Uploaded June 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The US Navy Mk. V Dive Helmet is one of the most iconic diving helmets in the world.
The helmet has four view ports with a hinged faceplate. This prevented the user from dropping it overboard by accident. The helmet is in two pieces: the helmet itself (bonnet) and the breastplate.
The two eyelets on the breastplate were used to attach a lifeline and an air hose with a lanyard. The air hose connected to the back of the helmet on the right side.
The left attachment was for a communication line that was connected to the phone box inside the helmet.
The small knob on the left is used to adjust the exhaust valve, increasing or decreasing buoyancy.
The Mk. V weighs about 68 pounds. With all the equipment on, the diver wore a total of 190 pounds.
The Miller Dunn Company began selling shallow water diving helms in 1916, and Style 3 was first seen in 1940.
The helmet has several advanced features. An air deflector forced air onto the front window to keep fogging to a minimum.
The large top part allowed the driver to tilt his head all the was back with ease. The position of the air inlet on the helmet allowed the formation of a safety chamber, should the air cord be damaged or loosened.
There are square holes in the front and back to attach weights, which aids submersion.
The helmet is made of copper, and it weighs 65 pounds when the weights are added. The diver had the helmet lowered onto him while in the water.
Visit the USS KIDD Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to see more artifacts like this.
Photographs courtesy of Naval Heritage Command
Music from #Uppbeat
uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/badass-blues
License code: I7LXBAUGLJXFBNHQ
The US Navy Mk. V Dive Helmet is one of the most iconic diving helmets in the world.
The helmet has four view ports with a hinged faceplate. This prevented the user from dropping it overboard by accident. The helmet is in two pieces: the helmet itself (bonnet) and the breastplate.
The two eyelets on the breastplate were used to attach a lifeline and an air hose with a lanyard. The air hose connected to the back of the helmet on the right side.
The left attachment was for a communication line that was connected to the phone box inside the helmet.
The small knob on the left is used to adjust the exhaust valve, increasing or decreasing buoyancy.
The Mk. V weighs about 68 pounds. With all the equipment on, the diver wore a total of 190 pounds.
The Miller Dunn Company began selling shallow water diving helms in 1916, and Style 3 was first seen in 1940.
The helmet has several advanced features. An air deflector forced air onto the front window to keep fogging to a minimum.
The large top part allowed the driver to tilt his head all the was back with ease. The position of the air inlet on the helmet allowed the formation of a safety chamber, should the air cord be damaged or loosened.
There are square holes in the front and back to attach weights, which aids submersion.
The helmet is made of copper, and it weighs 65 pounds when the weights are added. The diver had the helmet lowered onto him while in the water.
Visit the USS KIDD Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to see more artifacts like this.
Photographs courtesy of Naval Heritage Command
Music from #Uppbeat
uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/badass-blues
License code: I7LXBAUGLJXFBNHQ
