What is Saturation Diving?

What is saturation diving? The basic principle of saturation diving is to maintain a constant pressure environment for the divers, which allows them to live and work in a hyperbaric chamber, also known as a saturation system. The saturation system is usually located on a support vessel or platform, and it is connected to a diving bell or a diving suit through a series of airlocks.

Before the dive, the divers are placed in the saturation system, where they breathe a mixture of gases that has been adjusted to match the pressure and composition of the surrounding water. This helps to prevent the onset of decompression sickness, which can occur if the divers ascend too quickly to the surface.

Once the divers are saturated, they can begin their work in the water. They are typically transported to the dive site in a diving bell, which is a pressurized container that is lowered into the water from the support vessel. The diving bell is then sealed, and the divers can exit through a hatch into the water.

During the dive, the divers can move freely in the water, using various tools and equipment to perform their tasks. They may also be accompanied by a support team that provides communication and assistance from the surface.

When the dive is complete, the divers return to the diving bell, which is raised back to the surface. Since they have been living in the saturation system, they do not need to decompress like traditional divers, and they can exit the diving bell without experiencing the effects of decompression sickness.

Overall, saturation diving is a complex and demanding technique that requires extensive training, specialized equipment, and careful planning to ensure the safety of the divers and the success of the mission.