34 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 



14. Because of the difficulty of entry while wearing flippers, other entry techniques need 

 investigations, i.e., an elevator. 



15. The bathtubs in the entry should be either improved (insulated) or removed, as they 

 were not used as presently configured. 



16. Investigate the possibility of providing a dry room under the entry trunk to alleviate 

 space problems. 



17. A large port is needed so that swimmers can be observed outside near the critical 

 entrance area. 



18. Particularly near the entrance area, eliminate as many cables as possible that may 

 cause diver entanglement. 



19. If necessary, bottom stabilization should be achieved in the area adjacent to the 

 entrance. 



20. Storage racks, hooks, etc. should be provided in the shark cage area for external 

 wet-storage. 



21. The lighting in and around the shark cage should be improved. 



22. Rearrangement and auxiliary handling gear must be provided so that men do not have 

 to don diving gear to place supplies in or remove supplies from the dumbwaiter. 



23. A method of supply that does not block the entry way should be devised. 



HANDLING PROCEDURES 



1. Facilities must be available for a gas-fill capability and pressure test to lowering 

 pressure on site. 



2. Sufficient flexibility in ballasting should be provided to permit changes in raising and 

 lowering procedures and to control trim and level without subjecting the habitat to unstable 

 conditions. 



3. The ballasting system should provide the capability of overpressurizing the habitat on 

 the bottom to insure adequate port and hatch seals prior to raising. 



4. Flexibility and reliability during handling operations could be improved by obtaining 



a. A cable footage counter 



b. The weights, in air and water, of all equipment to be handled 



c. A dynamometer capable of weighing loads up to 20 tons. 



DECOMPRESSION COMPLEX 



1. To provide the capability of handling and mating in higher sea states, different handling 

 and mating appurtenances must be provided. 



2. The following improvements to the DDC are recommended: 



a. Bunks (at least seating) in the outer lock 



b. Improvement of temperature and humidity control 



c. Provision of charcoal scrubber 



d. Automatic decompression gas controls 



e. Better matching counterbalance spring on top hatch 



f . Future chambers for this purpose should have at least three locks to provide for 

 emergency medical purposes. Gas control of each lock should be independent. 



