As seen the Special Boat Show Section of the Miami Herald...

& BROWNIE'S THIRD LUNG
BRING TOGETHER THEIR TOP-OF-THE-LINE PRODUCTS
FOR FUN ABOVE AND BELOW WATER

South Florida boaters are blessed with access to some of the best diving spots in the world. We have a fabulous reef system that runs just off the beach from West Palm to Key Biscayne. We have the Florida Keys in our backyard and the Bahamas at our doorstep. People travel from around the globe just to boat and dive where we live.

If space is limited on your boat, you should consider diving with a hookah system. The term “hookah” refers to a system that delivers air to divers below via hoses rather than scuba tanks. Hookah has been around for many years; in fact longer than scuba. Original systems were large, bulky and required the use of hard-hat breathing systems. Modern hookah systems are small, relatively lightweight and effortlessly float above the divers for the ultimate in freedom.

Most recreational hookah systems involve a small compressor powered by a gasoline or electric motor. The compressor and hoses are specially designed to deliver clean air to the divers. The beauty of the technology is that divers no longer need to carry or wear heavy scuba tanks. A complete hookah system for 4 divers only takes up the same space as a single set of scuba gear with a couple tanks - very important to boaters.

There is greater freedom underwater and above water as well. Scuba divers have been stumbling across boat decks for years. Without tanks, hookah divers can enter and exit the water with a lot less stress and strain. After just a few dives, most divers report the feeling is more like snorkeling.

Hookah systems can support up to 4 divers simultaneously to average sport diving depths. The gas-powered systems so popular with lobster hunters can run for over 3 hours on a single tank of gas. And if you’re still not ready to get out of the water, you need only add more fuel to the tank to keep on diving. You can literally have a full weekend of diving in a small tank of gas.

The world’s leading manufacturer of hookah diving systems, Brownie’s Third Lung, is located right here in Fort Lauderdale. Started in 1969, Brownie’s produces hookah diving systems for a variety of diving applications.

Robert Carmichael, president and CEO of Brownie’s Third Lung, started out as one of the company’s first employees. He grew with the company, eventually becoming owner in 1985. He has drastically expanded the scope of the business to also include high-pressure compressors, technical diving technology, diving systems for emergency response teams and more. “Brownie’s is committed to providing the absolute best technology at the best price. Our company was built on diving. Our employees are divers. We identify needs through our own experiences and create products to make diving more enjoyable for everyone.”

“I boat with my family and I dive with my family. Hookah diving is a great activity that we can all enjoy together. It’s exciting for my kids and it’s relaxing for my wife and me. I can’t think of anything else we can all do at the same speed.”