SALVAGE TESTS 



391 



Fig. 149. Aquanaut Meeks fires explosive stud into patch on 

 simulated submarine hull near Sealab II 



COLLAPSIBLE SALVAGE PONTOON 



The collapsible 10-ton* salvage pontoon is a modified version of U.S. Rubber Company's 

 Sealdbin rubber container used to ship bulk quantities of liquid and granular materials. The 

 off-the-shelf container, with minor modifications, makes an excellent salvage pontoon. 



The purpose of these tests was (a) to evaluate the ability of divers to manhandle the col- 

 lapsed pontoon and to manipulate pontoon hardware when submerged, (b) to test new quick- 

 disconnect fittings for attaching the air hose, and (c) to demonstrate a venturi system of pontoon 

 evacuation to obviate the need for having to pull the pontoon down or weight it down at the start 

 of submergence. 



The pontoon successfully lifted the submarine mock-up assembly; however, the divers had 

 considerable difficulty in manhandling or maneuvering the pontoon on the bottom in a collapsed 

 condition. The negative buoyancy in the collapsed (bottomed) state was approximately 250 lb. 

 The pontoon presented a large, cumbersome, and nonpliable package. The quick-disconnect 

 fittings were found to be too difficult to operate in the cold water. In addition, the female fitting 

 on the pontoon for attaching the blow vent hose leaked. A later examination revealed that this 

 female fitting cannot be properly lubricated without removing it from the pontoon— a time- 

 consuming maintenance task. The venturi topside evacuation procedure worked quite satisfac- 

 torily. 



''The pontoon is classed nominally at "10 ton. 

 ity of 8. 6 tons. 



In salt water, it has an actual buoyant liftcapac- 



