(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
General physiology 
(a) Cardio-pulmonary physiology. 
(i) Pulmonary ventilation, work of 
breathing, and related studies. 
(ii) Thermal and gaseous effects on circu- 
lation. 
(b) Heat loss and caloric requirements of 
underwater swimmers. 
(c) Nutritional requirements in hyperbaric 
environments. 
(d) Physiological effects and indications of 
stress resulting from prolonged exposure 
to environments. 
Decompression studies 
(a) Study of deep and prolonged dives using 
various mixtures to depths of human 
tolerance. 
(b) Feasibility studies of computer use for 
decompression computations. 
(c) Studies of basic physical-physiological 
factors in bubble formation. 
(d) Development of advanced therapeutic 
procedures for decompression sickness. 
(e) Studies of the effects of chronic ex- 
posures to hyperbaric environments. 
Studies of inert gases and artificial atmo- 
spheres 
(a) Studies of new gas mixtures and effects to 
depths of tolerance or to 2,000 feet. 
(b) Basic and clinical research in oxygen 
toxicity. 
(c) Effects of gases under pressure on cellular 
metabolism and neuromuscular function. 
(d) Solubility and distribution of inert gases 
in body tissues. 
Pharmacology 
(a) Evaluation of drugs in hyperbaric environ- 
ments. 
(b) Pharmacological agents to combat stress 
and fatigue in underwater environments. 
(c) Pharmacologic adjuncts for hyperbaric 
oxygen therapy. 
(d) Prophylaxis and therapy of illness and 
injury from marine life. 
(5) Atmosphere studies: isobaric and hyperbaric 
(a) Trace contaminants toxicity. 
(b) Toxicological appraisal of undersea con- 
struction materials. 
(c) Psycho-physiological effects of air ions. 
(d) General atmosphere studies in isobaric 
closed environments. 
(6) Psychology 
(a) Selection and training. 
(b) Sensory and motor adjustments. 
(c) Psycho-physiological adjustments. 
(d) Group functioning. 
2. Diving Equipment 
a. Current Situation (/.) Breathing Rigs Semi- 
closed rigs predominate when diving is sup- 
ported by a submersible chamber. They also 
are used extensively by free swimming military 
divers (Figure 16). The system requires less than 
one-tenth the gas supply of completely open- 
circuit breathing rigs. The diver’s exhalation passes 
Figure 16. Diver testing a tethered, semi- 
closed breathing rig. (Westinghouse photo) 
