Six-Hour No-Decompression Diving With 40% Oxygen/60% Helium
Abstract
U.S. Navy Special Warfare divers frequently perform long-duration, multilevel dives while breathing air, 100% oxygen, or nitrogen-oxygen mixtures in varying combinations. Dive depths range from 0-100 feet seawater (fsw) and dive durations may extend up to 6 h or more. Present decompression procedures mandate lengthy decompressions that in many cases impede mission accomplishment. This study explored the potential use of a hyperoxic helium-oxygen breathing mixture to reduce or eliminate in-water decompression time on these profiles. The protocol simulated operational diving conditions with respect to water temperature and exercise level. A total of 67 "no-decompression" dives were completed successfully using 40% O2/60% He as the breathing mixture: 55 dives were 6 h in duration at depths ranging from 50 to 60 fsw, 6 dives were 8 h in duration at a depth of 60 fsw and 6 dives were 6.5 h in duration on a multi-level profile with depths ranging from 0-100 fsw. All dives used standard USN descent and ascent rates without decompression stops. One case of possible neurological (Type II) decompression sickness occurred during the series.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA453323
Entities
People
- D. J. Smith
- E. T. Flynn
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center