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Background
In 1972, the United States and Japan met to establish a long-term program of cooperation in applied diving
physiology and technology; diver safety; diving capabilities; medical aspects of diving; and basic hyperbaric physiology science
and technology. The underlying philosophy of the Diving Physiology Panel is to pool resources to facilitate and improve ongoing
diving research programs, develop state-of-the-art technology, and identify future needs.
Types of Exchanges
The Diving Physiology Panel has been responsible for more than 10 collaborative research saturation dives. The scientists have
investigated physiological and medical problems associated with prolonged hyperbaric exposure; the use of various breathing
gear; the development of diving tables; the effects of temperature and cold water immersion; diving equipment development;
diver work capabilities and potentials; and safety as well as operational protocols.
Accomplishments
The panel has conducted joint projects investigating the physiology of ama divers; diving-related illnesses; long-term saturation
research; and the effects of diving in hazardous and polluted waters. To investigate ocean-floor processes, research has been
conducted using deep-diving submersibles and remote-operated vehicles.
The "NOAA Diving Manual" and "Living and Working in the Sea" have been translated into Japanese.
The panel has produced numerous joint publications, which have appeared in peer-reviewed journals worldwide.
Benefits
By sharing facilities and capabilities that are unique to each country, researchers have been able to conduct scientific studies and
develop technologies that otherwise would not have been possible. Results regarding advances in minimizing and handling
diving-related accidents and illnesses, procedures for diving in unique and hazardous environments, extending diver bottom time
and depth, and new diving equipment and technologies have been made available to the United States and Japan, as well as
other countries.
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