Wet-Suited SCUBA Diver Performance in 5-25 C Water
Abstract
As an assessment of adequacy of current Navy diving guidelines for thermal protection, the performance and physiology of three wet-suited SCUBA divers were measured over a series of 36 dives in water temperatures ranging from 5 C to 25 C. The divers performed cognitive and motor tasks during dives lasting up to 50 min at a depth of 3.35 m; heart rate, respiration rate, and skin temperatures were recorded at 5-min intervals. Results indicated that despite substantial decreases in skin temperatures, diver performance on cognitive tasks was not significantly affected; motor performance was impaired only when water temperature reached 5 C. These results indicate that the standard neoprene wet suit provides adequate protection during dives in shallow water at temperatures as low as 10 C and for exposure times as long as 50 min. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA109474
Entities
People
- A. J. Bachrach
- H. C. Langworthy
- M. D. Curley
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center