Dive canister for Garmin InReach?

[scuba_p_]

Greetings all!
long time lurker and new member here... I own a Garmin InReach GPS/Satellite messenger/PLB/emergency SOS device that I would now like to carry on remote diving trips. Anyone has experience with this device for scuba, and what dive canister do you use?
I know it is not the ultimate scuba PLB, but it has the great advantage that I already own it!

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Tug]

Without knowing the size of the item, the first two options that come to mind are the Custom Divers PLB Canister and another canister from ebay.

Finally, if those don't fit, Light Monkey can make you a canister if you send them the items or dimensions. Of course this last option is probably the most expensive but also probably the most durable and nicest of the bunch.

 

[scuba_p_]

Thank you Tug, I will investigate these options.

For those who do not have first hand experience with the device, the dimensions (as per their website) are 2.7 x 1.5 x 6.5 in. / 6.8 x 16.4 x 3.8 cm.

 

[Tug]

I believe @DandyDon is familiar with the size of the canisters and can probably give you more information.

 

[DandyDon]

it has the great advantage that I already own it!

After spending $400 for the handheld unit plus monthly subscription varying from $12 to $100 a month depending on plan and contract, I'm sure you'd want to get as much benefit as possible from it. I suppose they are rather rewarding for those who want to stay connected even in the eastern half of Big Bend NP, at sea, etc. At my advanced age it still amazes me how much technology has changed since I got my first apartment paying extra for a long phone cord, well before cordless phones, much less mobile phones which were science fiction material.

As interesting as they look after scanning their site, I have to ask?
> Are they water resistant? A diver PLB or similar needs to be as it will get wet even on the surface.
> Do they float? Another need for a diver as you'd hate to carry one on dives, then someday need it, only to see it sink if you fumbled and dropped it.
> While I am asking, do they have wrist straps?

the dimensions (as per their website) are 2.7 x 1.5 x 6.5 in. / 6.8 x 16.4 x 3.8 cm.

Those digits are out of order I guess, but 6.5 in or 16.4 cm or 164 mm is the greatest dimension, right? I wish he'd list the dimensions for the two sizes of the HDVSEATEK canister on his site, but I found the email reply: Internal Dimensions: Large 70mm x 150mm; Small 70mm x 130mm Not big enough I am afraid.

I believe @DandyDon is familiar with the size of the canisters and can probably give you more information.

That's the only one I have info on.

 

[scuba_p_]

As interesting as they look after scanning their site, I have to ask?
> Are they water resistant? A diver PLB or similar needs to be as it will get wet even on the surface.
> Do they float? Another need for a diver as you'd hate to carry one on dives, then someday need it, only to see it sink if you fumbled and dropped it.
> While I am asking, do they have wrist straps?

Thank you for your input, DandyDon. I already looked into the HDVSEATEC as well as McMurdo, and both appear to be too small.
To answer your questions:

> they are waterproof/resistant to splashes and "incidental exposure to water up to 1m for up to 30min". So, OK at the surface, but no swimming or diving with one unprotected. I

> they do not float (well, haven't tried but highly doubt it!), which is a major drawback.

> I have seen a floatation lanyard accessory as well as carabiner attachment. I intend to get these for when/if the InReach has to leave the canister at sea.

I initially bought the device for expeditions to remote desert locations. Taking in on dive trips as a PLB/satellite messager is an afterthought, really.

Thanks again!

 

[DandyDon]

> they are waterproof/resistant to splashes and "incidental exposure to water up to 1m for up to 30min". So, OK at the surface, but no swimming or diving with one unprotected. I

Well, that's not a lot of resistance, but might be ok.

> they do not float (well, haven't tried but highly doubt it!), which is a major drawback.

> I have seen a floatation lanyard accessory as well as carabiner attachment. I intend to get these for when/if the InReach has to leave the canister at sea.

One of the features I like about my ACR 2881 is that it does float, but in an emergency it would be important to securely control it as even a floating unit could quickly get lost in waves, especially in bad weather or darkness. The rescueMe PLB1 does not float, but comes with a flotation pouch I believe, but again - don't lose control when you open the canister, even if it means that you lose part of the canister on opening.

I initially bought the device for expeditions to remote desert locations. Taking in on dive trips as a PLB/satellite messager is an afterthought, really.

I understand. My PLB is my safety beacon for when I explore Big Bend NP or many other places even around my home country where cell service fails, and they're cheap enough - $200 after rebate during one of their rebate periods, no subscriptions, good for 6 or 7 years depending on brand, but you already have that gadget that costs twice as much and it should serve all of your needs - if you can find the right canister.

 

[JohnnyC]

Call up Light Monkey and ask to buy a blanked canister in a standard size for one of their lights. It'll fit your InReach, plus space for other valuable "oh s**t" moment stuff like dye markers, a chem light, mirror, whistle, etc.

If the idea is you're bringing a PLB (or InReach in this case) in the event you will need to be found, you should be doing everything to maximize your signaling potential. A larger canister that fits your InReach, as well as other useful items, allows you to keep all those tools at your disposal, without the cost of a custom canister, or requiring multiple storage solutions.

 

[scuba_p_]

This sounds like very good advice, thank you JohnnyC.

 

[KevinNM]

What Light Monkey will likely ask you to do is send them everything that you want in the canister and they will size one for you. But call them and tell them what you are looking for.