Technocean Inc. was founded in 1984 by Henry (Hank) White in San Diego California at the request of Dr. Peter Niiler (now deceased) of Scripps Oceanographic Institute. Technocean, Inc. was charged with the task of developing an LCD or, Low Cost Drifter. Many different versions were initially tried including among others, the "TRISTAR" drogue format.
Eventually, the design evolved into a format called the SVP or Surface Velocity Profiler, using the "Holey Sock" drogue format. This general format became a standard in 1986 and, once established, other manufacturers were invited to participate in reproducing, the now accepted, SVP. This initial iteration spawned continuing development and improvement of the (SVP) drifters eventually leading to a smaller version called the "MINI SVP." Documentation shows that for the first four years of SVP development, Technocean. Inc. was the sole commercial entity involved in the process.
Over subsequent years many improvements to the original SVP and Mini SVP have been made by multiple commercial sources. Technocean. Inc. also was one of the earliest implementers of a successful technique to monitor Barometric Pressure from an SVP now called an SVP-B. Technocean Inc’s innovative barometric pressure acquisition technique and components have currently made it the record holder for longevity (48 months) for the receipt of accurate barometric pressure reporting from an SVP-B. This design was originated in 1996 and was tested in house for more than a year. The design was placed in the field for an Indian ocean deployment and consequently proved its success. This technique requires no electronic algorithms to deal with transient submergence pressure changes.
Additionally, Technocean, Inc. was one of the earliest companies to commercialize the ARGODRIFTER. This is a near surface drifter, based on an original design by Dr. Russell Davis of Scripps Institute of Oceanography. This instrument has achieved considerable success within the Oceanographic community by assisting the understanding of shallow water drift characteristics.
Although Technocean was founded in California in 1984 it moved its operations to Florida in 1991 in order to avoid burdensome California taxes and high operating expenses. Now located in Cape Coral Fl. It ‘s new location has enabled to successfully compete in the growing marketplace.