Oxygen Consumption Rate of Operational Underwater Swimmers

Abstract

Prior to evaluating an underwater breathing apparatus (UBA), diver performance must be determined. Previous studies determining the oxygen consumption of swimming and resting divers were done in the laboratory and were limited in scope. Criticisms of those studies suggested that they may not have accurately simulated the underwater work expected of an operational diver. This study measured the oxygen consumption (VO2) sustained by experienced Special Warfare (SPECWAR) operators participating in training exercises. By using a closed-circuit oxygen underwater breathing apparatus, the decrease in the oxygen bottle pressure reflected the amount of oxygen consumed by the diver. These values are comparable to the results of the previous studies. Guidelines reflecting underwater oxygen consumption and estimating carbon dioxide production for calculating carbon dioxide canister duration should be based on the results of these studies. Keywords: Oxygen consumption; Divers; Diver equipment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA205331

Entities

People

  • M. E. Knafelc

Organizations

  • United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Breathing Apparatus
  • Canisters
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Classification
  • Data Analysis
  • Diver Equipment
  • Divers
  • Diving
  • Diving Operations
  • Drops
  • Field Conditions
  • Production
  • Rate Of Consumption
  • Training
  • Underwater Breathing Apparatus
  • Unmanned
  • Wet Suits

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Materials Science
  • Systems Analysis and Design