Emergency Breathing Systems
Hi Drew
I'm working at the Norwegian Sea Pilot Ops that CharlieDontSurf mentioned.
We are using the HABD II for the crew. The compressed air bottle is sitting in a pouch on the back/side of the life vest. The mouth piece is connected to a hose running over the right shoulder and is easily found and established using one hand.
The pilot monitoring and the crew in the back may very well establish the HABD before ditching is so wished.
Contrary to previous post, there's no turning or removing from pocket needed - so no risk of loosing it. As with a standard scuba system, you can even purge your mouth piece before using it ( to get rid of water in the system)
The life vest seemed a bit heavy with the new gear installed, but it only took a few trips to get used to the extra weight.
I've used the system on several occasions during HUET and find it excellent. The fact that you have time to think, before unstrapping snd leaving your station when submerged, is bound to largely better your odds.
The downside is, that using the system requires training or you will most probably do some serious damage to your lungs if using it.
Good luck with your project!
Rgds