THE NAVY OCEAN SCIENCE PROGRAM 53 



methods. These efforts are to provide vehicle capabihty for 

 operating at any depth in the ocean with safety. Both high- 

 strength metalUc and nonmetaUic materials, including glass 

 and composite materials, are being investigated for such use. 

 The techniques of life support, navigation, communications, 

 bottom mapping, photography, and direct viewing also are 

 being pursued to improve further the capability of both existing 

 and future vehicles. An investigation is being made of new 

 methods for providing power for propulsion and life support 

 capable of being operated at very great depths and having high 

 energy-to-weight ratios. The ALVIN, built under the Navy Ocean 

 Science Program, is being operated in an experimental program 

 to determine the best methods for outfitting vehicles. This pro- 

 gram also is determining the best methods of using such vehicles 

 at all ocean depths, in the recovery of objects from the ocean 

 floor, and in performing other useful work. 



Man-in-the-Sea Research 



The Sealab I and II experiments were conducted under the 

 Navy Ocean Science Program to assess the basic problem areas 

 in man's ability to live and work for long periods on the ocean 

 floor. The Sealab project itself has been transferred to the 

 Ocean Engineering and Development Program, where work to 

 exploit the man-in-the-sea concept is underway at a high priority. 

 Work is continuing within the Navy Ocean Science Program to 

 further the understanding of the basic physiology of humans 

 under high pressure in artificial atmospheres and to define the 

 basic work functions which a human can perform. The interfaces 

 between the human and work-assist devices (tools), the basic 

 science of life support systems, and other techniques required 

 to place man safely and economically on the ocean floor to do 

 useful work are receiving attention. 



Other Areas 



The total Navy program in ocean technology is just develop- 

 ing, but already certain ocean-science input requirements are 



