Mission Day 2
Today was the day that would pave the way for rebreathers out of Aquarius if the calibration at depth worked properly. Using a 55% mix, to achieve a partial pressure of O2 of about 1.3, we calibrated the first unit. We all watched with anticipation, but not much doubt. It worked…. The unit calibrated properly and we had no reason to feel uncomfortable about the process. Ambient Pressure Diving did a tremendous job in modifying the vision electronics.
Our first dive was to 115 fsw max depth for 180 minutes with a partial pressure range of .70 to .95. Our excursion went very well and the units performed perfectly. The dive was extremely successful due to the initial first time calibration at depth with a dive computer and the Inspiration closed circuit rebreather.
Our second dive was to 70 fsw for 90 minutes, with our focus mainly on using a full face mask with a heads up display provided by Hollis Industries. Once again the units calibrated well and accurately. The communications worked fine as expected, it was mostly to ensure it could be done, but we had no reason to believe it would not work. The full face mask with the heads up display was an added bonus and I thought showed potential for future missions and dives. Good and successful day all around!
As of now I have 7 and one half hours logged on just one canister of carbon dioxide absorbent and used a total of about 2600 psig of oxygen. Very low gas consumption and I have no doubt that will be an asset for the future.
Roger Garcia
Diving Safety Officer / CHT
NOAA Undersea Research Center / Aquarius
One Response So Far
Richard Vinson | May 22nd, 2008
Are your rebreathing divers hooked up by cable to Aquarius or do they have wireless communication? Does wireless work underwater?
Comment On This Post