My primary comms unit flooded on a bridge inspection job in Tampa

It happened two weeks ago under the Gandy Bridge. I was at about 60 feet, checking a piling, and my voice just cut out. I felt the unit on my helmet get heavy, then dead silent. The surface tender said I sounded like I was gargling marbles before I went quiet. Everyone swears by the full-face masks with the built-in systems, but I've always found them clunky and overpriced. I had to switch to my backup handset, which is a pain to use with thick gloves, and finish the sweep one-handed. The job took an extra hour because I had to keep signaling up for checks. I'm not buying another $3,000 integrated unit. Has anyone had good luck with a more basic, reliable hardwire comms setup they actually trust?

2 comments

2 Comments

derekjackson1mo ago

After my own unit flooded, I switched to a basic hardwire system from Diver's Supply and it's been solid for years.

casey1451mo ago

Man, @derekjackson, that's exactly it. I see this all the time with tools and gear. People get burned by some fancy, over-complicated gadget that breaks, then go back to a simple, well-made version that just works forever. Your hardwire system story is the perfect example.