WILSON MONITORING PROJECT

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I wasn't challenging his intelligence, I question his maritime skills and his profession actually weakens his case. Radio procedures are strictly enforced in the flight deck for this reason. Seeing his did not work and/or the second party not responding should have triggered a risk assessment and the obvious mitigation plan to leave the area or establish proper communication before approaching other craft.

It's unfortunate his radio did not work but equipment failure does not absolve the captains responsibility to make his intentions known to other craft in the area. The preservation being the 'stand on' craft had every right to hold it's ground as law requires stand on craft to do. The Zodiacs failure to announce it's intentions is all that matters.



The story I was told indicated the zodiac crew saw many (they thought all) divers on board the Preservation. It appeared the Pres was on the stearn so the zodiac crew maneuvered to the bow and then carefully tried to anchor there.


This guy (Wags) is far from unwise. He's a Captain for a regional airline with over 6000 hours. He has gone to great lengths to ensure safe diving. He has installed a permanent radio in a 14' zodiac (who does that?).  He also usually carries emergency O2, an ELT/personal locater beacon and a handheld marine radio (not present on this trip apparently).
They thought the radio was working but sounds like low battery voltage to me (weak/unreadable reported by the Pres crew).

It might have helped if the Pres crew had announced over their loudspeaker directions and suggestions and more relevant info knowing radio comms were not effective rather than reciting the state statutes.


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