Angelonawire/ JerryG
I would not argue for one minute that SAR divers have their place. Yes in an ideal world with unlimited budgets SAR divers would be the gold plated answer. However, practically speaking budgets, be it military, coastguard or BP will have budget holders with accountablity and thus money will be spent thriftilly. I still stand by what I have said there is no rescue where a fatality has occured due to non carriage of a SAR diver that I am aware of. Yes I undersatnd sinking vessels with people trapped inside could benefit but here in the Northern North Sea they do not happen. My only caveat to this is SAR standby for "offshore deck transfers" where I can see a place for a Diver. Sorry Angel it would be a significant extra cost to the budget. I guess NHS budget holders face the same problems of who to treat with the available money.
Happiness is a storm force night hover!
Tuck.