NTSB CONCEPTION HEARING - THIS TUESDAY @ 10AM

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I mentioned in my post (a few above this) the possibility of using battery-powered alarms. The problem I see with interconnected alarms is a power failure -- for example, if the fire is caused by a wiring problem, the same problem could cause the power to fail. Multiple battery-operated alarms wouldn't have that problem, as long as they were part of the routine maintenance of the boat. Interconnected alarms might work well as long as the boat was fully powered all the time. But, I'm not an electrician, and everything I'm saying here is speculation. I would underline the fact that these battery alarms are **cheap,** so why not?

I'd add that for all the technical talk here (which I think is helpful) I'm happy to see that everyone considers this disaster to be absolutely appalling.
Hardwired smoke detectors can have built in battery backups.
 
I mentioned in my post (a few above this) the possibility of using battery-powered alarms. The problem I see with interconnected alarms is a power failure -- for example, if the fire is caused by a wiring problem, the same problem could cause the power to fail. Multiple battery-operated alarms wouldn't have that problem, as long as they were part of the routine maintenance of the boat. Interconnected alarms might work well as long as the boat was fully powered all the time. But, I'm not an electrician, and everything I'm saying here is speculation. I would underline the fact that these battery alarms are **cheap,** so why not?

I'd add that for all the technical talk here (which I think is helpful) I'm happy to see that everyone considers this disaster to be absolutely appalling.
I believe that interconnected alarms may still be battery powered, but, interconnected by wire or wirelessly.
 
The problem I see with interconnected alarms is a power failure -

The way to go is wireless, first because it's easy, the second is that running new wiring, especially thru watertight bulkheads, may involve hireing a marine architect to design and ok it, and might trigger more unforeseen and expensive upgrades.
 
I mentioned in my post (a few above this) the possibility of using battery-powered alarms. The problem I see with interconnected alarms is a power failure -- for example, if the fire is caused by a wiring problem, the same problem could cause the power to fail. Multiple battery-operated alarms wouldn't have that problem, as long as they were part of the routine maintenance of the boat. Interconnected alarms might work well as long as the boat was fully powered all the time. But, I'm not an electrician, and everything I'm saying here is speculation. I would underline the fact that these battery alarms are **cheap,** so why not?

I'd add that for all the technical talk here (which I think is helpful) I'm happy to see that everyone considers this disaster to be absolutely appalling.
Good idea...

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I believe that interconnected alarms may still be battery powered, but, interconnected by wire or wirelessly.
Mine was wireless.
 
Maybe a board of experienced boat captains would be useful as an official input to dive boat safety. Come up with a detailed list of standards, and have the authority to certify a boat as being in compliance. Kind of like a university program being accredited.
 
Maybe a board of experienced boat captains would be useful as an official input to dive boat safety. Come up with a detailed list of standards, and have the authority to certify a boat as being in compliance. Kind of like a university program being accredited.
Like a safety checklist
 
Maybe a board of experienced boat captains would be useful as an official input to dive boat safety. Come up with a detailed list of standards, and have the authority to certify a boat as being in compliance. Kind of like a university program being accredited.
Like a safety checklist

Like a USCG safety inspection.

It all hinges to what standards a vessel has to comply.
 
Maybe a board of experienced boat captains would be useful as an official input to dive boat safety. Come up with a detailed list of standards, and have the authority to certify a boat as being in compliance. Kind of like a university program being accredited.

It probably would be useful but I kind of doubt it would displace the Coast Guard annual inspections. It might of course supplement them, informally.

Usually the best way to group up in situations like this is to have an Industry group or association, that "speaks with one voice" to the regulators. I know there's the Passenger Vessel Association, but don't know if they're supported by and giving support to, the small boat operators such as dive boats and charter fishing boats. As opposed to just the large passenger vessels like ferries and cruise ships/boats.

Maybe someone in the industry (Wookie?) could shed some light on whether there's a helpful group as opposed to each boat owner having to go it alone.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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