Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Re: SCUBA backup for psubs

[VBra676539@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/3/00 8:41:28 PM, VBra676539@aol.com writes:

<< Pat,

No, we never carried separate rigs. Several boats I ran were Lock-Outs, and 
of course had umbilicals and hats and what not. Mighty hand if you get 
tangled up and need to get out and cut some ropes (it happened to me twice 
but we got loose without getting wet). Our working depths were just too 
way-the-hell-and-gone deep compared to psubs to take it into consideration.

George Kittredge favors the military style hood for an escape package. He 
made the first blow and go ascent from an American sub (after WW II) down in, 
I believe, Australia or somewhere. 147 foot free ascent. Pretty good for the 
time. Since then a new style (British originally) has been put in service. 
It's basically a bag over your upper body with a window in it and straps to 
sit in (parachute?). A free ascent was demonstrated in the Med to introduce 
this thing from -- get this -- 600 feet plus!

George never goes in his K600 without one, and I think I'll go that way. You 
get the ascent rate of a ballistic missle and lessen chances of embolism and 
such. I'll have to add that to my list of things to ask George when I talk to 
him next. Where did he get his and what did it cost?

Best Regards,
Vance >>

Update from Captain George re: the Stenke Hood discussed above, they are 
built for the military by Switlik Parachute Company (no other info). George 
says he isn't sure whether or not they will sell to civilians, but it looks 
like a direction to start, at any rate. No info on the diesel boat questions. 
Historically, if I ask him three questions, he gives me one answer. If I ask 
ten .... well, he gives me one answer. I don't want to antagonize him. He is 
having a very rough time at the moment. Will ask again later.
Anyone got search time to spare and want to pursue the Switlik angle?

Best Regards,
Vance