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Discovery Channel Show

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T

tuffcork

New Member
Jun 5, 2008
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Hello there. My name is Chad and I am a producer for a Discovery Channel show called "Smash Lab" we are currently working on an episode called "capsized boat" in which our host are trying to come up with clever ways to escape the boat, this is TV so swimming to the surface is not an option. Two of our engineers are looking to build a collapsible bell diving system that they can deploy, get into and then safely maneuver their way to the surface. This is something that has to be fairly easy to use under water and easy to navigate. I am looking for experts or directions that you guys may have. People that you might know, drawings, ideas, whatever might come to you mind. Thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with. I am in Los Angeles.
 
Welcome to DB, Chad!

Well, I am not sure if this topic really belongs to the science section, but finally there may be some physics or physiology involved, so let's see.

I do not quite get though why swimming to the surface is not an option and why it is not "smart" enough. Finally that's what submarine crews do too (or train for) in emergency. It is true though that it bears some risks (barotrauma, drowning), and may be rather stressful for most people in distress and who never drilled such escape.

Using simple scuba tank or a "Spare Air" type mini tank may be simpler way to get to the surface than using a diving bell. Though just like at the free escape, the persons with scuba tank need to be aware that they must not close their epiglottis! They must either slowly and continuously exhale (if ascending without a regulator) or continuously breathing with holding the breath (if using a regulator).

EDIT: whether a diving bell would be usable depends on many factors - the depth, the type of opening in the boat, etc. Diving bell would be safer and less stressful for passengers with no scuba experience, than a tank with regulator, but I am not quite sure it would be practical, and quick enough or easy to transport and deploy in case of an accident. In contrary scuba tanks are available easily. Escaping from moderate depth by simply swimming to the surface while exhaling gently (to avoid barotrauma) would be possible even without any equipment.
 
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