Item 1A. Risk Factors appearing elsewhere in this Report. Other sections of this Report include additional factors, which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Other sections of this report include additional factors, which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they are made, except as required by applicable law.

PART I

Item 1.

Business.

Unless specifically set forth to the contrary, when used in this report references to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” and similar terms refers to Brownie’s Marine Group, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Trebor Industries, Inc., a Florida corporation, and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Trebor Industries, Inc. , a Florida corporation (“Trebor”) doing business as Brownie’s Third Lung, Brownie’s High Pressure Compressor Services, Inc. a Florida corporation (“BHP”) doing business as LW Americas (“LWA”), BLU3, Inc., a Florida corporation (“BLU3”), Submersible Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation (“BLU3”). , a Florida corporation (“SSI”), doing business as Spare Air and Live Blue, Inc. (“LBI”), a Florida corporation. (“BHCPS”), a Florida corporation and BLU3, Inc.

Overview

The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, designs, tests, manufactures and distributes tankless dive systems, rescue air systems and yacht-based self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (“SCUBA”) air compressor and nitrox generation fill systems and acts as the exclusive distributor in North and South America for Lenhardt & Wagner GmbH (“L&W”) compressors in the high-pressure breathing air and industrial gas markets. The Company is also the exclusive United States and Caribbean distributor for Chrysalis Trading CC, a South African manufacturer of fitness and dive equipment, which is doing business as Bright Weights (“Bright Weights”), of a dive ballast system produced in South Africa.

On September 3, 2021, the Company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”) with Submersible Acquisition, Inc., a Florida corporation incorporated in 2017, and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Acquisition Sub”), Submersible Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation (“Submersible” or “SSI”), and Summit Holdings V, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Summit”) and Tierra Vista Group, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Tierra Vista” and, together with Summit, the “Sellers”), the owners of all of the capital stock of Submersible, pursuant to which Acquisition Sub merged with and into Submersible (the “Merger”), and Submersible, the surviving corporation, became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

Submersible is a manufacturer of high-pressure tanks and redundant air systems for the military and recreational diving industries, based in Huntington Beach, California and sells its products to governments, militaries, private companies and the dive industry throughout the world.

On February 13, 2022 the Company formed LBI, which is being developed as a full retail, guided tour and training model utilizing the technology developed by BLU3 to provide new users and interested divers a guided tour experience, training, and the ability to purchase all of their diving and watersports needs.

On May 2, 2022, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Gold Coast Scuba, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Gold Coast Scuba”), Steven M. Gagas and William Frenier, the sole members of Gold Coast Scuba (together, the “LLC Members”) and LBI. Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, LBI acquired substantially all of Gold Coast Scuba’s assets and assumed certain non-material liabilities of the business associated with these assets. In addition, LBI assumed the lease for the premises for Gold Coast Scuba.

The Company has five wholly owned subsidiaries focused on various sub-sectors of our industry as described below:

Our wholly owned subsidiaries do business under their respective trade names on both a wholesale and retail basis from our headquarters and manufacturing facility in Pompano Beach, Florida, and a manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach, California.

Surface Supplied Air Products

Our Third Lung systems have been the market leader in gasoline powered, high-performance and more recently in the battery powered SSA diving systems. Taking full advantage of our proprietary compressor system, a series of traditional “fixed speed” electric compressors were developed for the built-in-boat market in 2005. In 2010, we introduced our variable-speed battery powered hookah system which provides divers with gasoline-free all day shallow diving experiences. These systems provide performance and runtimes for up to 3 hours by utilizing a variable speed technology that controls battery consumption based on diver demand.

In 2022, we continued to expand our dealer network and our marketing efforts with both the consumer and our network of dealers. The Company continues to pursue distributors and dealers outside of the United States in order to diversify the seasonality as well as geography risks. Additionally, we continue to pursue more aggressively the boat builder market to offer our SSA systems as an option on newly built boats, expanding our market beyond the traditional consumer markets for our products.

Our SSA products include:

● Tankless Dive Systems: The Company produces a line of tankless dive products, commonly called hookah or recreational SSA systems. These systems allow one to four divers to enjoy the marine environment up to a depth of 45 feet without the bulk and weight of conventional SCUBA gear. These systems allow one to four divers to enjoy the marine environment up to a depth of up to 45 feet without the bulk and weight of conventional SCUBA gear. We believe that the removal of barriers to entry into the sport of diving and the reduction of complicated and bulky SCUBA gear invites a broader range of the general public to participate more actively and enjoyably at their own pace and schedule. The removal of barriers to entry into the sport of diving and the reduction of complicated and bulky SCUBA gear invites a broader range of the general public to participate more actively and enjoyably at their own pace and schedule. Our product is designed to reduces the effort required for its transport and use while exploring, cruising or traveling. The design of our product also reduces the effort required for both its transport and continued use while exploring, cruising or traveling.

A line of land-based systems is available for light-duty commercial applications that demand portability and performance. In addition to the gasoline-powered units and the variable speed battery powered units, a series of AC electric powered systems is also available for light to commercial use. Powered by battery for portability or household current for unlimited dive duration, these units are used primarily by businesses that work in aquatic maintenance and marine environments. Powered by battery for portability or household current for virtually unlimited dive duration, these units are used primarily by businesses that work in aquatic maintenance and marine environments.

● BIAS (Boat Integrated Air Systems): The Company developed several tankless products and complimentary accessories that it believes makes boat diving easier. The BIAS battery powered tankless kit allows boat builders, dealers and end users to seamlessly install a pre-packaged kit directly into the boat and our E-Reel, a level-winding battery powered hose reel system, provides compact storage of up to 150 feet of hose. The BIAS battery powered tankless kit allows boat builders, dealers and end users to seamlessly install a pre-packaged kit directly into the boat. Boaters can perform their own in-water maintenance and inspections, or just dive for enjoyment. In addition to supplying air to divers, BIAS may be used for supporting air horns, inflating boat fenders/water toys and activating pneumatically operated doors. In addition to supplying air to divers, BIAS is useful for supporting air horns, inflating boat fenders/water toys, activating pneumatically operated doors, and more.

Ultra-Portable Tankless Dive Systems

Through our wholly owned subsidiary BLU3, we develop and market a next generation electric, surface supplied air shallow dive system that is completely portable to the user. The BLU3 line currently consists of two models, NEMO and NOMAD, targeting specific performance levels and price points.

NEMO dive systems are currently sold in various countries through Amazon, and also through dealers worldwide. NEMO, designed to be the world’s smallest dive system is capable of taking a diver to 10 feet for 60 to 90 minutes on one charge of its lithium-ion battery. NEMO is portable and its batteries are FAA compliant for airline travel.

NOMAD dive system (“NOMAD”) began shipping in the third quarter of 2021 and is currently sold to consumers via our website, Amazon and through our network of dealers worldwide. The NOMAD is highly portable and expands dive capability to up to 30 feet. NOMAD has been marketed through BLU3’s internet presence and marketing campaigns as well as at industry and other trade shows across the country.

BLU3 continues to innovate in the SSA sector and currently expects to introduce a new product to its line-up in 2024.

We believe the BLU3 product lines are changing the way that people get into the water and explore the next atmosphere. The units are ultra-portable and can travel with the consumer to their adventures, wherever they may be.

High Pressure Gas Systems

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary LW Americas, we design, manufacture, sell and install SCUBA tank fill systems for on-board yacht use under the brand “Yacht- Pro™”. Our systems provide complete diving solutions for yachts, including nitrox systems which allow yacht owners to fill tanks with oxygen enriched air on board. The Yacht-Pro™ compressor systems offer a completely marine-prepared, variable frequency drive (“VFD”) driven, automated alternative to other compressors on the market. We also design complete dive lockers, mixed gas production and distribution systems, and the Nitrox Maker™. Nitrox is oxygen-enriched air, which reduces the effects of nitrogen on divers and is the industry standard for dive professionals. The Nitrox Maker™ continuously generates oxygen rich breathing gas directly from low-pressure air with no stored oxygen or other gases required onboard. Our light duty compressor, the new Yacht Pro Essential is specifically designed as a turn-key kit for the boat builders and is optimized to integrate to onboard power systems and withstand the marine environment with all components and hardware impervious to spray from the elements. Our light duty compressor, the new Yacht Pro Essential is specifically designed as a turn-key kit for the boat builder optimized to integrate to onboard power systems and withstand the marine environment with all components and hardware impervious to spray from the elements. The Yacht Pro™ series contains models for both medium-duty applications, such as recreational divers and small groups, and heavy-duty use as found on research vessels, commercial operations and live-aboard dive boats. All Yacht Pro™ models come with the variable speed frequency drive reducing the initial start-up power demand typically associated with high pressure compressor systems. All Yacht Pro™ models come with the Variable Speed Frequency Drive reducing the initial start-up power demand typically associated with high pressure compressor systems.

August 2017, we entered into a five-year exclusive distribution agreement with L&W, which agreement automatically renews for successive five-year terms unless terminated as provided for in the agreement. Under the terms of the Exclusive Distribution Agreement, we were appointed the exclusive distributor of L&W’s complete product line in North America and South America, including the Caribbean. We are conducting this business direct to end-users and establishing sales, distribution and service centers for high pressure air and industrial gas systems in the dive, fire, CNG, military, scientific, recreational and aerospace industries under the brand name “L&W Americas/LWA”.

We are exclusively developing a sales, distribution and service capability to assist L&W with completing a worldwide network of L&W’s agencies and service centers.

In addition to breathing air compressors and related peripheral equipment, L&W also offers compressors, storage and purification systems to meet the high-pressure requirements for natural gas filling stations, and high-pressure inert gases such as argon, helium and nitrogen for industrial applications including welding and laser cutting, and for general laboratory use.

We believe the product lines from L&W, will allow LW Americas to offer high quality, competitive products into the first responder and industrial market that utilize compressed air. Our goal will be to build a network of jobbers, dealers, installers and high-pressure compressor distributors by leveraging our know-how, brand awareness, complimentary products and creating sustainable distribution and core product original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) integration relationships.

Redundant Air Tank Systems

In September 2021, the Company acquired SSI to further expand its product offerings and manufacturing capabilities. SSI has been manufacturing redundant air systems for recreational divers, private companies and militaries throughout the world for more than 40 years. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach, California is equipped to add to the machining and product development capabilities of the Company.

The SSI acquisition gives the Company access to a world-wide base of in excess of 400 dealers and distributors, GSA contracting capability, as well as the direct source for the redundant air needs for our Brownie’s Third Lung and BLU3 diving equipment and expands warehousing capabilities, reducing freight costs for both sets of customers.

SSI continues to innovate their technologies to meet changing military and commercial needs and is in development of the next generation of their Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (“HEED”) product line, specifically designed for aircraft and military vehicle use. Additionally, SSI has found use for their products in the medical field and continues to develop customer relationships in that area to grow revenue and diversify its product and customer portfolio.

In February 2022, the Company incorporated LBI to begin its expansion into the retail, training and guided tour market. The Company’s vision for LBI is to become a fully integrated retail experience where the Company’s unique products can be showcased, training can be offered, and a tourist model created. LBI will provide experienced based activities for the consumer in the various watersport activities it sells. In addition, LBI aims to provide training in those activities with the goal to have the consumer purchase the equipment, particularly the unique technologies provided by BLU3, from its retail stores. LBI looks to provide the full Live Blue experience for those consumers ready to enjoy all things watersports.

In May 2022, LBI acquired the assets of Gold Coast Scuba, a dive retail and training facility based in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida. This retail location is the base in which the Live Blue brand will be developed.

Diving and Snorkeling Industry

The scuba diving equipment market size has grown steadily in recent years. It may grow from $4.39 billion in 2023 to $4.6 billion in 2024 at an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% according to Business and Research Company.com. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to post-pandemic recovery, rescue and safety equipment development, accessibility of diving courses, e-commerce penetration, and a rise in disposable income.

The Company has entered the tourist market via a guided tour program within LBI that is currently intended to act as an incubator for a scalable franchise model. The Company believes that the guided tour model is an important building block in introducing its battery powered diving products to the consumer market. Additionally, this model will not only give consumers the opportunity to “try before you buy”, but also provide experiential training for the consumer to increase the enjoyment and safety of our diving products.

Yachting Industry

The global luxury yacht market is estimated to be $8.73 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $9.19 billion in 2024 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2028 to reach $10.78 billion, according to Business and Research Company.com, a market research firm, in their industry report dated January, 2024. The Company’s BIAS systems have been designed with this industry in mind. The Company markets directly to the yachting industry by leveraging its relationships with large yacht servicing companies, yacht builders and yacht brokerages.

The recreational sailing and boating market and yachting industries also continue to grow. Grandview Research estimates that the recreational boating market was valued at $44.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% through 2030.

High Pressure Compressor Line

According to Allied Market Research report published in February 2018, the North American high pressure compressor market is $880 million growing at an estimated CAGR of 3%.

The Company expects to continue to distribute L&W compressors through its YachtPro, and BIAS systems, while continuing to focus on the expansion of its distribution into non-marine related distribution channels that the Company believes should positively impact its market reach.

Intellectual Property

Trade Names

The Company either owns or has licensed from entities in which Robert Carmichael, our Chairman, has an ownership interest, the following registered and unregistered trade names, trademarks and service marks: Brownie’s Third Lung™, browniedive.com, Brownie’s, Brownie’s Third Lung oval symbol, browniedive, YachtPro, NitroxMaker™, BLU3, diveBLU3.com, BLU3 Nemo, BLU3-Vent, Submersible Systems, Spare Air, HEED 3, Snorkelator, easy dive, spareair.com, Brownie’s, Brownie’s Third Lung oval symbol, browniedive, YachtPro, NitroxMaker™, BLU3, diveBLU3.com, BLU3 Nemo, BLU3-Vent, HELO, RES, fast float rescue harness, tankfill. com, HELO, RES, Gold Coast Scuba, fast float rescue harness, tankfill.com, browniestankfill, browniestankfill.com, browniespublicsafety.com, browniespublicsafety, Peleton Hose System, Twin-Trim, and Kayak Diving Hose Kit.

The Company owns the following patents:

Application number		Description		Filed Date		Owned by
17/683,502		Automated Self-Contained Hooka system with unobtrusive aquatic data recording		3/1/2022		BLU3, Inc.

License Agreements

On April 6, 2018, the Company entered into a patent license agreement (the “STS Agreement”) with Setaysha Technical Solutions, LLC (“STS”) pursuant to which the Company licensed certain intellectual property, including patent rights, non-patent rights and know-how from STS for use in our ultra-portable tankless dive system products. Under the STS Agreement, the Company paid an initial license fee in April 2018 through the issuance of 759,422 shares of common stock with a fair value of $30,000. The STS Agreement further provides for royalties based on annual net revenues. Under the STS Agreement, the Company paid an initial license fee in April 2018 through the issuance of 759,422 shares of common stock with a fair value of $30,000 which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over its five year term. On December 31, 2019, the Company entered into Addendum No. In December 2019, the Company entered into Addendum No. 1 to the STS Agreement (“Addendum No. 1”) which amended the payments due upon the first commercial sale of Nemo. Upon entering into Addendum No. 1, $8,250 was paid to STS in cash and $8,250 was paid on January 10, 2020. On February 6, 2020, the Company issued 828,221 shares of common stock with a fair value of $18,635 in satisfaction of $13,500 for the first commercial sale of the Nemo dive system. On June 30, 2020, the Company entered into Addendum No. 2 to the STS Agreement concerning STS’s assistance related to designing and commercializing certain diving products. Addendum No. 2 provides for a minimum yearly royalty of $60,000, or $15,000 per fiscal quarter, beginning in December 2019 and increasing by 2.15% per year. With the introduction of the NOMAD in the last quarter of 2021, the Company is obligated to pay an additional annual minimum royalty of $60,000 per year for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, which increased the quarterly minimum royalty by $15,000 per quarter. On November 1, 2022 the Company issued to the designees of STS 1,155,881 shares of common stock with a fair value of $30,000 in accordance with the STS Agreement. Royalty recorded under the Amendment was $138,643 and $203,621 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Marketing

Print Literature, Public Relations, and Advertising

We have in-house graphic design capability to create and maintain product support literature, catalogs, mailings, web-based advertising, newsletters, editorials, advertorials, and press releases. We also, from time-to-time, target specific markets by selectively advertising in journals and magazines that we believe reach our potential customers. In addition, we strive to issue press releases, newsletters, and social media postings periodically to keep the public informed of our latest products and related endeavors.

Tradeshows

In 2022, the Company was represented directly or indirectly at The Palm Beach Boat Show, The Annapolis Motor and Sailing Shows, The Fort Lauderdale Boat show, Diving Equipment, Manufacturing show, The Seattle Boat Show, The Dubai Boat Show, and the HAI Heli-Expo, along with various other trade and industry shows. In 2023, the Company expanded its marketing reach via tradeshows by attending all shows attended in 2022, and attending Boot Dsseldorf in Europe, along with various other trade and industry shows.

Websites

We sell our products online through our and our subsidiaries websites and many of our products are marketed on some of our customers’ websites. In addition to these websites, numerous other websites have quick links to the Company’s website. Our products are available both domestically and internationally. Internet sales and inquiries are also supported by the Company.

Product Research and Development

Research and development costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and were $13,880 and $18,393, respectively, none of which cost is borne directly by customers.

Government Regulation

The SCUBA industry is self-regulating; therefore, the Company is not subject to government industry specific regulation. However, SSI, our tank manufacturing company is subject to Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regulation and testing of each of their tanks. The Company strives to promote safe diving practices within the industry and believes it is at the forefront of self-regulation through responsible diving practices. Nevertheless, Brownie’s strives to be a leader in promoting safe diving practices within the industry and is at the forefront of self-regulation through responsible diving practices. The Company is subject to all regulations applicable to “for profit” companies as well as all trade and general commerce governmental regulation. All required federal and state permits, licenses, and bonds to operate its facility have been obtained.

Distribution/Customers

The Company has historically been predominantly a wholesale distributor to retail dive stores, marine stores, boat dealers, builders, and the US and international militaries. Currently, the Company generates a significant amount of direct-to-consumer sales via its websites and its relationship with Amazon via BLU3, BTL and SSI. Retail sales customers include boat owners, recreational divers, commercial divers and pilots. The Company sells products to three entities owned by the brother of Robert Carmichael, the Company’s Chairman, and two companies owned by Mr. Carmichael. Combined sales to these six entities for 2023 and 2022, represented 10.6% and 11.4%, respectively, of total net revenues.

The majority of L&W high pressure compressors and NitroxMaker™ systems have been sold to commercial dive stores, dive operators (resorts and liveaboard dive boats), yacht builders, yacht owners, and high-pressure compressor distributors.

Sales of YachtPro™ compressor systems have been split between retail sales directly to consumers and wholesale sales to OEM boat builders/resellers/brokers.

Suppliers/Raw Materials

Principal raw materials for our business include machined parts such as rods, pistons, bearings, hoses, regulators, compressors, engines, high-pressure valves and fittings, sewn goods, and various plastic parts including pans, covers, intake staffs, and quick release connections which are typically purchased on a per order basis. Most materials are readily available from multiple vendors. Some materials require greater lead times than other materials. Accordingly, we strive to avoid out of stock situations through careful monitoring of these inventory lead times, and through avoiding single source vendors whenever possible. Principle suppliers include Lenhardt & Wagner GmbH, Xometry, Inc., Burgess Manufacturing Corp, Bix International, Inc., Carrol Stream Motor Company, Zhejiang Xiangyang Gear Electormechan, Co, Tian Li He Technology Co, Ltd, Xiamen Feipeng Insdustry Co. Ltd. and Catalina Cylinders, Inc.

Competition

We consider the most significant competitive factors in our business to be innovation, lifestyle, fair prices, shopping convenience, variety of available products, knowledgeable and prompt customer service and rapid and accurate order fulfillment. We currently have one significant competitor within the BTL business model, Airline by JSink, Inc. There are a variety of competitors, including Aqua Lung America, Coltri America and Bauer Compressors, Inc. in our redundant air tank systems and high-pressure compressor systems sales. In 2022 and 2023 competition has surfaced in the BLU3 business segment from companies such as AirBuddy, and a few other very low-cost Chinese manufactured competitors.

Overall, we are operating in a moderately competitive environment. The price structure for all the products we distribute compares favorably with the majority of our competitors based on quality and available features. We believe that the price structure for all the products we distribute compares favorably with the majority of our competitors based on quality and available features. We believe that our key competitive advantage is our ability to create new products and, in some cases, new markets.

Employees

As of April 16, 2024, we have forty-one full-time employees, and four part-time employees.

Seasonality

Our product lines have historically been seasonal in nature in the United States. The peak season for the diving related products, BTL, BLU3, SSI and LBI is the second and third quarters of the year. The peak season for LWA high pressure products is typically the fourth and first quarters of the year. The peak season for High Pressure products is the fourth and first quarters of the year. The Company continues to address the seasonality of the business by expanding its reach beyond the traditional markets in the U.S. to other areas of the world that may somewhat offset the seasonality.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

Investing in our common stock involves risks. In addition to the other information contained in this report, you should carefully consider the following risks before deciding to purchase our common stock. The occurrence of any of the following risks might cause you to lose all or a part of your investment. The occurrence of any of the following risks might cause you to lose all or a part of your investment, and certain of these risks may be further exacerbated by the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company and our industry. Some statements in this report, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for more information regarding forward-looking statements.

FINANCIAL RISKS

We have a history of losses.

We incurred net losses of $1,248,115 and $1,892,891, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. On December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $17,685,610. Revenues decreased by 11.6% for the year ended December 31, 2023, from 2022, and our gross profit margin decreased from 32.6% in 2022 to 27.8% in 2023, our gross profit is not sufficient to cover our operating expenses of $3,277,319 and $4,644,595 for the twelve months ending December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Operating expenses include non-cash stock compensation expenses of $81,424 and $951,414 for the years ending December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2023, our selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased 29.5% from 2022. There are no assurances that we will be able to increase our revenues to a level which supports profitable operations and provide sufficient capital to pay our operating expenses and other obligations as they become due.

Our auditors have disclosed substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has included an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt relating to our ability to continue as a going concern in its report on our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. We have recurring losses from operations and had a net loss of approximately $1,248,000 and have used approximately $375,000 in net cash used in our operations in the year ended December 31, 2023 as well as an accumulated deficit of approximately $17,686,000. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our principal sources of liquidity are sales of equity and debt securities. We do not have any firm commitments to raise additional working capital. As we are a small company who stock is quoted on the OTC Markets, we expect to encounter difficulty in raising working capital upon terms and conditions satisfactory to us, if at all. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding or generate sufficient revenues, our business and results of operations will be adversely affected, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern.

We rely on revenues from related parties.

We generate revenues from sales to related parties, which accounted for 10.6% of our net revenues in 2023 and 11.4% of our net revenues in 2022. The loss of revenues from these related parties would have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition in future periods.

We depend on licenses with Robert Carmichael, our Chairman, who owns much of our intellectual property.

The Company has licensed from entities in which Robert Carmichael, our Chairman, has an ownership interest, the following registered and unregistered trade names, trademarks and service marks: Brownie’s Third Lung™, browniedive.com, Brownie’s, Brownie’s Third Lung oval symbol, browniedive, YachtPro.com, Brownie’s, Brownie’s Third Lung oval symbol, browniedive, YachtPro, NitroxMaker™, BLU3, diveBLU3.com, BLU3 Nemo, BLU3-Vent, HELO, RES, fast float rescue harness, tankfill. Failure to maintain such licenses with Mr. Carmichael would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results. As a result, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our stock.

Our management has previously determined that we did not maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. For a detailed description of these material weaknesses and our remediation efforts and plans, see Part II, Item 9A-Controls and Procedures of this Annual Report. For a detailed description of these material weaknesses and our remediation efforts and plans, see “Part II — Item 9A — Controls and Procedures. If the result of our remediation of the identified material weaknesses is not successful, or if additional material weaknesses are identified in our internal control over financial reporting, our management will be unable to report favorably as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and/or our disclosure controls and procedures, and we could be required to further implement expensive and time-consuming remedial measures and potentially lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports which could have an adverse effect on our stock price and potentially subject us to litigation.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (“CPSC”) has issued a voluntary recall for one of our products.

On December 22, 2022, the CPSC issued a voluntary recall notice for the Nomad tankless dive system, which is distributed by BLU3, Inc. As part of the recall procedure, the CPSC has approved the Company’s proposed remedy for the recall and BLU3 will begin to receive units back from consumers to repair affected Nomad units. The Company has evaluated the costs of this recall and has deemed it necessary to set a reserve for those costs related to the recall of $160,500. In 2023 the Company finalized the recall and adjusted the reserve down to approximately $86,300 to reflect the actual impact on the Company’s financial condition.

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL RISKS

We are dependent upon certain key members of management and qualified employees and consultants.

Our success depends to a significant degree on the abilities and efforts of our senior management. and on our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified marketing, technical, engineering and sales personnel and consultants. These people are in high demand and often have competing employment opportunities. The labor market for skilled employees is highly competitive and we may lose key employees or be forced to increase their compensation to retain these people. Employee turnover could significantly increase our recruitment, training and other related employee costs. The loss of key personnel, or the failure to attract qualified personnel, could result in delays in development or fulfillment of any current strategic and operational plans and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our failure to obtain and enforce intellectual property protection may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our success depends in part on our ability, and the ability of our patent and trademark licensors, and entities owned and controlled by Robert Carmichael to obtain and defend our intellectual property, including patent protection for our products and processes, preserve our trade secrets, defend and enforce our rights against infringement and operate without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties, both in the United States and in other countries. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual proprietary rights, existing copyright, trademark and trade secret laws afford only limited protection.

Our industry is characterized by frequent intellectual property litigation based on allegations of infringement of intellectual property rights. Although we are not aware of any intellectual property claims against us, we may be a party to litigation in the future.

Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to adequately protect, or uncertainty regarding validity, enforceability or scope of them could undermine our competitive position and reduce the value of our products and brand, and litigation to protect our intellectual property rights may be costly.

We attempt to strengthen and differentiate our product portfolio by developing new and innovative products and product improvements. As a result, our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and other intellectual property rights are important assets to us. Various events outside of our control pose a threat to our intellectual property rights as well as to our products and services. For example, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in countries in which our products are sold. Also, although we have registered our trademark in various jurisdictions, our efforts to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient or effective. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights could harm our business or our ability to compete. Litigation might be necessary to protect our intellectual property rights and any such litigation may be costly and may divert our management’s attention from our core business. An adverse determination in any lawsuit involving our intellectual property is likely to jeopardize our business prospects and reputation. Although we are not aware of any of such litigation, we have no insurance coverage against litigation costs, and we would be forced to bear all litigation costs if we cannot recover them from other parties. All foregoing factors could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any unauthorized use of our intellectual property could harm our operating results.

We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined against us, could adversely affect our business and subject us to significant liability to third parties.

Our success mainly depends on our ability to use and develop our technology and product designs without infringing upon the intellectual property rights of third parties. We may be subject to litigation involving claims of patent infringement or violations of other intellectual property rights of third parties. Holders of patents and other intellectual property rights potentially relevant to our product offerings may be unknown to us, which may make it difficult for us to acquire a license on commercially acceptable terms. There may also be technologies licensed to us and that we rely upon that are subject to infringement or other corresponding allegations or claims by third parties which may damage our ability to rely on such technologies. In addition, although we endeavor to ensure that companies that work with us possess appropriate intellectual property rights or licenses, we cannot fully avoid the risks of intellectual property rights infringement created by suppliers of components used in our products or by companies we work with in cooperative research and development activities. Our current or potential competitors may obtain patents that will prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use or sell our products. The defense of intellectual property claims, including patent infringement suits, and related legal and administrative proceedings can be both costly and time consuming, and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of our technical personnel and management. These factors could effectively prevent us from pursuing some or all of our business operations and result in our customers or potential customers deferring, canceling or limiting their purchase or use of our products, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to enforce our intellectual property rights throughout the world.

The laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in certain foreign jurisdictions. This could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement or the misappropriation of our intellectual property rights. Many foreign countries have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner must grant licenses to third parties. In addition, many countries limit the enforceability of patents against third parties, including government agencies or government contractors. In these countries, patents may provide limited or no benefit. Patent protection must ultimately be sought on a country-by-country basis, which is an expensive and time-consuming process with uncertain outcomes. Accordingly, we may choose not to seek patent protection in certain countries, and we will not have the benefit of patent protection in such countries.

Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts from other aspects of our business. Accordingly, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights in such countries may be inadequate. In addition, changes in the law and legal decisions by courts in the United States and foreign countries may affect our ability to obtain adequate protection for our technology and the enforcement of intellectual property.

We rely on third party vendors and manufacturers.

We deal with suppliers on an order-by order basis and have no long-term purchase contracts or other contractual assurances of continued supply or pricing. In addition, we have no long-term contracts with our manufacturing sources and compete with other companies for production facility capacity. Historically, we have purchased enough inventories of products or their substitutes to satisfy demand. However, unanticipated failure of any manufacturer or supplier to meet our requirements or our inability to build or obtain substitutes could force us to curtail or cease operations. Certain of our product components are manufactured in China. Due to Covid, and the logistics challenges existing currently, we have experienced delays and may experience continued delays in our supply chain, including component products, which are manufactured in China. Our senior management will continue to monitor our situation on a daily basis; however, we expect that these factors and others we have yet to experience may materially adversely impact our company, its business and operations for the foreseeable future. Our senior management will continue to monitor our situation on a daily basis, however, we expect that these factors and others we have yet to experience will materially adversely impact our company, its business and operations for the foreseeable future.

We are dependent on consumer discretionary spending.

The success of our business depends largely upon a number of factors related to consumer spending, including current and future economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as employment, business conditions, tax rates, and interest rates. In times of economic uncertainty, consumers tend to defer expenditures for discretionary items, which effects demand for our products. Any significant deterioration in overall economic conditions that diminishes consumer confidence or discretionary income can reduce our sales and adversely affect our financial results. The impact of weakening consumer credit markets; layoffs; corporate restructurings; higher fuel prices; declines in the value of investments and residential real estate; and increases in federal and state taxation can all negatively affect our results. There can be no assurance that in this type of environment consumer spending will not decline, thereby adversely affecting our growth, net sales and profitability or that our business will not be adversely affected by continuing or future downturns in the economy, boating industry, or dive industry. If declines in consumer spending on recreational marine accessories and dive gear are other than temporary, we could be forced to curtail or cease operations.

Government regulations may impact us.

The SCUBA industry is self-regulating, therefore, from an industry perspective the Company is not subject to government industry specific regulation. However, our tank manufacturing operation is required to comply with DOT, as well as being approved to sell in various countries outside of the United States. The Company strives to be a leader in promoting safe diving practices within the industry and is at the forefront of self-regulation through responsible diving practices. Nevertheless, Brownie’s strives to be a leader in promoting safe diving practices within the industry and is at the forefront of self-regulation through responsible diving practices. The Company is subject to all regulations applicable to “for profit” companies as well as all trade and general commerce governmental regulation. All required federal and state permits, licenses, and bonds to operate its facility have been obtained. There can be no assurance that our operations will not be subject to more restrictive regulations in the future, which could force us to curtail or cease operations.

Our failure to adequately protect personal information that is collected on our website and our third-party payment platforms could have a material adverse effect on our business.

A wide variety of local, state, national, and international laws, directives and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer, and other processing of personal data (including with respect to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and U.S. state laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act). These data protection and privacy-related laws and regulations continue to evolve and may result in ever-increasing regulatory and public scrutiny and escalating levels of enforcement and sanctions and increased costs of compliance. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or to protect such data, could result in enforcement actions against us, including fines, imprisonment of company officials and public censure, claims for damages by end-customers and other affected individuals, damage to our reputation and loss of goodwill (both in relation to existing end-customers and prospective end-customers), any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial performance, and business. Changing definitions of personal data and personal information, within the European Union, the United States, and elsewhere may limit or inhibit our ability to operate or expand our business, including limiting strategic partnerships that may involve the sharing of data. The evolving data protection regulatory environment may require significant management attention and financial resources to analyze and modify our information technology infrastructure to meet these changing requirements all of which could reduce our operating margins and impact our operating results and financial condition.

Bad weather could have an adverse effect on operating results.

Our business is significantly impacted by weather patterns. Unseasonably cool weather, extraordinary amounts of rainfall, or unseasonably rough surf, may decrease boat use and diving, thereby decreasing sales. Accordingly, our results of operations for any prior period may not be indicative of results of any future period.

The manufacture and distribution of recreational diving equipment could result in product liability claims.

We, like any other retailer, distributor and manufacturer of products that are designed for recreational sporting purposes, face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of our products results in injury. Such claims may include, among other things, that our products are designed and/or manufactured improperly or fail to include adequate instructions as to proper use and/or side effects, if any. We do not obtain indemnification from parties supplying raw materials, manufacturing our products or marketing our products. In the event that we do not have adequate insurance or contractual indemnification, product liabilities relating to defective products could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial conditions, which could force us to curtail or cease our business operations.

SHAREHOLDER RISKS

The issuance of shares of our common stock upon exercise of our outstanding options, warrants, convertible debt and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may cause immediate and substantial dilution to our existing shareholders.

We presently have vested and unvested options, warrants, convertible debt and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that if exercised would result in the issuance of an additional 103,389,724 shares of our common stock. The issuance of shares upon exercise of options will result in dilution to the interests of other shareholders.

Our common stock may be affected by limited trading volume and may fluctuate significantly.

Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets. There is a limited public market for our common stock and there can be no assurance that an active trading market for our common stock will develop. As a result, this could adversely affect our shareholders’ ability to sell our common stock in short time periods, or possibly at all. Thinly traded common stock can be more volatile than common stock traded in an active public market. Our common stock has experienced, and is likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, we believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and changes in the overall economy or the condition of the financial markets could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially.

Our company is a voluntary filer with the SEC and in the event that we cease reporting under the Exchange Act, investors would have limited information available to them about the company.

While we voluntarily file reports with the SEC under Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we do not have a class of securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act. To the extent that our duty to file Exchange Act reports has automatically suspended under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as a voluntary filer, we may elect to cease reporting under the Exchange Act at such time which would limit the information available to investors and shareholders about the company.

Our common stock is deemed to be “penny stock,” which may make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares due to suitability requirements.

Our common stock is deemed to be “penny stock” as that term is defined under the Exchange Act. Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges. Our common stock is covered by an SEC rule that imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors, which are generally institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000, or individuals with net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse.

Broker/dealers dealing in penny stocks are required to provide potential investors with a document disclosing the risks of penny stocks. Moreover, broker/dealers are required to determine whether an investment in a penny stock is a suitable investment for a prospective investor. These requirements may reduce the potential market for our common stock by reducing the number of potential investors. This may make it more difficult for investors in our common stock to sell shares to third parties or to otherwise dispose of them. This could cause our stock price to decline.

Our officers and directors are able to control the Company.

Our officers and directors and their affiliates own or have the right to vote a majority of the common stock of our company. As a result, they have significant influence over the management and affairs of the Company and control over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or our assets. Their interests may differ from the interests of other shareholders and thus result in corporate decisions that are disadvantageous to other shareholders. This concentration of ownership and influence in management and board decision-making could also harm the price of our capital stock by, among other things, discouraging a potential acquirer from seeking to acquire shares of our capital stock (whether by making a tender offer or otherwise) or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.

Item 1C.

Cybersecurity

The Company engages a third-party provider to maintain our systems and management participates in the assessment to identify any risks from cybersecurity threats. Our third-party provider monitors our firewall, network, system security and internal and external backups and reports any issues to the Company. The Company’s Board, together with management, is engaged in our cybersecurity monitoring managed by our third-party provider and it is constantly changing. Any issues are appropriately addressed timely. To date, we have not experienced any cybersecurity incidents that materially affected our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.