Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Re: SONAR

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

----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Cadieux" <compkid15@earthlink.net>
To: <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2001 5:21 AM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Re: SONAR


 SO it would only really be good to check when your
> surfacing to make sure that your not coming up under a boat other then
that
> it would give no reading.

Hi Matt,

Good idea!  While most small subs have good upwards visibility, your sonar
idea would be handy in turbid water.

Tourist subs like the ATLANTIS stay in communication with a surface boat,
announce their intent to surface, blow some bubbles to identify their
position, and get "cleared to surface" by the guys topside before they
ascend.

Working with a support crew makes good sense for smaller subs, too.  In
fact, I won't go down without one.  I've got a HELLEPHONE underwater comm
system in the NAUTILUS now; and that will enable me to talk to the divers
while underwater.  They can always relay to the surface crew.  We've got
pretty clear water here in Hawaii; and the NAUT has pretty good upwards vis;
but one can't be too safe.

We're always looking for ways to make our subs safer, and your idea has a
lot of merit, IMOHO.  And if not a fishfinder, then one of those small sonar
units divers use to find the anchor line would probably work, too, if you
figured out how to mount and operate it.  Thanks for the input.

VBR,

Pat