Task performance under water. An evaluation of manual dexterity efficiency in the open ocean underwater environment

The present review examines studies which have reported on the performance of submerged operators on manual dexterity tasks in the practical arena of the open ocean underwater environment. The previous emphasis on the primacy of the factor situational anxiety, in degrading efficiency, is questioned. The case for environmentally-based factors and performer skill level as potent influences on performance is advanced. In postulating a potential linear relationship between depth of operation and performance decrement for air-breathing divers, the review seeks to stimulate further experimental examination of this important applied issue.