Dive gear onboard

[ean_p]

You're STILL waiting for the lifeboat I guess as you don't seem to have come up with a solution.

Not having a knife in my hand enabled me to pull myself down with both hands using my forearms to keep me ON the hull.

Once in position, as already stated, my natural buoyancy held me in position as I wasn't sawing at a rope.

I then unwound the rope, not easy but we had grabbed neutral as we heard the thud of the buoy on the hull.

What part of the rope only being 3 feet long don't you understand? Er, it was 3 feet long as already stated. I'm guessing someone else had already chopped it with their rope cutter.

Problem with that?




Anyway, over to you, is it a MayDay or a PanPan? How many RIBS and lifeboats would Sir like sent out? Helicopter in case you snag a nail?

sorry Nigel , gotta have one last go.........

tell me was the theme to Mission Impossible playing in your head all the while??...... i'd like to bet you climbed back on board after risking life and limb to the strains of a Bonnie Tyler song, battle scarred and weary, like a real life Lord Flasheart.... only then to take the nearest wench,with adoration in her eyes, and give her a right good seeing too!...... all in a days cruising around the Solent........ of course and then the alarm clock goes off and you wake up in your stripey pajamas..... gee your my kinda guy!

 

[shannon9]

look up hookah systems you moron you might learn something - second thoughts with no brain you are at a distinct disadvantage, synaptic ally challenged cant learn so you are a prime candidate for a Darwin award.

Just noticed the addition to your classic 'I've got 1200 litres which makes 10 litres pointless' post.

Of course you're right. My lack of brainpower and wish for a Darwin Award somehow enabled me to make my boat seaworthy 50 miles off the Portuguese coast in a flat calm, no that's not quite true, a lazy swell is more accurate, which only seemed to be disturbed by the amazing number of fishing boats that no doubt could have run me down, night or day it would seem reading some of the reports.

 

[shannon9]

sorry Nigel , gotta have one last go.........

tell me was the theme to Mission Impossible playing in your head all the while??...... i'd like to bet you climbed back on board after risking life and limb to the strains of a Bonnie Tyler song, battle scarred and weary, like a real life Lord Flasheart.... only then to take the nearest wench,with adoration in her eyes, and give her a right good seeing too!...... all in a days cruising around the Solent........ of course and then the alarm clock goes off and you wake up in your stripey pajamas..... gee your my kinda guy!

Gee, you're STILL waiting for the lifeboat.

 

[shannon9]

Unfortunately I have several experiences of having to go over the back to cut the boat free of pot buoys
A thin (3mm) wetsuit, a 6mm hood, snorkel kit and a serrated blade knife is sufficient for the job, which is in two parts. Cutting the taught line that is tethering the boat, then cutting away the float and as much line as you can from around the prop shaft.
I have also managed to hook some stray net on one occasion, that is a totally different kettle of fish, very difficult to free. I had to admit defeat and get towed into Braye, Alderney. There was no wind and the current was setting me onto the Casquettes!

Steady now, you'll upset people with that common sense approach.

Well done for sorting yourself out.

 

[Sailfree]

After snagging an anchor in Portland harbour on almost first sail in new boat (had to pay professional divers to come out - almost cheaper to buy newanchor!!) on a later occasion I free diving in Braye to help a Dutch boat that was coming v close to us in their attempt to free their snagged anchor "I took the plunge" and bought my own diving gear.

Used it a number of times now but mostly "illegally" in marinas (they want you to pay for their local divers and you need two!) . Worse case was in a calm conditions Xing back to UK from Guernsey on edge of shipping "stream" and night falling. I dived, attached to boat with a rope, and cut off a large piece of fishing net that was wrapped round my then folding prop. Not ideal and prob give any H & S advocate a nightmare but I am stupid and believe that sailors should be self reliant but perhap I am a couple of century's too late!

 

[shannon9]

For heavens sake Sailfree, that's you, me AND Lady being self-sufficient.

Someone here is STILL waiting for rescue but at least he can write a sarcy post

 

[fireball]

For heavens sake Sailfree, that's you, me AND Lady being self-sufficient.

Someone here is STILL waiting for rescue but at least he can write a sarcy post

Jeeze - give it a rest will you? You're not the only person to go under a boat to cut yourself free ..

The point of the camera on a stick is that it could reduce the need to do exactly that. I have a waterproof camera with WiFi feed and I intend to try an inspection using the pole method - I could go for a swim, but I don't fancy getting wet if I don't have too ... Anyway, with a camera & knife strapped to a pole I could have a good go at cutting any debris away - it might not work, but it might ... if it does then I've saved having to get wet, if not then I can put the wetsuit and mask on and go under anyway ...

I'd quite like a scuba kit onboard - but although I've tried it I've not done any courses and don't have any kit - so I'll stick to snorkelling for now.

 

[LadyInBed]

The point of the camera on a stick is that it could reduce the need to do exactly that.

It will certainly give you an indication of the scope of the job.

I have a waterproof camera with WiFi feed and I intend to try an inspection using the pole method

I don't think the wifi will work under water

Anyway, with a camera & knife strapped to a pole I could have a good go at cutting any debris away - it might not work, but it might

I have tried the 'knife on a pole' - It doesn't work, as you can't get the cutting pressure to the blade via the leverage and length of the pole.
You would be better off carrying a long handled garden tree branch lopper.

 

[shannon9]

You're not the only person to go under a boat to cut yourself free .

I've never stated that I am.

I suggested a dive system as requested by the O.P.

This, due to only having 10 litres, was met with disapproval.

An alternative to diving under the boat was suggested. This seemed to involve sawing at a prop whilst still onboard a boat which for anybody with a wide-beamed boat is farcical. You only have to consider the angles involved plus the lack of support for the person sawing.

I clearly detailed how I dealt with a potentially very dangerous situation, no engine, no wind, numerous fishing boats in the vicinity. Why would you think that makes me think I am the only person to ever go over the side?

For what it's worth I once SAW an RNLI craft using a most lethal looking blade on a pole to free a yacht, but the yacht still needed towing.

Good to read that you'd quite like scuba on board.

Be interested to read how you get on with your camera and knife.

Don't fall in, that would be silly.

 

[prv]

I certainly think there's value in a camera on a stick. I have a waterproof camera, with LED lights, on a 5 metre cable. Together with the little 12v screen it cost under £20 on eBay. Can't hurt to have a look at the situation before you jump in, and can check out all kinds of things apart from prop wraps.

As LadyInBed says, though, it won't actually clear your prop. Thoughts of manipulating a tool on the end of a pole from the deck are pure fantasy. So I also have a drysuit, mask and snorkel, and a plastic helmet. I have a weight belt too, though currently it's still loaded up from my diving days (when I was slimmer too!) so at some point I need to go for a swim to check and adjust it for a larger me in just a drysuit. I'm also contemplating a pony bottle and reg, or perhaps a Spare Air (I know divers hate them, but I'm not trying to ascend from depth, just get a few breaths at about 1m down) but its a case of how much do you spend for stuff you hope not to use?

Pete

 

[fireball]

It will certainly give you an indication of the scope of the job.

That is one intention ... like - does the anode need replacing this year/yet ...

I don't think the wifi will work under water

Yer - thought that ... but it's a short range and as I have it already I'll give it a go ... if it doesn't then it's record the vid and view afterwards - but no good in a caught rope/cutting scenario.

I have tried the 'knife on a pole' - It doesn't work, as you can't get the cutting pressure to the blade via the leverage and length of the pole.

Depends on what you're trying to do - if I can get live picture feed then that will be an advantage ... main fear is being caught on a pot line - just want to clear the line. I've got a saildrive with cutters so shouldn't entangle the prop ... not that it won't though!

You would be better off carrying a long handled garden tree branch lopper.

Only if you can see where to put it ...

 

[fireball]

I've never stated that I am.

I suggested a dive system as requested by the O.P.

This, due to only having 10 litres, was met with disapproval.

An alternative to diving under the boat was suggested. This seemed to involve sawing at a prop whilst still onboard a boat which for anybody with a wide-beamed boat is farcical. You only have to consider the angles involved plus the lack of support for the person sawing.

I clearly detailed how I dealt with a potentially very dangerous situation, no engine, no wind, numerous fishing boats in the vicinity. Why would you think that makes me think I am the only person to ever go over the side?

Your ridicule of anyone not wanting to go over the side was what I was "complaining" about ...
For anyone not able to swim or not totally confident in the water then getting in the water around a yacht is bad enough - let alone having to go underneath whilst potentially wielding a blade ...
I'm happy enough in the water, but I'd rather not go under the boat if I can do it a different way ...

For what it's worth I once SAW an RNLI craft using a most lethal looking blade on a pole to free a yacht, but the yacht still needed towing.

Perhaps the gearbox broke ... I've towed a yacht whose gearbox broke ... they hadn't just been caught on a pot line though.

Good to read that you'd quite like scuba on board.

Be interested to read how you get on with your camera and knife.

Don't fall in, that would be silly.

Yes I would - SWMBO and I have talked about it for a few years - but not done any more about it ...
I'll post up how I get on with the camera on a pole - I don't need a knife there - yet! The boat is currently in a murky marina so pointless trying the camera out right now.

I've been in the water loads of times - but I prefer to be dressed for it ...

 

[fireball]

Thoughts of manipulating a tool on the end of a pole from the deck are pure fantasy.

I think the idea is that you use the tender as a platform ... you can't get to the prop from the side of many AWBs with a straight pole ... might be achievable with a bent pole though ... who needs a straight spinny pole anyway ...

 

[Slipstream 34]

Someone on here recommended

http://www.mini-b.com/

Can't see a downside.

We have two of these with 10 litre tanks.... very useful!

 

[shannon9]

FB, nowhere did I ridicule someone for not wanting to go over the side. If that was seen to be implied I apologise.

If ridicule is the right word, I really couldn't and can't see the point of a knife on a pole, camera or not, which from your own admission is impossible to use from the deck!

Absolutely ! using a tender could be the right answer, I'd be very wary of a sharp knife, but if you read the objections, everyone was clearly for staying ON BOARD.

It's clear that some people don't understand basic geometry.

Late ps regarding the yacht being towed ... all the RNLI had achieved is what the skipper could have achieved ... they cut the rope, they couldn't get the rope off the prop.

 

[fastjedi]

To clarify, that's pretty much where my head is at. I have dived under the boat on a number of occasions to free the prop' of weed but its a real pain to do in half a dozen 40 second dives by which time you are going dizzzy from lack of oxygen to the brain.
I'm not sure I would be up to cutting a rope off the prop' or changing an anode using this method. It would be good to know I could sort a go down and stay down for 5 mins to sort a problem without outside assistance.

After snagging an anchor in Portland harbour on almost first sail in new boat then free diving in Braye to help a Dutch boat that was coming v close to us in their attempt to free their snagged anchor "I took the plunge" and bought my own diving gear.

Used it a number of times now but mostly "illegally" in marinas (they want you to pay for their local divers and you need two!) . Worse case was in a calm conditions Xing back to UK from Guernsey on edge of shipping "stream" and night falling. I dived, attached to boat with a rope, and cut off a large piece of fishing net that was wrapped round my then folding prop. Not ideal and prob give any H & S advocate a nightmare but I am stupid and believe that sailors should be self reliant but perhap I am a couple of centary's too late!

 

[fireball]

FB, nowhere did I ridicule someone for not wanting to go over the side. If that was seen to be implied I apologise.

Your consistent replies about waiting for the RNLI to tow them home ... the implication (on a quick read) was that unless you're prepared to go for a swim then you're just RNLI fodder ...

I really couldn't and can't see the point of a knife on a pole, camera or not, which from your own admission is impossible to use from the deck!

Depends where the rope is doesn't it?

Absolutely ! using a tender could be the right answer, I'd be very wary of a sharp knife, but if you read the objections, everyone was clearly for staying ON BOARD.

Onboard WHAT? in the wrong conditions I'd consider a tender a better option than going in ... and if it's really bad then sorry - I'm not doing either ... but if it's really bad that usually means wind and so long as you can cut free then you can sail to somewhere more sheltered ...

It's clear that some people don't understand basic geometry.

I hope you're not implying me in that ...

Late ps regarding the yacht being towed ... all the RNLI had achieved is what the skipper could have achieved ... they cut the rope, they couldn't get the rope off the prop.

I wouldn't expect the RNLI to dive - that's not what they're there for ...
I wouldn't expect a skipper to dive - he may want to, but perhaps the conditions weren't appropriate or he didn't have the ability to do so ...

I know ppl who sail who can't swim or who are very poor swimmers ... expecting them to submerse themselves beneath a yacht is a little optimistic?
At least with a knife on a pole they could have a go ...

Anyway - if it's a pot line and you're caught on the bottom isn't it more sensible to try and get the line to the surface to cut there? Use a weighted line from the bow and walk back till you can haul it up ... Doesn't clear the mess on the prop - but at least if you're a sailboat (and there is wind) you can get yourself out of trouble - if there isn't enough wind then you'll need an anchor!

 

[lenseman]

it will run out of air, you then have to find a dive shop to fill it up, . . . . . .

I have never found an underwater dive shop. I usually have to surface and then go ashore with my kit to be refilled?



.

 

[shannon9]

FB

The poor OP was asking about GOING INTO THE WATER. DIVE GEAR.

I am assuming he is into risk assessment, however the points re PADI training etc were/are 100% valid.

However he wasn't asking about North Sea diving under a boat in poor conditions

Suddenly we drift into, don't go into the water, put a knife on a pole even though if the rope is around the prop (most likely scenario) it can't actually be used to free the prop without getting off the boat. Er.

He asked a simple question

I gave him a simple answer

A Mini B

Easy to carry, easy to fit, recommended by others

You? Stick with your camera and pole and inflating tenders and best of luck.

Me? Rope round hull, wetsuit, mask. If too dangerous, cut the line and feel sorry for the lobsters, and TRY to sail ... if can't or in danger anchor/call coastguard depending on circumstances.

And anticipating the inevitable, the reason I DON'T have a MiniB is that despite trying diving in three different parts of the world no amount of 'clearing' stopped a very tight and painful feeling in my sinuses, even at just the depth of a swimming pool. No idea why.

 

[V1701]

Theoretically a dive shop should ask to see your cert before filling your tank, in practise as long as it's tested they'll fill it. For you a MiniB or a normal set up perhaps with a smaller cylinder would suit, following a refresher course. I have full set on board with 12L tank but usually do most jobs with snorkel gear. This includes scrubbing the whole undersides twice a year. Try Deep Blue for scuba tanks, they were the best value when I bought mine...
http://www.deepbluedive.com/