Veterans’ Decompression Project

MarineLab Undersea Park is preparing to host a new pilot program designed to support U.S. veterans suffering from PTSD through a unique undersea wellness experience at Jules’ Undersea Lab. The initiative, called the “Veterans Decompression Project,” was proposed by U.S. Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Eddie D. Bryant.

The idea began after Bryant visited Jules’ Undersea Lab and saw potential for the space to support veterans dealing with PTSD, anxiety, sleep challenges, and other service-connected conditions. The program is inspired by results from Dr. Joseph Dituri’s Project NEPTUNE 100 mission, where time spent at a depth of 22 feet showed rapid improvements in PTSD, sleep quality and stress-related indicators.

MarineLab has agreed to host the program in Jules’ and partner on its development. The proposed structure includes two veterans staying for the full week and two other veterans joining for a four day mission and then two veterans joining for a three day mission. This approach allows more participants to join and provides the opportunity to gather data on any differences experienced in shorter or longer missions. If successful, the pilot could help inform the feasibility of future recurring programs.

“As an organization with deep roots in undersea research and education, we recognize the unique potential of this project,” said Ginette Hughes, CEO of MarineLab. “We’re pleased to support the development of this pilot concept and to provide a setting that may help advance what is known about wellness and human performance in an undersea habitat.” Ian Koblick, Founder and Chairman of Marine Resources Development Foundation, the parent organization of MarineLab, added “We are excited to offer our wounded warriors potential respite from the effects of PTSD and other conditions. Staying in Jules’ Undersea Lab, with its higher oxygen concentration and the soothing ambient sounds, is restful and can be restorative.”

MarineLab’s support team includes Ian Koblick, Dr. Joseph Dituri, Les Burke, and Mission Director Joe Berg. Koblick and Dituri have logged more hours in an underwater habitat than any other two men on the planet, and Burke brings extensive experience as a Navy diver to the team.

The program intends to capture self-reported wellness data using the same validated tools implemented during NEPTUNE 100, including the PCL-5, GAD-7, PHQ-9, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Data would be collected before, during, and after immersion, with de-identified findings shared with advisors and scientific partners to support future research.

MarineLab is launching a fundraising program to support the project, which will cost an estimated $11,200 needed to host the initial group of four participants for a full week.   The mission is scheduled to begin on June 27, 2026, aligning with National PTSD Awareness Day, and the aquanauts will return to the surface on July 4th, 2026.