ENGINEERING EVALUATION 



311 



CURT4IN ROD 



CURTAIN RT 



HEATER P/S 



FLG COAMING I 

 FOR -|- ANCHOR 

 BASES 



HEATER P/S 



Fig. 122. Sealab II section views 

 of berthing area 



surface pressurizing and submersion of the vessel. These covers were fitted with vents to fa- 

 cilitate equalizing the pressures on the port lights during lowering and raising operations. 

 External (vented) protective covers were also provided to prevent damage to the port lights 

 during handling operations. 



Access Openings 



Three access openings were provided. All hatches opened inward to reduce bolting re- 

 quirements. The main access hatch was located in the hull bottom near the stern in the entry- 

 way. A hatch diameter of four feet was selected for adequate clearance for swimmers with 

 scuba gear. An emergency exit opening was provided in the hull bottom near the bow, in the 

 berthing space. This hatch was of a standard submarine type, 30 in. in diameter. The emer- 

 gency exit hatch was covered with a plywood panel to provide a deck between the tables and the 

 forward berths. This hatch was intended to serve as an emergency exit in the event of any 

 equipment casualty which might introduce toxic fumes into the Sealab II atmosphere. A surface 



