Riding a tsunami in a protective pod (photos)

By building on steel hullboat design features, viewing tsunami footage over and over and taking notes on what happens when various objects are hit by strong waves, the first prototype was developed.

The pod features a 4mm spiral welded steel case with welded ring frames, and a 1-inch thick window mounted on a hatch which is designed to be removable if the pod users are unconscious. Crash bar crumple zones around the outside are designe to absorb sudden, powerful impacts. Naturally, the pod also is completely water tight.

With a crush capacity of over 6 tonnes, the pod would in theory also be suitable as a form of shelter in earthquake scenarios. There is enough air capacity for two and a half hours, when the machine goes into "Panic mode" once the water-tight doors are closed.

The cylindrical design is streamlined to stop as much debris clinging to the pod as possible.

To combat claustrophobia, the pod includes a number of polycarbonate windows made of 1-inch bulletproof glass. 

If debris pins down the top of the rescue machine, the watertight hatch can be opened inwardly to allow air to come in while waiting for a rescue party. In addition, if the pod is pinned upside down, a secondary hatch is installed on the floor of the TSP.

To keep passengers from being knocked about violently and injured, the TSP includes racing-standard seats. Each  5-point harness can be modified to accommodate children as well as adults. To protect users further, helmets are included with the pod.

Rescuers may not be able to reach you immediately after a natural disaster. To combat this, the Tsunami Survival Pod comes equipped with water and food rations, a medical kit and blankets.

Duncan's design has also considered the worst case scenario -- of passengers helplessly being swept out to sea. Exterior beacon lights flash to attract rescuers, and to help with mobility, wheels at the base of the pod can be detached.

Lifting hooks enable helicopters to theoretically be able to lift or drag the pod to safety.