Report of Experimental Dives for SEALAB III Surface Support Decompression Schedules.

Abstract

The report describes the decompression schedules that were developed and tested by the U.S. Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NAVXDIVINGU) in preparation for SEALAB III. The need was foreseen for a surface supported diving capability for underwater tasks of relatively short duration which would not necessitate the use of saturation diving with its resulting long decompression times. The decompression schedules described in the report were designed to provide that capability. The report presents each developmental decompression schedule and summarizes the experimental dives that were made to evaluate them. Problems encountered, particularly problems of decompression sickness, are also summarized. (Author)