Company Information

In the 1980-ies, George Wymer was is charge of Safety Sea Systems, Inc, from Ponchatouna, Louisiana. This company designed and produced the Helmax SS-20 diving helmet, based on an earlier invention by George, the Inner Space Systems PP-I

The design of the Helmax helmet is that of a clam shell type mask with a hinge up head protector equipped with 2 locking levers that seal a half inch thick stainless steel hood ring between the hull and the head protector. The view port is made from a polycarbonate material, TUFFAK some 3/8 inches thick. The system is intended to be used with a surface supplied umbilical, supplying the breathing gas and the communication cable. The helmet is supplied with a demand regulator allowing pressure between 80 and 250 psi over ambient pressure. The is also a free flow valve mounted on the manifold. The maximum design depth is 1000 feet.
The Helmax is made in two models, the SS-B made from Stainless Steel and the FG-B made from fibreglass. The helmets are designed to be neutrally buoyant in water. There is a high intensity Krypton lamp fitted to the top of the helmet and a waterproof microphone and two speakers fitted in the hood.
 

Same helmet, two different styles.
 

The Helmax was tested by the US Navy in 1983 and found to have a low work of breathing rate. It could be used in contaminated water with a dry suit and was suitable for diving in Nuclear pools. The design was easy for the diver to don himself and was virtually flood proof due to the unique neck dam design. The communication system was simple but effective and with neutral buoyancy and low maintenance it was a good choice for commercial divers.
 

Side view showing the manifold and the clamping mechanism and front view showing the regulator and krypton lamp.
 
As well as the fibreglass model FG-B there was also a stainless steel model SS-B as shown above. This helmet bears the serial number No 20. All Helmax helmets have a rear fibreglass shell to the rear. In common with all Helmax Helmets it has a Krypton Lamp integral to the helmet.

Photo courtesy of the Clint Green collection