support and diving equipment, etc. This would require the analysis of such statistics 

 as exist, and research into other accidents which have gone unrecorded in statistics 

 but are available from Coroner's Court reports, insurance archives, the Factory 

 Inspectorate, etc. This work should be done in conjunction with the Medical 

 Research Council Decompression Panel, the Underwater Engineering Group, the 

 Royal Naval Physiological Laboratory and any others already involved in certain 

 parts of this work. 



The use of lasers and other possible methods in the improvement of communi- 

 cations and viewing underwater. 



The development of a 'black box' to be carried by divers, with a pressure and 

 temperature recorder versus time, to be used in the analysis of existing work practices 

 and the correct use of decompression schedules. This work sliould be done in 

 conjunction with the Medical Research Council Decompression Panel at Newcastle 

 (Professor Walder), which has already made some progress in the development of 

 such a monitoring unit. 



A study of the design and dimensions of the mating assemblies of one-man and 

 large-scale decompression chambers throughout the country, including those in 

 naval establishments, to try and find the best design and recommend standard 

 dimensions, to permit the mating of portable chambers with the major facilities in 

 various centres, so permitting the transfer of divers under pressure. This study 

 should also result in the preparation of a complete list of available facilities through- 

 out the country. 



Underwater Work 



Development of underwater power sources. 

 "Development of underwater acoustics for surveying, navigation, search and 

 location, communications, control, etc. 



Development of improved underwater television and photographic systems for 

 control of underwater work, surveying, etc. 



Development of underwater welding systems and techniques, preferably for 

 welding in the wet, rather than in the dry. Such systems must eventually be to the 

 standards acceptable for pipelines by the petroleum industry, or by the Registration 

 Societies for Ships and Structures. 



Development of underwater cleaning, survey, maintenance and repair systems 

 for ships and structures. Apart from diver operated tools and units, this could include 

 the development of floatable coffer dams or part dry docks, or special chambers in 

 which a dry atmosphere could be provided in which surface workers could carry 

 out the necessary repairs or other work. 



Development of underwater 'cranes' using lifting bag or equivalent techniques 

 to exploit buoyancy. 



The further development of practical underwater hand tools to suit the many tasks 

 of divers. 



The further development of economical and convenient power tools, reactionless 

 where appropriate, and pneumatic, hydraulic or electric according to the type of tool, 

 the depth at which it has to operate, and the method shown to be the most practical 

 for the conditions involved. 



The development of compact, light-weight, safe gas generators for displacing 

 seawater at various depths. 



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