SEA BEE regulator by Air Dive
The SEA BEE regulator, introduced in 1957 by Air Dive, was among the earliest single-hose scuba regulators globally. Celebrated for its durability and reliability, this Australian-designed regulator featured innovative elements that influenced diving equipment worldwide. Its robust construction made it a preferred choice among divers during that era.
Air Dive, established in the early 1950s by Jim Ager in Prahran, Victoria, is one of Australia’s pioneering scuba diving companies. The company gained prominence with the development of the SEA BEE regulator. In 2010, Jim Ager sold the business to Eric Percival, and Air Dive continues its operations from Glenorchy, Tasmania. The company offers a range of products and services, including compressors, fittings, hydrostatic cylinder testing, and breathing air fills up to 330 Bar for diving and breathing apparatus cylinders.
For enthusiasts and collectors interested in vintage diving equipment, the SEA BEE regulator represents a significant piece of diving history, reflecting the innovation and commitment to quality that characterized Air Dive’s contributions to the diving industry.
In addition to the SEA BEE regulator, Air Dive was known for producing other diving equipment, including wetsuits and accessories. The company was a significant player in the Australian diving industry, contributing to the development and popularization of scuba diving in the region.
Jim Ager, the founder of Air Dive, was a prominent figure in the Australian diving community. He was instrumental in establishing the Victorian Sub-Aqua Group (VSAG), Melbourne’s first diving club dedicated to the use of scuba equipment, formed in 1954. Ager served as Secretary for the VSAG for many years in the 1950s and was a dedicated, hard-working committee member.
Ager’s contributions to the diving industry extended beyond equipment manufacturing. He was involved in organizing scuba displays and promoting the sport of scuba diving in Australia. His efforts helped to raise the profile of scuba diving and contributed to the growth of the diving community in the country.
Air Dive’s legacy continues to be recognized by diving enthusiasts and historians. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has left a lasting impact on the diving industry, both in Australia and internationally.
For those interested in exploring vintage diving equipment, the SEA BEE regulator and other Air Dive products offer a glimpse into the early days of scuba diving and the pioneering spirit that drove the industry’s development.
Follow us
