Filmmaker Rob Stewart dies off Alligator Reef

[Steve_C]

Any info on when they surfaced as compared to the planned dive time? Was it an early return indicating trouble.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

PON PON's still being issued by the USCG on VHF channel 16 moments ago.

 

[kelemvor]

PON PON's still being issued by the USCG on VHF channel 16 moments ago.

What is a pon pon? Google was not helpful in explaining it.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

What is a pon pon?

It is the wording the USCG broadcasts on VHF channel 16 to alert listeners that an URGENT message follows.

They generally broadcast the message every 30 minutes until the situation is resolved.

Nautilus LifeLine Official Website: Marine Rescue GPS

 

[Doug3483]

What is a pon pon? Google was not helpful in explaining it.

It is a emergency broadcast on the vhf marine radio to be on alert for missing person, hazard to navigation etc.

 

[BigT37205]

What is a pon pon? Google was not helpful in explaining it.

Google "pan pan"- though it definitely comes over the radio as "pon pon".

 

[FlounderSlayer]

Heard his buddy was Peter Sotis. Hopefully he can shed some light on what happened.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Google "pan pan"- though it definitely comes over the radio as "pon pon".

Yes indeed...thank you!!

 

[Wookie]

Heard his buddy was Peter Sotis. Hopefully he can shed some light on what happened.

If true, that wouldn't exactly be a "dive buddy borrowed rebreather deepest dive" scenario, as Peter is an instructor in good standing for almost every unit and an expedition instructor as well.

 

[cerich]

It is a emergency broadcast on the vhf marine radio to be on alert for missing person, hazard to navigation etc.

it's often used that way, but it is also used by a vessel in trouble/distress that is not in immediate danger. For instance my engine on a boat stops working, no immediate danger and I would make "pan pan, motor vessel scuba diver is disabled and not under power, request assistance for a tow" then as I drift lets say the boat starts sinking or starts to get driven towards something by the wind/current, then the appropriate radio call is "mayday, Mayday, motor vessel scuba diver is sinking, I am located at (insert location)

That is how it should work, in practice, too may use mayday when Pan Pan is appropriate.