  • Marine rescue and coast guard applications

Technology Platform Evolution

Comprehensive Diving Safety Ecosystem

  • Global diving safety data platform and analytics
  • AI-powered dive planning and safety optimization
  • Integration with emergency services and rescue operations
  • Predictive safety modeling for diving locations and conditions

Smart Ocean Platform

  • Ocean condition monitoring and reporting
  • Marine life interaction safety protocols
  • Environmental impact tracking for diving activities
  • Integration with marine conservation efforts

Conclusion

BuddyGuard Oceaneo represents a significant opportunity to establish a new product category in recreational diving safety while addressing genuine safety needs in the growing free diving market. The combination of patent-protected technology, experienced maritime leadership, and clear market demand creates strong potential for market leadership.

Success will depend on flawless execution of safety-critical technology, strategic partnerships with diving organizations, and effective market education. The phased approach allows for validation and iteration while building toward the ambitious goal of 30% market penetration and establishing BuddyGuard as the industry safety standard.

The technical architecture and development approach outlined in this PRD prioritize safety, reliability, and user experience while maintaining the flexibility to scale and adapt as the market evolves. With proper execution, BuddyGuard Oceaneo can transform recreational diving safety while building a sustainable, profitable business in this underserved market segment.