Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Ambient Pressure (No Subject)

[VBra676539@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/26/2003 2:00:29 AM Eastern Standard Time, Magoo152@aol.com writes:

> I would like to make a comment on your dive plan.  I think that a sub should 
> never get into a negative buoyancy state.  When it starts to descend it gains 
> speed.  To compensate, you have to become quit a bit positive buoyant in 
> order to stop the decent.  Then you fight the accent.  Set your buoyancy a 
> slight bit positive and fly the sub with your motors.  It is amazing how fast 
> you get overwhelmed when trying to compensate with valving.
> Dave


While agreeing in principle, I have to tell you that in the REAL world (wherever that is!!!!) we dove negative as a matter of policy. It depends on what you are doing. If your depth is known, and you have some idea of what the conditions are like (returning to a job site, for instance) then the deal is--get off the surface quick and get to work. You ain't making any money hanging around in mid-water burning electrons and running the risk of flooding another vertical thruster. In very shallow water (<100' maybe) then you are probably correct, but if you are punching down in the hundreds of feet, then you need to get on with it.
Vance