268 HUMAN BEHAVIOR PROGRAM 



It certainly is true that there was much confusion due to logistic difficulties, schedule 

 changes, etc. Perhaps some of the confusion, mistakes, and memory loss was due to the 

 stressful situation. It must be kept in mind, however, that prior to each dive, detailed prepa- 

 rations had to be made. Each diver had to remember many things, maintain a constant vigil 

 over his air supply, his location, the location and state of his buddy, etc. Furthermore, the 

 lack of swimmer-to-swimmer communication means that a pair of divers have to return to the 

 habitat simply to exchange a few words or plan at great length what appears to be an extremely 

 simple task. 



In other words, in addition to the multitude of safety precautions there were numerous de- 

 tails to contend with in an extremely hostile environment. With so much on their minds, it is 

 not surprising that some things were forgotten and that in retrospect, silly things were done 

 and details overlooked. An additional factor is that, in most instances, it was not possible to 

 practice each operation in detail or to conduct simulation training on land. As a result, pro- 

 cedures were not routine to the extent that performance was automatic. It might be mentioned 

 that general observation of performance indicates that the more complex a task the greater the 

 likelihood was that something would go wrong. The human-performance tasks also suggest a 

 relationship between complexity a,nd poorer performance; i.e., the decrement in performance 

 was least for the simpler tasks. One, therefore, must carefully temper judgment regarding 

 the effects of stress with the potentially overwhelming problem of human information process- 

 ing. 



Another factor to be considered is the relationship of the symptoms mentioned above and 

 fatigue due partially to lack of sleep. The behavioral symptoms of sleep loss (forgetfulness, 

 short-term memory loss, difficulty in planning and executing plans, etc.) are extremely simi- 

 lar to those described above. During the debriefing interviews, it was found that almost all of 

 the men had difficulty in sleeping. Some stated they never slept longer than 1-1/2 hours at one 

 time. Previous research has shown clearly that the symptoms described above are associated 

 with sleep deprivation, even in the absence of other stressful factors. It is difficult to pinpoint 

 the reasons for lack of sleep at this point. Some of the most probable contributing factors were 

 high humidity, constant headaches, poor air circulation in the bunkroom, high noise levels, and 

 perhaps being overly tired. Subsequent analysis should permit a more thorough understanding. 



General Comments on Motivation and Morale 



The preceding sections of this report, describing the environment and working conditions, 

 paint a dismal picture of Sealab U. In spite of all these adverse conditions, the motivation and 

 morale of the divers was extremely high. The comments of the divers upon emerging at the 

 end of each 15-day period indicated that they "were amazed that men of such diverse back- 

 grounds and experience could get along so well under such conditions." 



It may be premature to attempt to answer at this stage of data analysis how or why the 

 men of Sealab were able to perform and interact so well. Indeed, this question can probably 

 never be answered definitely. The primary value in attempting to assess reasons for success- 

 ful performance in Sealab is that it may stimulate thought and discussion and may afford a 

 basis for comparison with similar situations. 



Probably chief among the reasons for the performance of men in Sealab II v/as motivation. 

 The knowledge that they were part of a project with unlimited potential and great significance 

 doubtless had an impact on most if not all of the men. The sentiment behind this high motiva- 

 tion was probably best expressed by one of the divers on Team 1 who, upon being congratulated, 

 responded, "Hell, I'm no hero, 10,000 other Navy divers would have given their right arm to 

 have been in Sealab." Similar thoughts were expressed by many other divers during debriefing 

 interviews. Comments such as, '11 was the greatest experience of my life," were made by 

 many. Closely related to the feeling of being involved in a significant project was a real feel- 

 ing of accomplishment. Despite disappointment in the accomplishment of personal objectives, 

 there was the knowledge that useful work was done and invaluable information obtained in the 

 face of very trying circumstances. Possibly as important as the feeling of individual accom- 

 plishment was the sharing of this leeling. In talking to the individual divers there was apparent 

 a sense of shared affect, of vicarious satisfaction in what the whole group had achieved. 



