Part I. Unmanned Evaluation of the USN MK 1Mod 0Mask in Umbilical and Emergency Modes. Part II. Manned Human Engineering Evaluation of USN MK 1Mod 0Mask in Tethered Scuba Configuration.

摘要

Part I. NEDU conducted a series of unmanned comparative tests using the USN MK 1 Mod 0 mask in various bailout mode configurations. The purpose of these was to determine if the MK 1 Mod 0 mask could be used safely with a diver carried scuba air supply. This mode of operation would potentially be used only by activities not having a sufficient air source to maintain 135 psig over bottom pressures during diving operations. In this configuration the tether would be retained for communications. The mask was first tested in the normal umbilical supplied mode to provide a basis for comparison. The MK 1 Mod 0 was then set up in bailout or emergency mode using first a Scubapro MK V first stage and second a U.S. Divers Conshelf XII first stage. Both first stage regulators were set to factory specifications for intermediate pressure. The standard MK 1 Mod 0 second stage was used throughout the test series. Part II. A human engineering and safety evaluation of the MK 1 Mod 0 in tethered SCUBA configuration was undertaken at NEDU. It was concluded that MK 1 Mod 0 tethered SCUBA is a viable, safe diving configuration with demonstrated flexibility regarding the diving suits with which it can be used.