Color Perception Underwater

Abstract

Twelve SCUBA divers were assigned in groups of four to depths of 30, 60, and 90 ft. in the ocean to examine 13 plates of a standard diagnostic color perception test. In clear water, under conditions of low illumination, colors in the full range of the visible spectrum were detectable at 90 ft. In a few instances, low saturation greens and reds were not identified. All colors seemed somewhat faded due to reduced contrast and low illumination.