Saclantcens Use Of Scuba Diving In Oceanographic And Acoustic Research

Over ten years of scientific diving for oceanographic and acoustics research is described. Examples show the need for a scientist to dive even in highly automated activities. Diving operations in oceanographic research have included: deployment of oceanographic buoys and sensors, check-and-recovery operations, installation of bottom-mounted systems, placing fluorescent dye releasers for oceanographic investigations, in-situ calibration of neutrally buoyant floats, and evaluations of low-speed towed bodies. Diving operations in underwater acoustics research have included: visual and stereophotographic investigations and sampling of the sea floor and in-situ measurements of the acoustic characteristics of sediments using geophones and electroacoustic transducers. These operations and techniques are described and some reference is given to organization, safety rules, and operational limits.