What do the members of the list recommend to have on board when the time comes and it's necessary to go overboard to check the below water areas of the boat?? I strongly endorse a football helmet! Some years ago ( in my youth) I lost my salt water cooling and shut the engine down on open Long Island Sound waters. It was summer,calm and the water was warm so I dove under to see if I had picked up a bag. As I was under the boat she began rocking and the hull banged the top of my head. It nearly knocked me out.....I literally saw stars....One of the few times boating I have been scared. An alternative would be to always have one arm partially extended to keep your noggin away from the hull...not easy to do in current and natural buoyancy.... Cheers, Rob Brueckner 1972 Hatteras Yachtfish

I definitely recommend NOT diving into the water, as who knows what is down there, especially into murky water. It should be feet first or down off the swim ladder. I also like the idea of a floating tether and a dive mask. Michael Wilkie Grass Valley, Cal. Isn't having a smoking section in a restaurant is like having a peeing section in a swimming pool? > It was summer,calm and the > water was warm so I dove under to see if I had picked up a bag.

>>>>I strongly endorse a football helmet!<<<< I second the basic idea, but I've used one of the helmets made for white water kayaking because since they're designed to get wet. Of course, I'd probably have trouble finding a football helmet. In Australia we don't wear helmets to play "football" (ie Rugby League or Aussie Rules). Concussion is part of the fun. Best regards, Robert Bryett, Sydney, Australia. mailto:rbryett@mail.com