Dive Industry Mourns Michael Robert Pelissier, co-founder Ocean Technology Systems

We are saddened by the news that on April 24 2023, Michael Robert Pelissier, co-founder and CEO of Ocean Technology Systems (OTS), lost his fight with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts.

Michael Pelissier pioneered the SCUBA industry and built his now worldwide company OTS from his garage with his partner Jerry Peck 39 years ago. Mike’s love for underwater videography sparked new technology, enhancing underwater storytelling like never before. From that passion, Mike drove OTS to create the ability to pair underwater audio with video in real time.

In 1992 This advancement in film and television would win them a national Emmy Award for a documentary on Cocos Island with ESPN called Expedition Earth. Because of Mike’s groundwork, OTS remains the go-to for major motion pictures and television productions.

Furthermore, Michael was mainly responsible for introducing militaries and public safety teams around the world to various kinds of OTS underwater communications and full face masks, gaining Navy approval on many products. In recent years, Michael was mostly retired but served as an advisory member of the OTS product development team as well as boat captain.

Michael was a strong Christian and patriot and loved God and country. In his early years, Michael served the United States of America by joining the U.S. Navy and serving two tours to Vietnam. Later he would go on to become a U.S. Navy Diver.

Mike was a true outdoorsman. He was also a master marksman and became an award-winning IPSC shooter. You could often find Michael teaching others how to fish responsibly, building knives, treasure hunting, working on creative, independent projects, or spending time with his family.

Michael is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cindy Pelissier. He’s also survived by his daughter Renee Nelson, son-in-law Andy Nelson and two grandchildren, Matthew and Lauren Nelson.

A local memorial will be held for Michael and later, he will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii