JIM suit

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JIM suit

Manufacturer	Oceaneering International

The JIM suit is an atmospheric diving suit (ADS) designed to protect a diver from the external pressure of deep-sea environments. Named after the diver Jim Jarrett, the suit was first introduced in 1971 by the British company Oceaneering International. The JIM suit allows divers to operate at depths of up to 1,500 feet (457 meters) while maintaining surface pressure inside the suit.

Design and Features

The JIM suit is constructed from cast magnesium alloy, which provides a strong yet lightweight structure. The suit is equipped with articulated joints that allow for a range of motion, enabling the diver to perform various tasks underwater. The suit's design includes a life support system that supplies the diver with breathing gas and removes carbon dioxide.

The suit's helmet is fitted with a communication system, allowing the diver to maintain contact with the surface team. The JIM suit also features thrusters for maneuverability, which can be controlled by the diver.

History

The development of the JIM suit began in the late 1960s, with the first prototype being tested in 1971. The suit was named after Jim Jarrett, a diver who contributed to its development. The JIM suit was used extensively in the 1970s and 1980s for various underwater operations, including oil and gas exploration, salvage, and scientific research.

Applications

The JIM suit has been used in a variety of underwater environments, including the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mediterranean Sea. Its ability to maintain surface pressure allows divers to work at great depths without the need for decompression stops, significantly reducing the risk of decompression sickness.

Legacy

The JIM suit paved the way for the development of more advanced atmospheric diving suits, such as the Newtsuit and the Exosuit. These modern suits continue to build on the principles established by the JIM suit, offering improved mobility, life support systems, and depth capabilities.

See also

• Atmospheric diving suit
• Newtsuit
• Exosuit
• Deep-sea diving
• Decompression sickness
• Oceaneering International

Related pages

• Diving equipment
• Underwater exploration
• Oil and gas industry
• Salvage
• Scientific research