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Discussion of diving methods and equipment available prior to the development of BCDs beyond the horse collar. This forum is dedicated to the pre-1970 diving.
BigSwell
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Cousteau Britannic

Wed Aug 28, 2019 4:32 pm

While watching the Cousteau Odyssey collection, I've noticed that the deep divers (down to 370FSW where diving with 3 tanks of heliox and each had what looks like white balloons attached to the manifold. I wonder if anyone on this board knows the reason for these. The support crew (down to the bell @180FSW) didn't have these.

Today, the requirements to dive the Britannic are far different than they were back in the 70's when Cousteau discovered the wreck's location. It is well worth the time to watch the Cousteau Odyssey program if you can get a copy of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-ShLUtrj2s
Cousteau Britannic.jpg
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Bryan
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Re: Cousteau Britannic

Wed Aug 28, 2019 5:12 pm

I'm not sure but bet the reason is interesting knowing JYC

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simonbeans
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Re: Cousteau Britannic

Wed Aug 28, 2019 5:22 pm

Buoyancy of cylinders, etc at the depth.
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ScubaLawyer
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Re: Cousteau Britannic

Wed Aug 28, 2019 5:31 pm

simonbeans wrote:
Wed Aug 28, 2019 5:22 pm
Buoyancy of cylinders, etc at the depth.
That was my guess too. Those suckers have to be heavy.
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BigSwell
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Re: Cousteau Britannic

Wed Aug 28, 2019 7:44 pm

Thanks for the replies, I was wondering if that was some sorta Res Q Pak type device or a visual aid for other divers due to the lack of bright light at depth.

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SurfLung
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Re: Cousteau Britannic

Thu Aug 29, 2019 10:53 am

Mysteries...
- In the video, Cousteau wears a red stocking cap when diving at over 300 feet depths? I also see them diving with no gloves on. Wouldn't depths over 300 feet be awfully cold?
SurfLung
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captain
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Re: Cousteau Britannic

Thu Aug 29, 2019 11:21 am

Tough old French bird.
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BigSwell
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Re: Cousteau Britannic

Thu Aug 29, 2019 6:48 pm

This is how it's dun2day, sans deco bell and the Calypso support team.
https://www.paralenz.com/2018/09/wreck- ... britannic/

Drysuit, CCR running heliox (setpoint probably at 1.0), high-power scooter, two 80cft bailout tanks PER diver, staged deco on the line, 100% O2 @ 20fsw, and a LOT of planning and work-up dives. Not yer jump in the pool with a set of twins and slipper flipper fins kinda dive.

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