Arctic III Expedition: Diving Equipment and Human Performance During Operations in the High Arctic.

• Main Author: Andersen,Birger G.
• Other Authors: OCEANAUTICS INC LANDOVER MD
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1973
• Subjects: Anatomy and Physiology; (*DIVING; PERFORMANCE(HUMAN)); (*ARCTIC REGIONS; DIVING); CONSTRUCTION; STRESS(PHYSIOLOGY); UNDERWATER CLOTHING; UNDERWATER VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION; HABITABILITY; UNDERWATER; Arctic; Resolute Bay
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0759051; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0759051

The report describes the research findings of the underwater human performance program which was conducted in the high Arctic during the Arctic III Expedition. A primary objective of the human performance program was to add to the limited body of knowledge regarding diver performance in Arctic waters. Focus of the program was an evaluation of the underwater construction of the manned underwater work station Sub-Igloo which was assembled at a depth of 40 feet in Resolute Bay. During the period of the project, ice cover over Resolute Bay was 37 inches, with a constant water temperature of 28.5F. Surface temperatures ranged between -5F. and -45F., with wind velocities of up to 35 mph. The performance program also examined the effects of physiological stress on the divers working under the ice. Measures of diver ECG/heart rates and deep body temperatures were obtained using an acoustical telemetry system. An evaluation was also made of the diver and support equipment used during the expedition, including diver apparel, communications equipment, life support systems, ice cutting apparatus, and portable surface structures. (Author Modified Abstract)