CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 33 



12. A completely autonomous habitat is not possible without a reliable underwater power 

 package and complete, integrated life-support system. 



13. Explosive forming of 12-ft-diameter dished heads from one-inch mild steel is 

 feasible. 



14. Counterweight lowering systems provide a greatly improved technique for lowering 

 large objects where inertia! and lowering-vessel motions axe critical. 



15. Offshore telemetry stations using remote manipulators for accomplishing component 

 replacement are practical and have considerable merit. 



COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 



In general, the Sealab n complex and operations were highly satisfactory. Fast response 

 obtained from the entire U.S. Navy diving community, a number of Navy laboratories and 

 Shipyards, and several selected contractors made possible the project initiation and prepara- 

 tion for field operations within the short, available time span of seven months. A critique of 

 deficiencies of the Sealab n complex yields the following recommendations. These recom- 

 mendations should be considered in modifying the complex for future undersea experiments. 

 However, they should not be considered as all-encompassing for enabling deeper operations 

 or operations in unprotected areas. 



HABITAT 



1. A leveling technique and reliable local and remote level- measuring equipment must 

 be provided in future sea habitats. 



2. Noise generation should be reduced to a minimum for both comfort and increased 

 communications intelligibility. Both sound and light surveys are recommended. 



3. A special oceanograph viewing port should be provided giving an increased angle of 

 observation. The feasibility of bubble-type observation ports should be investigated. 



4. More space should be allowed for storage, maintenance, and setup of diving gear. 

 Maximum use of space should be made for storage cabinets for general storage and for scien- 

 tific sample storage. 



5. Improved environmental control is needed. Research should be undertaken to deter- 

 mine the comfort zone for humans in Sealab-type atmospheres. 



6. The ballast, flood, and blow system should be re-evaluated. At deeper depths, remote 

 control of valving is a necessity. 



7. A re-evaluation of the entire habitat inside arrangement from the human-engineering 

 aspect is desirable. 



8. The arrangement of the habitat communications center should be improved. 



9. Photographic conditions should be improved by installing special photographic lights. 



10. The method of sealing internal port covers should be modified. 



11. Outer port covers should be hinged. 



12. All inside surfaces should be insulated to prevent condensate drippage. 



13. The exit area must be rearranged to provide more space for dressing, etc. 



