[PSUBS-MAILIST] RFC - Radio communications for submersible dive operations

["Jon Wallace" <jon@psubs.org>]

Hello psubbers,

Below is an RFC regarding a new guideline to require Marine Band (VHF)
radios in submersibles during dive operations, particularly those involving
PSUBS.ORG.  We would like your input.  Hopefully the text will format
correctly as part of the email and won't require attachment as a file.

Thanks,
Jon


AUTHOR:         Jon Wallace
ORGANIZATION:   PSUBS.ORG
SUBJECT:        Radio Equipment for Submersible Dive Operations
RFC ID:         PSUBS-RFC-20070001
Reply-To:       personal_submersibles@psubs.org

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*** REQUEST FOR COMMENT ***
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1. Purpose.
To standardize the radio equipment to be used for communication between
support personnel and submersible pilots while the submersible is in
water, but surfaced.

2. Introduction.
Surface communication with submersibles is an important safety element
that helps both the sub-pilot and ship/shore support personnel coordinate
pre-dive and post-dive activities.  This is particularly true in cases
where multiple submersibles are within close quarters of each other and
participating in an organized event such as the PSUBS convention.  The
2006 and 2007 PSUBS conventions hosted dive operations with multiple
submersibles of varying types and capabilities.  Managing these events
in the interests of safety proved to be difficult due to differences in
equipment, and in some cases, no communication equipment at all.  It is
to the benefit of everyone involved if a standardized means of
communication can be implemented for future events.

3. Proposal.
 A) Marine Band (VHF) radios shall be the standard radio device used for
    communications when a submersible is surfaced upon any body of water.
 B) As part of the pre-dive planning, the specific channel used for
    communications shall be determined and agreed upon by all parties.
 C) Use of such radios shall be in accordance with laws and regulations
    within the jurisdiction of the dive site.

4. Justification.
 A) Marine Band (VHF) radios are reasonably priced units that are accepted
    as standard equipment on most surface vessels throughout the world.
 B) Marine Band (VHF) radios include frequencies that allow access to
    weather reports.  This can be important information for diving
    operations.
 C) Marine Band (VHF) radios include a specific emergency channel (16)
    that is monitored by all seagoing traffic not involved in any
    ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communication, and the US Coast Guard
    within the United States coastal waters.
 D) Marine Band (VHF) radios are available as either base units or hand-held
    units which allows sub-owners flexibility when incorporating the radio
    into their existing submersible or designing their submersible.
 E) Marine Band (VHF) radios can be operated directly off of internal power
    within the submersible, or from independent batteries or internal power
    in the case of hand-held units.
 F) Marine Band (VHF) radios have transmission power that exceeds most
    other non-license type communication devices, thereby fostering clear
    communications.

5. Requirements.
   None.

6. Dependencies.
   None.

7. Enforcement.
This is a voluntary safety standard.  However, if this standard is adopted
by PSUBS.ORG, submersible owners/pilots who do not have the capability to
perform surface communication via FCC approved Marine Band (VHF)
frequencies will not be allowed to dive at PSUBS.ORG sponsored events.
Those submersibles that do not meet this communication criteria are still
encouraged to attend and participate in the static display portion of the
event.

8. Comment Deadline.
Comments will no longer be accepted 45 days after the first posting of this
proposal.

9. Comment Evaluation.
All comments will be evaluated for potential inclusion in the standard
within 30 days after the comment deadline.




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