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THE NAVY OCEAN ENGINEERING PROGRAM 



Four-man Deck Decompression Chamber (DDC). The decompression chamber is a 

 double-lock chamber. The outer lock provides a means of entrance for support per- 

 sonnel or for the medical treatment of divers. Normally, the outer lock is used as 

 part of the overall hving quarters for saturated divers. A medical and food lock is 

 located at the left, in the berthing area. The Personnel Transfer Capsule (PTC) is 

 shown mated at the upper deck cutaway. 



As currently designed, the capsule consists of a short cylinder with end- 

 caps which can house four occupants in diving dress along with their neces- 

 sary working equipment and the PTC operating gear. Gas bottles are 

 mounted on the exterior of the capsule. 



A winch capable of raising and lowering the PTC, when positively 

 buoyant, is provided along with an anchor implanted on the ocean floor. 

 The winch may be disconnected and a brake used to control the ascent of 

 the PTC should the motor fail. Design considerations for the PTC include: 

 (a) the PTC must float upright if its cables are cut free; (b) the PTC must 

 be positively buoyant, except when ballasted with releasable ballast for 

 penetrating the ocean surface; (c) the PTC shall supply power, Hght, and 

 other services to the men who are working in the water. 



