Many problems confronting the practicing commercial diver can be worked out easily and accurately with the use of the formulas provided here. Among the calculations given are those relating to decompression, fresh water vs. seawater, air supply, compass, and salvage. Pressure, volume, and temperature relationships, safe working loads of rigging and tackle, corrosion of metals, underwater light and sound -- all of these are discussed, supplemented by a list of useful references.

This handbook attempts to translate data on various parameters of man's capability in underwater and hyperbaric environments for those without a background in the life sciences. Accomplishing any multifaceted task requires team work, and effective team work depends on facile communication among all participants. To communicate properly, all parties must understand each other's problems and be able to speak a similar language. To this end we believe that this publication will go a long way in furthering the understanding and communication necessary for maximum achievement. The U. S. Navy has a fundamental interest in all types of activities connected with the ocean and is especially interested in the growing field of manned underwater and hyperbaric activities. Thus, the manuscript for this comprehensive book was developed under Office of Naval Research contract N00014-67-A-0214-0013 with The George Washington University. We acknowledge with appreciation the financial support and technical guidance for this undertaking by the Naval Medical Research and Develop ment Command of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery as well as by the Engineering Psychology Program and the Physiology Program of the Office of Naval Research. JOSEPH P. POLLARD Director Biological and Medical Sciences Division Office of Naval Research vii Preface A need was felt for a book that would document the relationship of the human being to the underwater hyperbaric environment in such a way that the individual unfamiliar with the psychological or biomedical jargon could still understand and appreciate the information.

First published in 1981 as the Offshore Information Guide this guide to information sources has been hailed internationally as an indispensable handbook for the oil, gas and marine industries.