Well, if Thorfinn = no He I guess I'll stick to the original plan of Air Dil. Given my recreational buddy situation I wasn't going to go hugely deep. And I figure since it's my first Truk trip (and I plan on going back) there'll be lots to see above 130-140fsw. I have someone competent along I'd perhaps go to 150-ish depending on narcosis but don't want to push the Air past 1.2. But with a touch of He.... Let me confirm the Thorfinn/He situation with Carol/Lance.
Sorb is fine as checked baggage. so long as it has less than 4% NaOH. Include copies of the MSDS and also a letter from Molecular Products stating that sorb is safe to fly (search for it on Rebreather World). Even if you're not using MP, it all looks the same to the security screeners so I figure any official letter will do. Mel's suggestion was to pack the sorb in double zip lock bags and spit it up amoung your bags so at least some of it gets there. Continental allows you one free 50# checked bag and charges $25 for the second and $100 for each one thereafter. For bags over 50# but less than 70# they charge $50 per bag overweight fee.
Import duties is an interesting question. My guess is there probably aren't any as Micronesia doesn't have a developed industry to protect and it's a US protectorate (or similar?).
Alternately, try contacting Guam Tropical Dive Station (Paula
info@gtds.com). They might have sorb and know how to get it to Truk easily.
For more specific info Mel (scubagrunt) was there with Curt Bowen and others in 2005 and stayed at Blue Lagoon. Gilles returned from trip in early 2008 on Thorfinn and jradomski says there are 2 & 3L steel tanks onboard & he has shipped sorb to Thorfinn. I've been meaning to ask them some questions but haven't got around to it. Can't remember where I read it but I think the Rebreather tanks might have Inspiration valves ; no big deal for a Meg though.
o