This Hydrospace Information Report (HIR) identifies the general environmental considerations for the design, development, evaluation, and testing of advanced surface craft, submersible vehicles, and other marine craft. This HIR provides criteria on the environmental limits within which marine vehicles, related components, and associated equipment should operate satisfactorily and reliably.

This HIR is intended for use as a guide for the development of specific environmental requirements to be included in detailed specifications for marine vehicles and associated equipment. Specific requirements are in a state of continual change as our knowledge of the ocean environment increases. The ocean environment varies with location and time. Changes in the ocean environment can occur not only on a seasonal basis but also monthly, weekly, daily, and in some cases even hourly.