I wonder if there's a way to practice an escape under "wet" conditions
(without flooding your sub.) As a diver, I have practiced several emergency
techniques for different scenarios. I always assumed the psubs would carry scuba
gear for all passengers, mask, tank, and belt, as a minimum. The small emergency
bottles divers carry on cave/wreck dives are not sufficient. I've never owned
one because I always thought they give a false sense of security. There's not
much air in those things. Much better to be prepared for emergencies with proper
training, planning, and practice. On dangerous dives, extra full size tanks with
regulators, stationed within reach, is the best method. Naturally then, you'd
want to have the same thing in the sub with you.
As for the accident, a blown window will result in instant pressurization,
and at 200 feet, I'm surprised anyone survived. A very unfortunate
accident, and a good lesson to us all. Frank D.
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