Helicopter/pool/upside down - less than fun

[mr x]

Man, just did the upside helicopter escape program. Tell me I'm not crazy. Please.

[mthibodeau]

I always wanted to do that, but when I did my offshore survival training my company cheaper out and only sent me on the three day one, as we didn't have any boats with a helipad.

I thought it looked fun

[chalmers]

Sounds like fun to me! I already stick my head where it shouldn't be, and try to breathe, on a regular basis with scuba diving, so I'd like to think I wouldn't freak out.

[mr x]

It was OK, but unnerving. I did get out 4 times in a row just holding my breath.

I actually had more trouble with using the small emerg air bottle. They strap you in a chair and turn it upside down and you need to get the mouthpiece in/purged and operating. Had to do that 4 times to get it right. Need some serious work on my underwater breathing technique lolol.

[chalmers]

If this was your first time using an evac bottle, then I don't blame you. And if you're starting with a mouth full of water, and need to breathe in, it is slightly terrifying (oxymoron?). After a few times, you get used to it. That's why you do it in a pool first. Good on you for getting through it.

[Swine]

I've been through that course 4 times now (2 full 5 day courses and 2 of the refreshers)... I HATE the chair, 2nd worse part of the whole week. Worst is coming... Friday is Sea day normally, I hate sea day.

[mr x]

I think I'll like sea day. But the chair is a fucking nightmare.

[hogie]

I did the course a few years ago. Enjoyed it for the most part but I agree that the upside-down chair is terrifying.

Jumping off the boat will be fun tomorrow.


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[mr x]

I always liked jumping off wharves and fishing boats, so I'm hoping it's not too much different. And this time I'll be in a bouyant suit. Love those things. Take me home lolol...

[gm-]

Jumping of the boat is fun, never had to do the helicopter thing though, that sounds fun! I hope I never have to use one of those life rafts, 12 of us in there felt like sardines in a can, and the raft was rated up to 20!

[Keith]

When you aren't doing well upside down do you give a thumbs up for a thumbs down?

[GuingesRock]

When you aren't doing well upside down do you give a thumbs up for a thumbs down?

I believe, with helicopters, you don't point anything upwards, if the helicopter is the right way up, and you keep your head ducked as well, because of the rotors. Depends whether the helicopter is upside down or not. You don't want to lose your thumb really.

Never been in a helicopter and don't know much about them.

[mr x]

When you aren't doing well upside down in a helicopter, fish are eating your thumbs.

[Bluefin 774]

I work offshore too and have completed the BST course 6 times now. I`m a scuba diver also so the whole course is no trouble for me, I actually like it. All good skills to have in the event of an emergency. I lost some co-workers and good friends 5 years ago in an offshore helicopter crash. The lone survivor of the crash said the training did help him get out alive.

Now I need a beer !

[mr x]

Awesome ride.