Test and Evaluation of the Integrated Divers Vest (Unmanned)

The Divers Vest, NSN 1H 4220-01-045-2194 was selected by the Navy Ships Parts Control Center, Quality Assurance Division for random testing. Twelve vests, manufactured by Morse Diving Equipment Company, Inc., were submitted to the Navy Experimental Diving Unit for evaluation. Evaluation of the vests was based on the manufacturers compliance with the requirements of MIL-V- 24690SH, MILITARY SPECIFICATION VEST INTEGRATED DIVERS. All twelve vests underwent nondestructive testing. Two vests were subjected to destructive testing. A number of discrepancies were discovered during the evaluation. The webbing used for the harness portion of the vest was the wrong type, as were the buckles used to adjust and secure the shoulder, chest, and waist straps. The ends of the webbing were not properly fused and the strap length was consistently out of specifications. The vests did not come totally assembled, and some of the items were constructed incorrectly andor could not perform their proper function. All samples submitted for testing failed to meet the military specifications required by contract. Integrated Divers Vest IDV.