Golden Shellback is a unique coating that protects material against damage caused by exposure to water. The technology was developed by Northeast Maritime Institute, a private maritime education and training Institute located in Fairhaven Massachusetts (USA). During the testing process Northeast Maritime Institute has submerged an IPOD Touch, Blackberry Pearl, numerous VHF radios and other equipment without noticeable damage. One such device operated continuously while immersed in water for over 450 hours prior to failure.

Providing a uniform, near hermetic coating Golden Shellback protects electronics exposed to water and resists both rain and humidity allowing them to continue working during and after direct exposure. The coating also has the ability to repel oil, synthetic fluid, hazardous material, sand, dust, and water-based substances.

Additional uses for the technology are still being explored but the Institute has already responded to requests from medical device manufacturers, rescue professionals and consumers located around the world. Golden Shellback coating is currently available to companies for application during the manufacturing process. Consumers can expect to get their existing devices “shellbacked” in the coming months.