122 



SUPPORT VESSEL 



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Fig. 62. Sealab II surface support vessel 



As configured for the pop -up tests, the support vessel consisted basically of an open well 

 with an underwater hinged platform for launcher loading operations, an open missile bay on the 

 port barge for missile handling, storage spaces and machinery, equipment, dining and galley 

 areas. The principal items of machinery were three ac generators with a total capacity of 460 

 kw, two 15,000 lb line pull winches, one high -pressure air compressor, one low-pressure air 

 compressor, and a 100-ton Lima crane, restricted to a 50-ton working load as mounted on the 

 staging vessel. The machinery was used for Sealab operations without modification. 



MODIFICATIONS 



To adapt the vessel for Sealab support, several modifications were made. The underwater 

 hinged platform was removed. A portion of the missile bay was roofed over, and the enclosed 

 space used as a divers' ready room with head facilities, showers, and racks for breathing 

 equipment and wet-suit drying. The remainder of the missile bay was used for the installation 

 of the 10-man Deck Decompression Chamber (DDC) and was fitted with a canvas cover which 

 could be removed during Personnel Transfer Capsule - Deck Decompression Chamber mating. 

 The space immediately aft of the ready room was fitted out with benches, plumbing, and power 

 as required to overhaul and charge the Mk-VI semi-closed breathing equipment. 



On the starboard barge, 01 level, two vans (Fig. 63) with a connecting enclosure were in- 

 stalled as the Sealab control center. Included in the vans were communications, atmosphere 

 control, and medical equipment. 



Other installations required on the support vessel for operations included the counter - 

 weighted lowering system for lowering and raising the Sealab and the Personnel Transfer Cap- 

 sule (PTC), the dumbwaiter system for transporting both dry and wet items between the support 

 vessel and Sealab (Figs. 64, 65), and the breathing-gas storage and distribution system. 



