Trials

A large proportion of our work involved physiological research. This called for volunteer divers from the Ministry of Defence scientific and support staff, the Directorate of Marine Salvage and the Royal Navy as well as from a range of commercial organisations. Whatever the activity, an appropriate environment in which to operate had to be considered. For example, life support trials required a shore-based venue where (for obvious reasons) conditions could be controlled. Nascent JIM divers would also need a safer environment in order to develop the confidence necessary to progress to sea trials.

Desktop research was never really an option and therefore all participants had to be prepared to get their hands dirty. Consequently, although we were ostensibly based at RNPL most of our time was spent at a variety of other locations throughout the UK, both military and civilian. Sadly, many of the establishments no longer exist or have changed their name and/or their purpose.