Diver Signaling Equipment...

[Tractor Tom]

We'll be heading down to Florida to catch the cruise ship in less than a month and I'll have a chance to dive St. Maarten, Barbados and St. Thomas this trip, so on the way home from work I stopped at the LDS and picked up a bright orange "Inflatable Safety Sausage" signaling device, as I didn't have one. Good quality construction and a small package when rolled up, for an affordable $25. I was reading in Rodales that a diver said he carried a couple CD's glued face to face to make a 'throw away' signal mirror. What else are you folks carrying in the way of signaling devices if you find yourself seperated from the boat or drifing away????

[Scubaroo]

Storm whistle (take off and throw away the key-ring part - it rusts), which I've got tied to the same bolt snap my safety sausage lives on in my drysuit pocket. Chances are, if I need my safety sausage, I'll be wanting the whistle, and having it tied to the safety sausage on a short leash makes it harder to lose! Plus I can pull them out together - less fumbling in an emergency.

I also carry a 1 AA strobe made by Princeton-Tec - I only take this on boat or evening dives, stuck in the pocket on another bolt-snap.

Fortunately haven't had to use any of them yet, but I blow up my safety sausage to dry it after diving - good test to make sure it's not punctured or something for when you might really need it.

[cyklon_300]

(don't know why you'd go to the trouble of gluing two together tho), a whistle, and surface marker (sausage).

There are also signal horns (Dive Alert) that are air-powered and attach to your LP inflator hose.

[reefraff]

Signal devices I won't get in the water without:

SMB Rolled up and attached to my backplate. Requires some practice to use. Don't waste money on the cheap ones - they're too hard to inflate, too hard to keep inflated and too likely to break. OMS, Halcyon, Dive-Rite and others make some good quality (more expensive) ones that won't let you down if you need them.

Horn Connects between the inflator and the lp hose, I never remove it except to clean and test it.

Optional - take on a case-by-case basis:

Strobe The only thing that's going to be effective at night. Comes with me on any dive that starts mid-afternoon or later when a swim to shore isn't going to be possible.

Dye packet Consistently rated as the most effective device by SAR teams. A real PITA when the packet breaks in your luggage. That was the last time I carried one.

Mirror Essentially a daylight strobe. Includes the CD-ROM. I've not heard of doubling them up and don't know why that would help, but they're supposed to be fairly effective, durable and lightweight replacements for the old chromed steel. I'll drag it along in roughish water or if there's going to be a current that might put some distance between me and the boat in a hurry.

Steven

[Lonely Boy]

I normally carry these on every dive:

- Marker Buoy from Scubapro
- Dive Alert
- Subduck for underwater signalling
- UK SL4 torch

For night dive, I will carry a Princeton Tec Aqua Flash as location light.

[DiverBuoy]

In the November 2002 issue of Dive Training magazine they have an ad for Pro Sub's Air-3 Air Control Device. Like Air-2 devices the idea is an all-in-one. In this case an LPI with a regulator (octo) and a horn. And rumor has it they have solved the above/below water issue of other air horns.

You see for years mfgs have been bragging that their devices can be used above and below water - but in fact the designs were mechanically directed for EITHER above or below but not both. This single function could not be stretched for both purposes. The above water unit would make almost no sound u/w. The devices created for u/w would sound like a muffled sick duck above water and have limited range in which they can be heard. Taken out of their element - they don't sound anything like the ones designed for that element.

This new Air-3 all-in-one device includes a "dual" air horn - that covers both environments.

I however, cannot find the item on their website, but the magazine gives 830-257-0022 as a contact number in the magazine.

[lobsterguy]

Depends on where I dive.
Out in the Drt Tortugas, where you are FAR away from anything, I carry:
1. A large strobe light - don't know how long I'm going to be out there.
2. Air Alert to get the attention of people on the boat - it sure beats yelling!
3. Mini-Hammerhead to get my buddy's attention.
4. A tank banger to get my buddy's attention.
5. A couple of SEALED lift bags to
a. Get dead fish away from me while I'm floating on the surface
b. Provide a better visual signal for the boat
6. A rolled up 20X24" dive flag that fits over my spear tip to signal the boat.

On a resort dive, I'll still carry the audio alerts and a lift bag.

[Lawman]

I got a diver alert and that thing is LOUD! Also a
sausage. Frankenmuth guy I got my stuff at
Seaquatics in Midland, not too far from you.

What's a "mini-hammerhead"?

[GearHead]

I pack a 4' Halcyon "Sausage" type marker and a JetScream whistle (no metal parts) that's attached to the right shoulder D-Ring until I find a better place for it. The sausage was spendy, but the thing is really well made.

Lawman, you can read about a the mini-hammerhead here:
Noisemakers@Rodale's (http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/noisemakers/)

Rick



Lawman once bubbled...
I got a diver alert and that thing is LOUD! Also a
sausage. Frankenmuth guy I got my stuff at
Seaquatics in Midland, not too far from you.

What's a "mini-hammerhead"?

[lanun]

bright orange SMB, Fox40 (sports ?) whistle, Cetacea strobe. for signal mirror i guess the shiny surface of my Remora is it. oh yeah, and Scout back-up lights at least.

[Lawman]

If nothing else works, Uncle Pug reccomends
using the Warhammer Maneuver to attract
attention.

[Lawman]

Are you a Lunan Rover?

[ebbtide]

yup i use the cd thang too
and i carry a dive aleart and also a large Orange garbage bag witch can be inflated with the octo to make a very large siloute on the surface and they are cheep tooif ya loose one oh well they are also great for picking up GARBAGE and holding wet dive gearsometimes a 4 ft garbage bag is better than a 2 inch accross sausage hummm also use my fin to signal. i also have some reflective tape on my masknext to my nose piece . and also on my 1st stage screw knobit is red in color and can be bought at the local hardware store , it also lets other divers know when they are shinging there lights in your eyes cuz it glows red .just a couple things i do :)

[android]

Mirror[/b] Essentially a daylight strobe. Includes the CD-ROM. I've not heard of doubling them up and don't know why that would help, but they're supposed to be fairly effective, durable and lightweight replacements for the old chromed steel. I'll drag it along in roughish water or if there's going to be a current that might put some distance between me and the boat in a hurry.

Steven

They are glued back-to-back so that they can be aimed.

Signal mirrors either have a glass bead or wire mesh center which creates a bright aiming spot or you must line up the light spot with the center hole on the back surface. It's hard to describe, you should really practice it in you front yard.

(There's another method which involved spotting over a tree branch or post, but that won't work floating in the ocean.)

All useful signal mirrors have an aiming hole AND a mechanism for you to see a spot to assist in aiming. Some cheap ones just have a clear hole and no aiming mechanism.

A mirror that can't be aimed is useless other than for shaving or putting on makeup.

[String]

One main UKD8R torch
One smaller SL6 torch
One shoulder mounted strobe
1 x storm whistle
2 x delayed surface marker buoys

Thats my standard open water kit out i take for every dive and in addition to the SOLAS and light strips on my hood, drysuit and BC.

[eponym]

Dye packet: Consistently rated as the most effective device by SAR teams. A real PITA when the packet breaks in your luggage.Steven, I was going to start a new thread and ask about surface marker dye but I see this old thread's been revived.

So, do you know of a dye packet that can stand being taken to, oh, say a hundred feet, as sold? I've been trying the types of capsules we use when blue-water sailing. They're usually a mess after a dive, too much air in the containers. I was hoping to avoid manually repacking the dye into smaller, more dive-worthy containers.

Thanks,
Bryan

[SquattingRadishDM]

Check out these extensive field tests of signalling equipment: http://www.jeanelaine.co.uk/diveraids/results.htm

[Scuba_John]

ResQme! New product Launch, Best bet so far for me.
Cant be missed if your looking the other way.
Your choices are: Waterproof Capsule or Mesh Bag
Color balloon Yellow or Orange

Package of 2 spare balloons is $8.00

Waterproof Capsule avoids having to rinse the device after diving and protects the balloon.

Mesh Bag can be placed in BC pocket or it has a hook to clip on BC, but device has to be rinsed after diving. Bag does not offer the protection of the balloon that the capsule does.

The balloons are very tough and will last a long time and withstand many inflations. They are, however balloons, and you can‚t let the cat play with them.

If you would like one please email me:) I know the make, inventor, manufacture personally

:eyebrow:

[jagfish]

In the November 2002 issue of Dive Training magazine they have an ad for Pro Sub's Air-3 Air Control Device. Like Air-2 devices the idea is an all-in-one. In this case an LPI with a regulator (octo) and a horn. And rumor has it they have solved the above/below water issue of other air horns.

You see for years mfgs have been bragging that their devices can be used above and below water - but in fact the designs were mechanically directed for EITHER above or below but not both. This single function could not be stretched for both purposes. The above water unit would make almost no sound u/w. The devices created for u/w would sound like a muffled sick duck above water and have limited range in which they can be heard. Taken out of their element - they don't sound anything like the ones designed for that element.

This new Air-3 all-in-one device includes a "dual" air horn - that covers both environments.

I however, cannot find the item on their website, but the magazine gives 830-257-0022 as a contact number in the magazine.

Rodales tested and rated this otherwise interesting idea as a pretty poor breather within recreational depths...

[joedelt]

one reason for exoxying back to back is the reflective side of CD's is actually the top (ever scrape off the top and you'll see) so if you glue them back to back, you cannot scrape off the reflective part.

[koi]

Steven and Eponym -

Check out a product called a Rescue Streamer (http://www.rescuestreamer.com). I found that it avoids the problems inherent with dye capsules (breakage, dilution, etc.). It's fairly compact and reusable.

[The Kraken]

But it would be difficult to spot from a boat.

[koi]

Kracken -

Are you referring to the Rescue Streamer? If so, I agree... you wouldn't be able to see it well from a boat, but neither would a dye capsule. The Rescue Streamer would be better spotted from the air, and not on a boat. Vice versa for a SMB...

[The Kraken]

Yes, and I agree with you. I do think I'd prefer the dye however, it creates a much broader area which the searchers can spot.

If I'm ever out in the real wild and woolies my wife and I will be carrying a big OMS SMB and a dye packet.

[eponym]

Kracken - do you know of a commerically available dye packet that'll stand up to diving? I'm looking for such.

I've seen the rescue streamer (thanks, Koi), and it's a step up in visibility (also lasts longer :) ), but I just don't want to be packing that big a packet.

Bryan

[dlndavid]

one reason for exoxying back to back is the reflective side of CD's is actually the top (ever scrape off the top and you'll see) so if you glue them back to back, you cannot scrape off the reflective part.

I couldn't think of why you would glue two CD's together, you have explained it, thanks

[dlndavid]

They are glued back-to-back so that they can be aimed.

Signal mirrors either have a glass bead or wire mesh center which creates a bright aiming spot or you must line up the light spot with the center hole on the back surface. It's hard to describe, you should really practice it in you front yard.

(There's another method which involved spotting over a tree branch or post, but that won't work floating in the ocean.)

All useful signal mirrors have an aiming hole AND a mechanism for you to see a spot to assist in aiming. Some cheap ones just have a clear hole and no aiming mechanism.

A mirror that can't be aimed is useless other than for shaving or putting on makeup.

Glueing them back to back is to protect the reflective quality, as explained on this thread.
Understanding simple geometry will allow you to aim a mirror.
Use the force Luke.
And have you ever used a CD to shave? I didn't think so.

[jagfish]

Kracken - do you know of a commerically available dye packet that'll stand up to diving? I'm looking for such.

I've seen the rescue streamer (thanks, Koi), and it's a step up in visibility (also lasts longer :) ), but I just don't want to be packing that big a packet.

Bryan

I thought I saw some dye packets on the OMS website...

JAG

[eponym]

I thought I saw some dye packets on the OMS websiteThanks for the pointer, Jag. I'll give those a try.

Bryan

[android]

Understanding simple geometry will allow you to aim a mirror.
Use the force Luke.
And have you ever used a CD to shave? I didn't think so.

Geometry is just not enough to aim a mirror or CD. Give it a try (I have) Find a nice reflective traffic sign. Now go about 1/2 mile down the road. Aim at the sign and flash it. When you hit it, you will know, because it will light up. Try with a CD. Try with a real signal mirror like a Rescue Reflector or StarFlash. Think about how hard it will be to hit a boat or plane while you're lost at sea. Especially a plane since there will be no reference point in the air. Throw CD in trash.

(Yes, I know you can sight a mirror using your fingers. This method sucks and nobody recommends it.)

[OBXDIVEGUY]

There was recently a discussion on the board about flares that can be used for diving:
http://www.scubaboard.com/t65622-.html

There is a flare that has a smoke signal on one end, and a hand held flare on the other, and it is rated to 100'.

Once mine comes in, I'll be carrying that on every boat dive. I also have a whistle. Make sure the whistle does not have a cork ball in it, it will grow like a sponge and not work at all. A signal mirror is on the same lanyard as the whistle.

Somewhere I saw something about a folding radar reflector. The CD thing might work for that if you could get it high enough, maybe even just the top of your rescue sausage.

I tell you what, after watching Open Water, I can't have enough signal stuff on me. :icon10:

[jagfish]

Here's the link to the OMS dye (at bottom of page).

http://www.omsdive.com/misc.html