Diving Tools

Inclinometer

The design of this salvage and civil engineering tool has remained unaltered for over 50 years, construction is  very simple and solid. The one on the left  is from 1978 and has a quite detailed back plate whilst the one on the right is from 1989  just has the basic details.

Underwater Writing Pad  

This pad (Fig. 52) is used for different types of note taking underwater and for drawing diagrams.

                                                                    Fig. 52 Underwater diving pad:
                                                                1 – body; 2 – opening; 3 – clip; 4 – handwheels;
                                                                  5 – graphite pencil; 6 – opening (holder) for torch

‘The pad consists of body (1) and two reels with handwheels (4). A celluloid film is wound onto the reels. The outer side of the film is matt. Notes and drawings should be written on this side of the film in opening (2). Graphite pencil (5) should be used, which is impregnated with drying oil. When the handwheels are turned, the film rewinds. ‘

‘The pad is attached to a ring of a diving suit ?K-1 with a clip (3). When water is not clear or it is dark, the pad can be used together with a special underwater torch. There is a special opening (holder) (6) for torch attachment.’

Translated from a Russian diving manual 1962

A very nifty and easy to use bit of kit the only part that reads better than it works is the holding clip for the torch. You would need to ensure that the tension on the clip was sufficient to sit comfortably on the torch head and then make sure that you don’t apply too much pressure when writing (otherwise it drops off the torch head!).

Torch used is the standard hand torch type RPF 55

12 Bolt T-Wrench

I haven't seen a Russian T-wrench for the 12 bolt helmet but I use an American Mk V (on the right) as I've found that the Siebe (on the left for comparison) is not deep enough for the bolts.