Underwater radiographic system

A method for making radiographic pictures in an underwater environment, which comprises the steps of:

• a. providing a substantially watertight underwater radiographic device, which device comprises:
• i. a substantially watertight elongated housing, said housing being provided with a lateral, recessed saddle, said housing being attachable to said object at said recessed saddle;
• ii. camera means for irradiating said object with a beam of X-rays, said camera means being encased and rigidly supported within said watertight housing, said camera means positioned at a point in said housing substantially removed from said recessed saddle in the longitudinal direction;
• and
• iii. sensitized film means for making radiographs encased in said housing at the opposite end portion of said housing from said camera means, said film means oriented so that at least a portion of said recessed section is between said radiation means and said film means.
• b. removing water from the radiographic device;
• c. attaching the radiographic device at the recessed saddle to an object to be irradiated;
• and
• d. irradiating the object with a radiation beam from the camera means.