<title>A Computer Model For Underwater Camera Systems</title>

A computer model is presented which allows the image components of an underwater camera system to be computed. Input parameters to the model are system geometry, source properties, and water optical properties. Output products are the irradiances due to non scattered object light, scattered object light and backscattered light. From these basic quantities other useful parameters such as contrast transmittances and signal to noise ratio can be calculated over the entire field of view of the camera. Sample calculations are presented.