The Mark V Diving Helmet: The Workhorse by Filson
Located in Seattle, WA, the Divers Institute of Technology (DIT) was founded in 1968 and is one of the premier commercial diving schools in the world. Learn more about the school and its rigorous training program on The Filson Journal here: https://fal.cn/3vFoP
The Mark V diving helmet is the stuff of legends. A slight glimpse of its bulbous spun copper dome, dominated by four large brass and glass viewports, instantly transports people to another realm.
Created for the United States Navy as part of the Mark V diving rig, it first went into service in 1916. Designed to withstand the stresses of deep sea and salvage diving, it allowed divers to go deeper than ever before. It heralded a new phase in ocean diving, whose effects are still felt today.
While the entire rubberized canvas suit with its massive lead-soled boots and eighty-four-pound weight belt encircling the waist is an impressive sight. It’s the otherworldly helmet perched atop an enormous breastplate studded with lockdown bolts that draw the eye. Weighing in at fifty-five pounds, the helmet provided divers with fresh air, and the all-important comms link to the surface through the numerous umbilical lines attached to the rear of the hat.
When the diver had the helmet lowered over his head, he knew that it was time to get to work. Once their assistant screwed the helmet a quarter turn into twisted its locking groove, the outer world disappeared. Looking out the metal-wrapped porthole directly in front of their face, they knew that it was up to their skills and level head to get the job done down low.
When the US Navy went to war, the Mark V became a vital part of their arsenal. In both 1917-18 and 1941-45, the suit saw considerable increases in production and use across the globe. While it is still used today by many commercial diving companies, it was phased out by the US Navy in the early 1980s in favor of the Mark 12 Surface Supported Diving System. While the new rig is impressive, it is doubtful it will ever achieve the mythical status that the Mark V has attached to it.
The Filson Journal here
https://www.filson.com/blog/profiles/heading-into-the-deep-divers-institute-of-technology/
