The purpose of the report, and the objective of the Deep Oceanographic Survey Vehicle (DOSV) Project, are to define the state-of-the-art and availability of submersible instrumentation to conduct an underseas survey, the capability for conducting surveys with available Navy and commercial submersibles, the operational performance and design criteria, as deduced from operational experience, for a near-optimal DOSV, and to show those areas of ocean surveying where the manned submersible is best applied and has demonstrated its unique capability. (Author).

A survey of manned and unmanned submersibles, presently operating worldwide, completed for the Oceanographer of the Navy. The review emphasizes those characteristics which would be of high interest in rescue situations. Data were obtained by personal observation of the submersibles and discussion with owners and operators. (Author).