Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] PSUB Fatalities...

["Captain Nemo" <vulcania@interpac.net>]

Gabriel,

In almost 40 years of diving, I've used a lift bag or two.  When they don't
fail, they do take time to inflate; during which I like to breathe.  SCUBA
enables me to do this.

A two ton sub could need a 62.5 cubic foot bag to float neutral at the
surface; that same bag requires 125 cubic feet of air at a 33-foot depth;
187.5 at 66; 250 at 99; and so forth.  I can't hold my breath as long as it
will take to transfer that much air into the bag, arrest the descent, return
to the surface, exit the hull, and get back up to where I can breathe, so
I'll take SCUBA.

I realize the forces I'll encounter if a window breaks will be extreme, and
I won't be able to exit against the incoming water pressure.  But  if the
stricken subs rate of descent exceeds a lift-devices rate of inflation,
she's going to the bottom, bag or no bag.  In any event, I'd choose being
able to breathe over not having that option.

And if, say,  the boat gets a slow leak that causes us to go negatively
buoyant; or the ballast system fails and the sub bottoms out with the
pressure hull intact; I'm going to need to open the flood valves, equalize
pressure,  and escape.  That's going to take time; and then there's the swim
to the surface.  Again, I'll take SCUBA.

With further consideration, I can visualize several other instances where
onboard SCUBA might be vital, and none where it would be undesirable.
Therefore, I don't see any reason not to carry it.

Personally, I apply the same logic to diving and submarines that I used
while skydiving and flying; I never tell myself I'm "safe".  I always expect
the worst.  When seconds count, that preparedness decreases reaction time;
and the availability of survival equipment can mean the difference between
life or death.  I wouldn't climb into an experimental aircraft without a
parachute, or make a jump without a reserve; or dive without a "safe second"
on my rig and a buddy beside me.   By the same token, I won't operate a
homebuilt submarine without SCUBA onboard.

In the interest of safety, we restrict the operation of our experimental
homebuilt submarine to sites where maximum depth does not exceed
recreational diving limits; we always have support divers in the water;
emergency plans in readiness; and we carry SCUBA for all those instances
where doing so might save lives.

I've gone down in professionally built submarines without SCUBA, but the
engineering and construction of those boats is up to a standard that most
homebuilts do not approach.  It's the difference between a 747 and a
SONNERAI: I don't wear a parachute on an airliner, either; but we're talking
about two entirely different levels of risk when we compare commercial
vehicles to experimental homebuilts.

I respect everyone elses right to live their lives, and operate their own
homebuilt submarines in the manner they feel safest with.  But personally,
if there isn't SCUBA aboard their homebuilt sub, I wouldn't want to be their
passenger.

Very best regards,

Pat Regan
vulcania@interpac.net