If such a system were integral to a full-size 
nuclear submarine, speed and endurance limita- 
tions would be virtually removed. The size of the 
diving team, supporting sensors, and amount of 
equipment delivered to a site would extend satura- 
tion diving capability beyond anything possible 
today. 
h. Hybrids The systems described above are not 
all-inclusive; variations on any system are possible, 
and combinations of two or more may be effective 
for particular missions (Figure 47). For example, a 
bottom-anchored, variable-depth habitat with a 
mating trunk used with a DDC would permit 
divers to eat, sleep, and undergo decompression in 
a larger surface chamber. A DDC could be com- 
bined with a submersible decompression chamber 
operating from a fixed winch. The submersible 
chamber could be fitted with a propulsion system 
to provide limited horizontal positioning capa- 
bility. The operator could remain in a shirt-sleeve 
environment inside a spherical observation cham- 
ber atop the diving chamber. 
The main task of a diving program is to select 
the best system for a particular job and site and to 
evolve a safe, economical method of operation. 
Thought must be given to problems of logistics, 
chamber operation, and maintenance; when several 
men are under pressure for a week or more, plans 
must be made for food supply, laundry, and 
personal hygiene. These problems are greatly 
simplified if the main habitat is located on the 
surface rather than several hundred feet beneath. 
Continuous, correct gas supply and carbon dioxide 
absorption must be well planned before the 
operation; redundancy of systems is necessary, 
especially if operations are to be conducted in 
remote areas. 
i. Availability of Decompression Chambers 
Several small decompression chambers are in use 
today, approximately as follows: Gulf, 40; 
California, 20; Florida, 2; and Alaska, 6. During 
peak seasons, commercial divers in the Gulf 
number around 1,000 and in California, over 300. 
There are approximately 25 combination person- 
nel transfer capsule/deck decompression chambers 
today. 
j. Accidents The number of divers working off- 
shore in the Gulf is expected to increase markedly 
in the next few years; an estimate of 3,000 
Figure 47. Artist’s concept of underwater habitat designs. (Navy photo) 
333-091 O-69—12 
VI-113 
