Live underwater training of divers can be an expensive process, requiring significant setup time, access to specialized equipment and a detailed assessment of the risk factors involved. However providing onshore training of underwater procedures to divers can be challenging, especially where that procedure involves changes in depth. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) has been proposed as a way of improving onshore diving training as it can embody the user in a 3D space. To explore IVR’s suitability in this domain we have developed a proof-of-concept Diving in Immersive Virtual Reality (DIVR) training system for diving teams to practice team-based in-water procedures.
Three significant challenges needed to be addressed when developing this proof of concept. First of these was designing the user control scheme to facilitate navigation of the environment, standard operating procedures and task activities while in IVR. Second of these was getting the right level of visual fidelity, including appropriate viewing distance, dynamic lighting and optical distortions. Finally the system needs to allow for six concurrent users, including five divers using Head Mounted Displays and one exercise control station operated by an instructor. This paper explores our approach to these challenges and the techniques used to address them, along with the initial feedback received from Royal Navy divers.