Emergency signalling devices

[stablgr]

I used to do quite a lot of drift diving and always carried a set of hand launchable distress flares in a waterproof capsule with me.

My question is, what's the favoured emergency signalling device carried these days, especially with respect to drift diving and the potential for large separation distances?

 

[robertarak]

Please take this in the kindest way it is meant...

Do a

A very quick search came up with these:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ge...ignalling-equipment-searchers-point-view.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/211631-signaling.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cozumel/177669-what-type-signaling-device.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ge...iscussions/101919-lost-sea-signaling-kit.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ge...7-safety-equipment-signaling-what-needed.html

There are many more...just search for them.

 

[Bratface]

Oh, I'll tell you what I use, and you won't have to search. I have a large, yellow surface marker and an air horn on my regulator hose. Look at the searches for more options.

 

[Charlie99]

The favored emergency signalling device will depend upon the specific circumstances. Since I can't see into the future and know what will be important, I carry several different signalling devices ---

DSMB
large "orange plastic bag" surface signalling tube
Dive Alert
whistle
light
mirror

Each has their advantages and disadvantages, which is why I carry them all.

The most important feature is to have it WITH you. I carry a relatively small DSMB, and many divers have commented that theirs is much larger. Usually, when I ask where they carry it, the answer is something like -- "it's too bulky, so I didn't bring it today."

 

[Scubakevdm]

There's a search and rescue pilot tha recently wrote a very good piece about what works and doesn't work from his point of view. I'll go see if I can find it....
Here you go.


Hi Charlie!

 

[nereas]

My favorite and most useful device is a Dive Alert LP air whistle. I have used it a time or two when returning to the dive boat early, when no one was on lookout, and it gets everyone's attention quickly.

Regarding flares, if I was on a boat that warranted my having flares, I would find another boat.

Flares only make sense for extreme current diving, the kind that most people should avoid.

 

[Surface Tension]

I have a friend that carries a one-person raft that is in a little pouch at the bottom of his back plate. I never noticed it until he pointed it out. Very low profile. I'm going to be getting my own soon.

 

[nereas]

I have a friend that carries a one-person raft that is in a little pouch at the bottom of his back plate. I never noticed it until he pointed it out. Very low profile. I'm going to be getting my own soon.

For an extreme dive way out at sea, this might be nice. But for the typical dive, I doubt it. In a perfect world, the boat does not leave you behind. But it is not a perfect world. Especially Australia, or Fiji.