The maximum descent rate is 60 feet per minute. During descent, the UBA will
automatically compensate for increased water pressure and provide an adequate
volume of gas for breathing. During descent the oxygen partial pressure may
increase as oxygen is added to the breathing mixture as a portion of the diluent.
Depending on rate and depth of descent, the primary display on the MK 16 UBA
may illuminate flashing green. It may take from 2 to 15 minutes to consume the
additional oxygen added by the diluent during descent. While breathing down the
ppO2, the diver should continuously monitor the primary and secondary display
until the ppO2 returns to setpoint level.
