Prologue to diving in polluted waters

Abstract

This paper, "Prologue to Diving in Polluted Waters", has dual purposes. First, it was proposed as a prologue, or introduction, to the Oceans '85 session on Diving. Second, the authors hope it will lead the audience and later readers to a habit of developing contingency plans for each of their respective diving operations in which they may encounter polluted or otherwise inhospitable waters. The paper presents some definitions and examples of what the authors consider to be "polluted" or "inhospitable" waters. It goes on to discuss briefly some of the effects of such waters; and to recount some instances in which several of the types of problems have been encountered. Finally, we present an encouragement for the habitual preparation of contingency plans for all diving in polluted or inhospitable waters.