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NEDU was tasked to conduct a survey of commercially available buoyancy compensators (BCs) and perform testing to determine which BCs perform satisfactorily. Buoyancy compensator evaluation was conducted in three phases. Phase I included receipt inspection of the buoyancy compensator, technical review of the manufacturer-supplied documentation (instructions / repair manuals), diver orientation, and Test Pool Evaluation (surface floating attitudes if the BCs were used as life jackets). No failure mode analysis was conducted. Phase II consisted of buoyancy / lift capacity testing in the 0SF at 190 fsw. Phase III consisted of manned dives in the Gulf of Mexico to test diver buoyancy control and operational characteristics.

The object of this experiment is to evaluate the performance of the Aqualung self contained swimming outfit as furnished and also when it is modified by the substitution of the mouthpiece for a face mask. (Author)