Homemade Diving Apparatus

Step 6 Operating

Drop the ballast into the water, holding it just under with the rope. Have the diver drop into the water and put on the helmet, taking care to keep it level. Let the rope out, and pump continuously to keep the helmet pressurized. When the helmet begins to descend, the diver will feel a sensation like a rapid descent in an airplane, and the diver's ears might pop. After that, pressure should remain constant. If the water level in the helmet begins to rise, air is escaping faster than the assistant topside is pumping it in. Some air must escape to stop carbon dioxide buildup, But not too much, or the helmet will flood. A system using pulls on the rope to signal distress is probably a good idea. Make sure to observe proper safety precautions.