Re: Unmanned test dives, a safty question

[shawl@torchlake.com (Jonathan Shawl)]

Alan Long wrote:

> Jon, Silly question but, just exactly how close were the divers to the sub as
> it
> went down ?

No, not silly. I'm glad you brought it up.I thought they were too close! I was
not on the dive and didn't know how close the divers were till I saw the video
later.What worried me most was when I saw they went KLUNK into the view port
with the video camera. Yikes, not a good idea!

> What is a safe distance if at all.  If the sub gives... BIG BADA BOOM !!!
> Safty first !!!

That is one I can't answer for sure. But I would say far enough that you
wouldn't get sucked in. Besides, someone else said it was more like thoomp.
;-)Yes, Safety first !!!

> Jonathan Shawl wrote:
>
> > EdwMullin@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > > How does someone dive their submersible, unmanned, for testing purposes?
> >
> > I think a barge with a crane is the best way .  I tied on a 1/2 nylon line
> > and added extra weights to replace me. Then with divers and a video camera
> > (optional), we lowered it down to 140' (the bottom). Then the divers put a
> > little air in the ballast tanks and it surfaced.
> > SAFETY NOTE: Remember it will fall fast if it implodes on the way down, so
> > don't get yourself or the boat tangled to the line! This line was to mark
> > the sub's location if it failed.
> > Jon Shawl