The Night That Changed Everything

In Larry Williamson's own words, President and Inventor of Spare Air:

"One night I was lobster diving in the beautiful, clear cool waters off the coast of Catalina Island. After a short time, I realized I had failed to check my air supply. As I went to check it, I took a breath and discovered there wasn't one to be had.

 

I panicked for a moment...got myself together and swam quickly toward the surface with the unnerving sense that it was too far away and I wouldn't make it! In this rush for the precious air far above at the surface, I began to black out...my only thought was... If I only had one more breath of air.

For days after this experience I would awake in a sweat during the night. Then I began to notice a recurring thought I had...it was the last words I recalled as I blacked out.... If only I had one more breath.

Why was this coming back to me over and over again? Was I given a second chance to live for a reason? Then it dawned on me. There are others that didn't, don't or won't make it...There are others blacking out and never waking up... if they only had one more breath of air!"

— Larry Williamson, Founder & Inventor

From Aerospace Engineer to Life-Saving Innovator

That harrowing night dive off Catalina Island in 1979 became the catalyst for a revolution in dive safety. Larry Williamson, leveraging his background in aerospace engineering, refused to accept that divers should face life-threatening out-of-air emergencies without a backup solution.

What started as a personal mission to create "one extra breath" evolved into years of meticulous engineering, testing, and refinement. The result? Spare Air – the world's smallest, most compact emergency air source, and a product that would save hundreds of lives over the next four decades.

Pioneering Dive Safety Technology

Through relentless innovation and a commitment to quality, Submersible Systems successfully pioneered the smallest, most compact emergency air source in the world. Spare Air quickly gained recognition and popularity throughout the recreational and professional diving communities, becoming an essential piece of safety equipment for divers worldwide.

Today, Spare Air is sold globally through an extensive network of authorized dealers and distributors, protecting divers in oceans, lakes, and waterways across every continent.

Expanding Our Mission: The HEED System

Our commitment to preventing drowning didn't stop with recreational diving. Recognizing the critical need for emergency breathing systems in military and maritime applications, we developed the Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (HEED).

Protecting Those Who Serve

The HEED system was designed to protect aircrew members from the dangers of drowning when ditching an aircraft into water, as well as to safeguard shipboard personnel from inhaling dangerous and lethal toxic fumes during engine room fires.

Since its first deployment in 1984, the HEED has been incorporated as standard safety equipment by:

• All U.S. Armed Forces utilizing helicopters
• Military forces worldwide including England, Canada, Australia, Spain, Brazil, and many others
• Maritime and naval operations globally

Our Philosophy: "There When You Need It"

More than just a tagline, "There When You Need It" is our company motto and the philosophy that guides everything we do. This statement represents our unwavering commitment to:

• Quality – Engineering excellence in every product
• Reliability – Performance you can trust when seconds matter
• Satisfaction – Customer support that goes above and beyond

Through this philosophy, each member of the Submersible Systems team is reminded daily that we are part of something greater than ourselves. We don't just manufacture products – we save lives.

"We are Submersible Systems, and we are dedicated to saving lives with the best quality product the market offers in the most dependable way possible."

Continuous Innovation for Your Safety

Submersible Systems remains on the leading edge of the survival equipment industry by:

• Listening to our customers – Your real-world experiences drive our product development
• Advancing technology – Incorporating the latest engineering innovations
• Rigorous testing – Every product meets the highest safety and performance standards
• Custom solutions – Developing specialized configurations for unique applications

We offer Spare Air and HEED in several configurations to meet the diverse needs of recreational divers, professional divers, military personnel, and maritime operators worldwide.

Made in America, Trusted Worldwide

Every Spare Air and HEED unit is proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in Huntington Beach, California. Our commitment to American manufacturing ensures:

• Superior quality control at every stage of production
• Support for local jobs and the U.S. economy
• Rapid innovation and product improvements
• Direct customer support from the people who build your equipment

Join Our Mission

Larry Williamson's near-death experience in 1979 gave birth to more than a product – it sparked a global movement to make diving safer and prevent drowning deaths.

When you choose Spare Air or HEED, you're not just buying emergency breathing equipment. You're joining a 45-year legacy of innovation, quality, and life-saving technology.