As Richard Feynman said, Feels like Stockton Rush sorely needed to take that advice. There's no glamour in taking stupid chances, breaking rules, and being an "adventurer", if it is contrary to...
As Richard Feynman said,
The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.
Feels like Stockton Rush sorely needed to take that advice. There's no glamour in taking stupid chances, breaking rules, and being an "adventurer", if it is contrary to reality. And apparently, OceanGate used unproved materials, misinterpreted safety factors, dodged operational and regulatory expenses, refused to consult with experts, and threatened legal action against whistleblowers. Under those circumstances, it's no surprise that disaster soon followed.
I wonder what changes in the legal code would prevent this kind of tragedy in the future. Given the geopolitical reality, I don't honestly think it's possible. But maybe the widespread media coverage will give people pause until a few generations cycle through and the next round of foolhardy explorers forget the past.
I don't see why it would be politically insurmountable to add regulations here, at least for paid passenger voyages. Just about every other method of transportation where you have a paid fare...
I don't see why it would be politically insurmountable to add regulations here, at least for paid passenger voyages. Just about every other method of transportation where you have a paid fare (taxi, plane, train, bus, etc) has certifications and licenses involved. I'm actually surprised that you're allowed to accept people's money for transportation in a homemade submarine without getting some governmental body involved in the first place.
You're not, which is why the passengers were technically "mission specialists" and the sub was registered in the Bahamas. The article goes over all the steps Rush took to get around US regulations.
I'm actually surprised that you're allowed to accept people's money for transportation in a homemade submarine without getting some governmental body involved in the first place.
You're not, which is why the passengers were technically "mission specialists" and the sub was registered in the Bahamas. The article goes over all the steps Rush took to get around US regulations.
Registering boats in the Bahamas is nothing new. Pretty much every seafaring corporation does this, including US-based cruise ships that carry passengers. But the "mission specialist" thing is...
Registering boats in the Bahamas is nothing new. Pretty much every seafaring corporation does this, including US-based cruise ships that carry passengers. But the "mission specialist" thing is just bullshit and should've been called out. Crew are supposed to get paid, not pay a fee to "work".
Taxes and fees are cheaper. No taxes on profits or sales or ships. US registered ships have to have been built in the US, and most ships are not. Labor laws for Bahamian ships are much closer to...
Taxes and fees are cheaper. No taxes on profits or sales or ships.
US registered ships have to have been built in the US, and most ships are not.
Labor laws for Bahamian ships are much closer to international maritime law compared to mich more strict US labor laws.
Most ships use an international crew, which is much easier to hire on a Bahamian flagged ship compared to a US flagged ship where you have to deal with US immigration laws
For every regulation you have, there will be people who will do their damndest to skirt those regulations. Feels like Stockton Rush was one of those people unfortunately. That said proper...
For every regulation you have, there will be people who will do their damndest to skirt those regulations. Feels like Stockton Rush was one of those people unfortunately.
That said proper regulation can definitely cut down on things like this happening and I do hope they make sensible changes.
The low accident rates were also related to submersibles, as far as I am aware - but specifically, submersibles built to code and RAGAGEP (Recognized And Generally Accepted Good Engineering...
The low accident rates were also related to submersibles, as far as I am aware - but specifically, submersibles built to code and RAGAGEP (Recognized And Generally Accepted Good Engineering Principles).
He did neither of those things. He built a death trap.
Grim was definitely the word that I immediately thought of. That and a scathing indictment of capitalism and billionaires. Like, you can make all the rules and regulations you want, but as long as...
Grim was definitely the word that I immediately thought of. That and a scathing indictment of capitalism and billionaires. Like, you can make all the rules and regulations you want, but as long as your system allows an individual to amass that much wealth, they can and will just ignore them as they see fit.
Have to recommend the Behind the Bastards episode on Stockton Rush. I think this particular set of episodes was the most contemporary subject Robert Evans has done to date!
Very good set of episodes, and I didn't expect it, usually he doesn't go with more modern "bastards". Reading the article I see the same lines Robert quoted, they do such a great job on their...
Very good set of episodes, and I didn't expect it, usually he doesn't go with more modern "bastards". Reading the article I see the same lines Robert quoted, they do such a great job on their research.
As Richard Feynman said,
Feels like Stockton Rush sorely needed to take that advice. There's no glamour in taking stupid chances, breaking rules, and being an "adventurer", if it is contrary to reality. And apparently, OceanGate used unproved materials, misinterpreted safety factors, dodged operational and regulatory expenses, refused to consult with experts, and threatened legal action against whistleblowers. Under those circumstances, it's no surprise that disaster soon followed.
I wonder what changes in the legal code would prevent this kind of tragedy in the future. Given the geopolitical reality, I don't honestly think it's possible. But maybe the widespread media coverage will give people pause until a few generations cycle through and the next round of foolhardy explorers forget the past.
Another famous Feynman quote also applies:
I don't see why it would be politically insurmountable to add regulations here, at least for paid passenger voyages. Just about every other method of transportation where you have a paid fare (taxi, plane, train, bus, etc) has certifications and licenses involved. I'm actually surprised that you're allowed to accept people's money for transportation in a homemade submarine without getting some governmental body involved in the first place.
You're not, which is why the passengers were technically "mission specialists" and the sub was registered in the Bahamas. The article goes over all the steps Rush took to get around US regulations.
Registering boats in the Bahamas is nothing new. Pretty much every seafaring corporation does this, including US-based cruise ships that carry passengers. But the "mission specialist" thing is just bullshit and should've been called out. Crew are supposed to get paid, not pay a fee to "work".
Why do people register boats in the Bahamas?
For every regulation you have, there will be people who will do their damndest to skirt those regulations. Feels like Stockton Rush was one of those people unfortunately.
That said proper regulation can definitely cut down on things like this happening and I do hope they make sensible changes.
The low accident rates were also related to submersibles, as far as I am aware - but specifically, submersibles built to code and RAGAGEP (Recognized And Generally Accepted Good Engineering Principles).
He did neither of those things. He built a death trap.
Mirror for those hit by the paywall:
https://archive.is/ofh6j
What a grim but fascinating read. Weird to say that probably, but that's the best way I can put it.
Grim was definitely the word that I immediately thought of. That and a scathing indictment of capitalism and billionaires. Like, you can make all the rules and regulations you want, but as long as your system allows an individual to amass that much wealth, they can and will just ignore them as they see fit.
Have to recommend the Behind the Bastards episode on Stockton Rush. I think this particular set of episodes was the most contemporary subject Robert Evans has done to date!
Very good set of episodes, and I didn't expect it, usually he doesn't go with more modern "bastards". Reading the article I see the same lines Robert quoted, they do such a great job on their research.