Originally Posted by MightyGem
Seeing there are "underwater emergency breathing apparatus"on sale why don't all passengers carry them.
First read about them on tuna boat flying and someone carried one with him in case he went for an unexpected swim.
Seems they are good for 30 breaths or a couple of minutes.
Why not. They are not that expensive, less than an iPad.
http://www.pose-online.com/index.php...&category_id=3
In Norway all passengers have emergency breathing systems as an intergral part of their transort suits (
3rd picture, 2nd row), and of course have the usage of this system as part of their basic/refresh safety training.
I've been involved in dunker training of both HEMS crews and North Sea pilots and passenger, and also had the pleasure of doing the refresher training for the crew of the
SA365 N1 who crashed in Vågåvatnet, Norway in 2004.
The pilot stated to us and also in the official
AIBN-report that the dunker training had been absolutely crucial for his survival in this situation. HEMS crews and other pilots use HABD or HEED systems, but offshore passengers use a type of re-breather that rules out the complications related to using pressurized air.
When the water is as cold as in the North Sea the extra minutes you gain from these kinds of systems could make a big difference when it comes to escape, and it also will prevent the user from breathing in cold water due to reflex.