What type of diving is the MK-20 system primarily designed for?

The MK-20 system is primarily designed for surface supplied diving, which involves delivering air or other breathing gas directly from the surface to the diver while they are underwater. This type of system is equipped with a variety of features that ensure the safety and effectiveness of divers as they work at various depths.

Surface supplied diving allows divers to have a continuous supply of breathing gas, which is crucial for longer duration dives and deeper operations, as it reduces the risks associated with traditional scuba diving, where divers rely on self-contained tanks. The MK-20's design includes a helmet and umbilical cable that connects to the surface support system, providing not only gas but also communication lines between the diver and the surface crew.

This makes surface supplied diving, as facilitated by the MK-20 system, particularly favored for professional diving operations such as underwater construction, inspection, and maintenance tasks, where sustained and safe diving operations are essential. Unlike scuba diving, which is limited by the air supply in the tanks and is generally not suited for deep or prolonged activities, the MK-20 caters specifically to the needs of professional divers in environments that require maximum operational capability and safety.