SeaJay
Contributor
Okay, y'all... I'm ready for Phase I of my World Record attempt. I told y'all that I'd keep you posted, so here goes:
For those of you new or not familiar, the World Record Attempt will be to break the "Longest SCUBA Submergence - Controlled Environment." The current record is just under nine days; that is, no part of the diver or the diver's rig broke the surface - any surface (not even of a habitat) for almost nine straight days.
My approach thus far has involved a tremendous amount of research... And much preparation. I have spoken to several experts in the field of hyperbaric medicine, and those involved with long-term submergence victims (read: shipwreck victims). I am more convinced now than ever that I can break this record.
There's lots to discuss... And some problems that still need to be solved. The "real dive" (Phase 5) will involve a wet dive in a controlled, salt water environment set with an unusually high temperature. The water will be of a very specific salt solution to help prevent my skin from becoming superhydrated. There will also be a facility for the removal of human waste, a feed station in the facility, and even entertainment items (computer, TV, video) that will help prevent insanity through boredom.
Phase I (this phase) will involve a single 24-hour dive on air. This is to do some underwater testing; how my body reacts to the stress and how to properly prepare for the dive. I have some of the necessary facilities, but I am still open to whatever people here are willing to donate to the cause.
1. I'm looking for a facility that I can use... Your standard 8 or 12 foot deep pool would be ideal. The water would have to be changed prior to the event, and the solution which will be mixed in it would include salt... To the effect of a situation similar to seawater (35 ppt). While this would not hurt most pool facilities, it should not be left like that; it will need to be drained and replaced with freshwater soon thereafter. The water should be otherwise free of "shock" or chlorine. Again, this would require a fresh fill before, and a fresh fill after the dive. The facility would also need to be heated; ultimately, the water should be around 95 degrees F, but close to that would be a fine option. Under no circumstances should the water temperature be less than 85*. The facilities for this phase will not require any special waste removal facilities or any sort of weird "entertainment" facilities.
2. At this point, I have a LDS that is willing to donate 24 AL80 tanks to the cause at a reduced rate... But I still would like to see them donated at no charge if someone has the facilities. (Yes I can offer local sponsorship advertising.) I'll probably only use 15 or 20 during the dive, but there will be surface support using additional tanks... To keep things simple, my plans are based on 24 tanks. Doubles would be nice, but are not necessary.
3. We need another four complete reg setups; These should be functional and problem-free.
4. I need a pair of full face masks; EXO masks would be the ultimate, but I'd be fine with a pair of AGA masks as well. Mostly, these will be used for sleeping (I could go 24 hours without sleeping, but the point of this dive is the exercise, and a pair of FFM's should be used for accuracy.)
5. I am looking for a couple of local volunteers. I have many who have expressed interest, and for that I thank you... You know who you are! I will happily use any help that anyone can offer, but remember that I have no idea where this event is going to happen yet (depends on the facility). Thus, "volunteer local" divers (must have certification) would be required.
Thanks, y'all... Please let me know whatever you can offer.
For those of you new or not familiar, the World Record Attempt will be to break the "Longest SCUBA Submergence - Controlled Environment." The current record is just under nine days; that is, no part of the diver or the diver's rig broke the surface - any surface (not even of a habitat) for almost nine straight days.
My approach thus far has involved a tremendous amount of research... And much preparation. I have spoken to several experts in the field of hyperbaric medicine, and those involved with long-term submergence victims (read: shipwreck victims). I am more convinced now than ever that I can break this record.
There's lots to discuss... And some problems that still need to be solved. The "real dive" (Phase 5) will involve a wet dive in a controlled, salt water environment set with an unusually high temperature. The water will be of a very specific salt solution to help prevent my skin from becoming superhydrated. There will also be a facility for the removal of human waste, a feed station in the facility, and even entertainment items (computer, TV, video) that will help prevent insanity through boredom.
Phase I (this phase) will involve a single 24-hour dive on air. This is to do some underwater testing; how my body reacts to the stress and how to properly prepare for the dive. I have some of the necessary facilities, but I am still open to whatever people here are willing to donate to the cause.
1. I'm looking for a facility that I can use... Your standard 8 or 12 foot deep pool would be ideal. The water would have to be changed prior to the event, and the solution which will be mixed in it would include salt... To the effect of a situation similar to seawater (35 ppt). While this would not hurt most pool facilities, it should not be left like that; it will need to be drained and replaced with freshwater soon thereafter. The water should be otherwise free of "shock" or chlorine. Again, this would require a fresh fill before, and a fresh fill after the dive. The facility would also need to be heated; ultimately, the water should be around 95 degrees F, but close to that would be a fine option. Under no circumstances should the water temperature be less than 85*. The facilities for this phase will not require any special waste removal facilities or any sort of weird "entertainment" facilities.
2. At this point, I have a LDS that is willing to donate 24 AL80 tanks to the cause at a reduced rate... But I still would like to see them donated at no charge if someone has the facilities. (Yes I can offer local sponsorship advertising.) I'll probably only use 15 or 20 during the dive, but there will be surface support using additional tanks... To keep things simple, my plans are based on 24 tanks. Doubles would be nice, but are not necessary.
3. We need another four complete reg setups; These should be functional and problem-free.
4. I need a pair of full face masks; EXO masks would be the ultimate, but I'd be fine with a pair of AGA masks as well. Mostly, these will be used for sleeping (I could go 24 hours without sleeping, but the point of this dive is the exercise, and a pair of FFM's should be used for accuracy.)
5. I am looking for a couple of local volunteers. I have many who have expressed interest, and for that I thank you... You know who you are! I will happily use any help that anyone can offer, but remember that I have no idea where this event is going to happen yet (depends on the facility). Thus, "volunteer local" divers (must have certification) would be required.
Thanks, y'all... Please let me know whatever you can offer.
