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Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Escape from a K250 at 200 ft



Life support is paramount, and we should be thinking about ways to drop thrusters, as the most obvious scenario is entanglement in a thruster prop.



-----Original Message-----
From: jimtoddpsub@aol.com
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Sent: Tue, Aug 24, 2010 9:52 am
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Escape from a K250 at 200 ft

It seems that the "flood and escape" scenario presumes that the sub is in a stable position that won't be altered by sacrificing the bouyancy provided by the air in the hull. Might be feasible if sitting on a level bottom but not if caught in rigging above a wreck, etc.

If the hull is already leaking or some other circumstance is compelling evacuation, then go for it. Otherwise I'd put my efforts into equipping the sub to increase survival time.

Jim T
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

From: ShellyDalg@aol.com
Sender: owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:28:44 EDT
To: <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
ReplyTo: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Escape from a K250 at 200 ft

We've had some discussions on "escape" before and I think it was pointed out that to flood the sub quickly the risk of breaking your ear drums was very likely. If you wait too long to fill the sub slowly your chances of survival decreased so it was a trade-off.
Flooding a sub is just plain SCARY !!!
It's dark, cold, very high pressure, in an enclosed space with limited egress, and a long way to the top IF you manage to get out.
Jay did a bit of study on the subject and gave a presentation on the risks involved. Anyway you look at it, it's dangerous and your chances of survival are not good. The second one out has little chance of survival.
Phil's procedure was designed for a sub where your head stays inside the bubble. That seems like a good approach to me.
If a builder was contemplating the escape scenario, I think it might be a good idea to design the hatch area with a little extra room.
If you start with imagining just how the whole procedure would be carried out, a method of procedure ( M.O.P. ) could be developed, and then trained for. 
Good dive lights inside would be essential. Scuba tanks with regulators. I'm using the skinny 40 cu. ft. ones that can fit through the hatch on your chest, and "horse collar" buoyancy vests with inflators. These lay flat against your body before inflation, and hold your face above the surface if you're unconsious.
A valve to release the last bit of air would help if you have a metal hatch. Phil's use of a "break-away"
dome hatch sounds good.
Just some random thoughts.
Frank D.