Optical and Visual Tests on the Navy Prototype Hard Hat Diving System.

The Navy prototype surface-supported hard hat system was subjected to a battery of tests to assess both its optical quality and its characteristics for visual performance. Optical tests were performed in the Laboratory visual measures were made on divers wearing the full suit in clear, well-lighted water. For comparative purposes, the same test were performed with the Mark 5 hard hat system and normal SCUBA gear. Visual performance in the prototype suit was generally as good or better than in the Mark 5 or SCUBA, but the optical quality could be improved. Author