2007, Piran, Slovenia

Diving Physiology
A library of images of mine-like objects was constructed with input from MCM
divers. The objects did not represent actual mines, but were designed to have levels
of detail and features similar to typical mines. Each image contained three levels of
detail: 1 - basic (size and shape of the object); 2 - intermediate (physical attachments -
fin, lifting bracket, bolt pattern etc.); and 3 - high (alpha-numeric strings, symbols and
lines). Images were reproduced in light orange colour on a black background (figure
1) with markings and alpha-numeric details in black. The size of each image varied,
but was approximately 200 by 120 mm.
Figure 1: Example of mine like object to be viewed by divers.
Each subject completed the experiment on 6 occasions (2 environments by 3 recall
times) that followed the same experimental protocol. In each condition the diver was
shown a two dimensional image of a mine-like object. The diver was then asked to
recall the information at one of three specified time intervals: immediate, 5 minutes
and 2 hours; and to describe the object in as much detail as possible. Questions used
to cue the diver about each mine-like object were simple and were related directly to
the image that the diver viewed.
The experimental measures were designed to evaluate the amount and type of
information that the diver was able to recall about the image that was viewed. The
divers were scored on their responses. Score was based on the number of features that
the diver was able to recall (verbally) compared to the total number of definable
features.
The effects of diving, elapsed time and type of information (level of detail) on
information recall were analysed using a two (environment) by three (time) by three
(detail) factorial design with repeated measures. Data were tested for significant
differences at the p