Habitat, decompression and support systems were the subject of special 

 discussions and demonstrations. All crewmen were required to demonstrate pro- 

 ficiency in the operation of the various valves and hatches of the Personnel 

 Transfer Capsule (PTC) and Deck Decompression Chamber (DDC) . From the command 

 site, the duty systems engineer described the habitat and the various shore- 

 based facilities. 



The physiology of saturation diving was discussed with the trainees by the 

 Medical Officer. This presentation of specially prepared slides and text 

 traced physiological effects of saturation and stressed possible hazards. 



It was necessary during the 2-week premission period for trainees to complete 

 a number of psychological questionnaires to be used as normative data by 

 behavioral and habitability researchers. The administration of these question- 

 naires was combined with briefings explaining the objectives of the program and 

 outlining the need for further aquanaut participation during the mission. 



Other experimental programs such as microbiological assessment were the sub- 

 jects of special briefings. 



The most extensive training effort was aimed at creating thorough proficiency 

 in the use of the Mark 10 rebreather unit. This training, conducted by General 

 Electric personnel, included detailed classroom preparation supplemented by at 

 least 10^ hours of actual rebreather diving, including a 4-hour night dive. In 

 all phases of this training, off nominal as well as normal system operation was 

 discussed and practiced. Each candidate was thoroughly trained in the pre and 

 postdive maintenance procedures for his unit. No aquanaut was permitted to use 

 the Mark 10 operationally without completing this course and passing a written 

 examination covering the subject matter. 



It was found that the aquanauts needed approximately two complete days for per- 

 sonal preparation prior to their scheduled missions. The best time to schedule 

 this "free time" seemed to be near the end of the training cycle when they had 

 a better understanding of special gear they might need. 



Program Safety was the topic of one of the last scheduled aquanaut briefings. 

 During this briefing, all items of safety gear (pingers, emergency balloons, 

 and strobe flashers) were explained and demonstrated. Safety procedures, 

 excursion limits, dive plan reporting requirements, possible hazards, etc. were 

 thoroughly discussed. 



SUPPORT CREW TRAINING 



Prior to the beginning of Mission 1, extensive training and familiarization 

 with support facilities was carried out. The support divers were thoroughly 

 indoctrinated in the functioning and operation of the decompression system. 

 Constant drills were executed prior to and during all missions. 



Similarly, training was carried out with all diving and safety equipment. As 

 support diver replacements arrived, they were trained (primarily on the job) 

 and were scheduled systematically with experienced crews until they were com- 

 pletely familiar with all the essential systems. 



IV-4 



