PREFACE

This manual has been prepared for use by NOAA divers. It contains the basic information and applied diving technology needed to carry out scientific investigations as well as various tasks required of the working diver.

The manual principally addresses "shallow" water diving (surface to 300 feet), as this is the depth range in which NOAA divers primarily operate. The reader is referred to other sources for deeper mixed-gas diving procedures.

To keep the manual to a manageable size, reference material is liberally utilized throughout the text. This is especially true where detailed scientific or working procedures are encountered or where the subject matter is exhaustively treated elsewhere.

Because of the dynamic and multi-disciplinary nature of undersea exploration, it was necessary to seek the assistance of experts in many specialized fields. The task of integrating the broad and sometimes disparate material submitted by the many contributors, fell upon the Manned Undersea Science and Technology Office. None of the specialist contributors received any remuneration for their efforts; rather their contributions were motivated by a professional desire to help produce a manual which would provide a basis for improving the capability of divers to work and learn of the sea. The reader is referred to the list of contributors and reviewers to better appreciate the number of individuals involved.

Every effort was made to include the most up-to-date information on the topics discussed. Throughout the period of preparation, new information was continually added. A point was reached, however, where deadlines dictated "no further additions." Recognizing the constantly changing technology and advances in underwater procedures, we urge our readers to advise us of new or omitted techniques, additional applications of existing techniques and other suggestions as to how the manual may be improved. Constructive criticism and recommendations for improvements on the manual should be sent directly to:

Dr. Donald C. Beaumariage, Director
Manned Undersea Science and Technology

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Rockville, Maryland 20852

In addition to expressing my appreciation to those contributing to the manual in a technical sense, special thanks must go to; Mrs. Joanne David, who served in an outstanding manner as technical editor; LCDR Laurence T. Bussey, USN and LCDR A. Y. Bryson, NOAA who, in addition to their technical contributions, played a key role in organizing, editing, and compiling the entire document.

James W. Miller, Ph.D.

Deputy Director

Manned Undersea Science and Technology