What aspect of a diver's health does the MK-20 aim to support while they are underwater?

The MK-20 system is designed primarily to support the diver's respiratory function while underwater. It achieves this through a supply of breathable gas from the surface, which is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygen levels and removing carbon dioxide as divers engage in underwater tasks. Ensuring that a diver's respiratory function is supported helps to prevent potential issues related to hypoxia or hypercapnia, which can occur if the breathing air is not adequately regulated.

While factors such as thermal stability, physical strength, and psychological resilience are important for overall diver performance, they are not the primary focus of the MK-20 system. Instead, the system emphasizes providing a reliable and safe breathing environment, allowing the diver to effectively perform their duties without compromising their health due to inadequate respiratory support. This focus on respiratory function is essential to the safety and well-being of divers operating underwater.