CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 35 



3. Internal gas controls on the PTC, not used extensively during the operation, need rede- 

 sign and a better gas -analysis system provided. 



4. A method should be found to keep fish, attracted by the lighting, from collecting in the 

 PTC. The light is necessary for swimmer guidance. 



5. An emergency CO 2 scrubbing technique should be provided for the PTC. The hand- 

 operated scrubber has not been fully evaluated. 



TRAINING 



1. A continuous aquanaut training program should be established to maintain the excellent 

 level of training attained for Sealab H. The program should include a minimum number of 

 He/Oj dives on a monthly basis. 



2. Mk-VI training classes should be limited to a maximum of 14 people. A four-week 

 course should be adequate for an experienced diver . 



3. Aquanauts should be trained in the same groups that wiU be living together on the 

 bottom. 



DIVING PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT 



1. Safety precautions as outlined in the Diving Manual must be strictly adhered to. 



2. The adaptation of the Mk-VI for Sealab-type operations is a necessity. Areas of study 

 should include: 



a. Elimination of nonmagnetic requirements. However, substituted parts should be 

 designed so as to be noninterchangeable with nonmagnetic gear parts. 



b. Revision of the Mk-VI manual. 



c. Quality control to obtain proper part interchangeability. 



d. Relocation and modification of critical control components to prevent snagging. 



e. Compatibility for SPU operations. 



f. Buddy breathing capability. 



3. Insure that all necessary diving equipment spare parts are in hand several months 

 before the scheduled start of training and operations. 



4. The noise of the Arawak compressors needs suppression. 



5. Investigate the incorporation of a self-tending reel, quick-release capability, and 

 "come home" bottles in future Arawak-system design. 



6. Arawak hoses should be slightly negatively buoyant. 



7. Investigate improvements in the heated suit design to provide greater reliability and 

 improved battery configuration. 



8. Positive steps must be taken to prevent pressure-compensated suit buoyancy problems 

 from occurring which result in threat to life. 



9. The PPI Pump Manual needs revision. 



10. Vehicles for saturated swimmers must be investigated. 



11. Diver lights need re-evaluation in terms of available light sources. 



