SECTION II. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND DATA

TM 5-4220-225-14 SECTION II. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND DATA Paragraph Page 1-7 Equipment Characteristics, Capabilities and Features ............................................... 1-3 1-8 Location and Description of Major Components ........................................................ 1-3 1-9 Equipment Data ........................................................................................................ 1-7 1-10 Safety, Care and Handling ........................................................................................ 1-7 1-7. Equipment Characteristics, Capabilities, and Features. The MK12 SSDS provides the Army with a variety of different diving capabilities using the same helmet. The MK12 SSDS consists of three major assemblies which are, the helmet assembly, the dress assembly, and support equipment. The system is designed to directly interface with existing equipment, which normally includes the diving console and communications station. The MK12 is designed and built with emphasis on the following features: Interchangeability of parts Minimal maintenance time Positive and negative buoyancy control Reduced system weight High degree of diver safety Provision for a swimming capability Reduced helmet and ejector noise Wide field of view Extended life support duration Provision for dry or wet diver envelope Provision for diver weight distribution and selection Reduced possibility of diver blowup High degree of diver mobility High level of diver comfort 1-8. Location and Description of Major Components. (figure 1-2) HELMET ASSEMBLY (1). Provides the diver with air to breathe from the surface. A microphone and speaker allows the diver to communicate with other divers or with support crew above. NECK DAM (2). (Used only when drysuit is not used.) Attaches to the bottom of the helmet and creates a watertight seal against the diver and prevents water from entering the helmet. DRYSUIT (3). Provides protection for the diver when diving in cold water. OUTER GARMENT (4). Provides protection for the drysuit, and helps prevent over inflation of the drysuit. It has several pockets for storing diver weights. JOCKING HARNESS (5). Secures the helmet assembly to the diver, provides an attachment point for the umbilical and serves as a further restraint against over inflation-of the drysuit. UMBILICAL (6). A three line assembly connected between the surface and the diver. It provides communications, air supply, and depth information. DIVER COMMUNICATION (7). A manually controlled communication station allows the tender to speak to one or all of the divers by operating the panel mounted press-to-talk switches. 1-3