The safe use by divers of a high current pulse generator in studies of the behaviour of marine fish in electric fields

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Abstract
Experiments on the response of marine species to electric fields are more likely to give accurate information if the experiments are conducted on animals in their natural environment. The principal difficulty in conducting such experiments is that high energy current pulses must be used, so that there is a risk of human observers experiencing dangerous or even fatal electric shocks. The effects of electric currents on humans are reviewed. Apparatus and experimental procedures which have been used satisfactorily by divers to conduct underwater experiments with electric fields are described. Divers in neoprene wet suits were able to approach to within 1 m of energised electrodes, at 70 V potential difference, spaced 1 m apart, without experiencing electric shock. The safest position from which to observe an electrode array on the sea bed is from the side, in line with the electrodes. If conditions require observation from above, the diver should be positively buoyant and not approach closer than 1 ½ times the electrode spacing.

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