Best signaling devices from the searcher’s point of view - update

[rjack321]

That’s why I have, DSMB, Dive Alert, PAB & PLB.

DSMB
As you mentioned in Where do I put my (D)SMB? about launching DSMB at depth, as soon as you get blown away by current.

Dive Alert
In such squalls loud sound may be helpful to use.

PAB
For faster response within VHF range as planned with the liveaboard crew.

PLB
For alerting device as the last resort, when other alerting devices fail.

Have you actually tested a dive alert at distance? The sound - like the dive alert - is very much line of sight. By the time anyone can actually hear you (in swell or rain) you're practically next to the boat. Depending on how loud the boat is, effective range on water is a max of 400m. Nowhere near the mile they claim. Save space and money and air - get a whistle instead.

Or you could save money, space, doesn't do squat for non-AIS equipped boats, can't be used by hikers or anyone on land - and skip the Nautilus.

The one thing that you can do to help be found more important than all this technology? Make sure the boat has binoculars aboard. Many small vessels do not.

 

[Dan]

Have you actually tested a dive alert at distance? The sound - like the dive alert - is very much line of sight. By the time anyone can actually hear you (in swell or rain) you're practically next to the boat. Depending on how loud the boat is, effective range on water is a max of 400m. Nowhere near the mile they claim. Save space and money and air - get a whistle instead.

Or you could save money, space, doesn't do squat for non-AIS equipped boats, can't be used by hikers or anyone on land - and skip the Nautilus.

The one thing that you can do to help be found more important than all this technology? Make sure the boat has binoculars aboard. Many small vessels do not.

Thanks for your comments.

Yes, I have tested the Dive Alert. It was so loud to the point of I have to submerge my head underwater when I press the horn button up in the air. At one time my dive buddy almost killed me when I accidentally pressed my older version that has no shutoff switch during donning BCD on the diver deck.

I make sure to be in liveaboards that have AIS & discuss MOB emergency plan.

The cost of these signaling devices is nothing compare to the cost of a liveaboard trip & the SAR spending to search lost at sea diver. I’m willing to spend the money for peace of mind. They are fit in my BCD pockets.

All 9 liveaboards I have been in have AIS & binoculars on board. I checked. Thanks for reminding it.

 

[rjack321]

Oh its hella loud next to your ear - although ideations no longer publishes a decibel rating or a range. The problem is that sound (energy) attenuates at a cube rate.
Test it sometime, functional range is about a quarter mile. Worse in swell. When mine corroded I threw it out and haven't replaced it - I've seen more dives ruined with them than saved.

 

[CuzzA]

Dive alerts should get an annual vinegar bath like many things that come in contact with the ocean. We consistently use them and they are effective at cutting down search time. They also often reduce the need to deploy a SMB. Which is nice if your hands are already full.

It's nice to pop up a quarter mile away from the boat and simply lay on the power horn a few seconds and immediately get picked up.

 

[NAUI Wowie]

I have no alert devices what so ever, if i cant make it back to my boat and cant save myself, im going to do the decent thing and drown.

Is that advice from 5000 dives to the rest of us? People that will be doing dives in P.I. Indonesia, etc? by that token fighter pilots in world war 2 didnt need parachutes yes?

 

[Rred]

" im going to do the decent thing and drown."
I would argue that that is the most selfish and INCONSIDERATE thing you can do.
Running oceanographic surveys once in late winter/early spring, with the water temperature topping out at 34F, someone smartly asked "Do we put the life preservers on over our parkas? Or under our parkas?"
And the answer was that it doesn't matter, as long as you put them on. In 34F water, your diaphragm freezes up and you stop breathing, your dead before the ship can stop, much less before anyone can get back to you if you fall MOB.
But at least if you put on the life preserver, those poor underpaid SOBs who HAVE TO run the SAR mission looking for your body, can go home faster and get out of the cold.

So as a courtesy to the SAR teams and the taxpayers alike, make it easy to find you. Dead or alive, make it easy. Or give the boat operator one of those PADI liability waivers, you know, the ones that say "Don't worry about me, whatever you do, that's all right, don't call for help, don't waste your time". In some places you'll have to file a DNR form as well, and PADI wants that notarized. (WEG)

 

[Dan]

I just learnt a cool tiny gadget from @Scuba Cobra in this thread:

Search and Rescue - Lasers and Signaling Devices

Phoenix Jr. Infrared Beacon – Tactical Night Vision Company

 

[tursiops]

I just learnt a cool tiny gadget from @Scuba Cobra in this thread:

Search and Rescue - Lasers and Signaling Devices

Phoenix Jr. Infrared Beacon – Tactical Night Vision Company

View attachment 511476

And, you can get a watertight housing, good to 150 ft.
Poseidon Clip Mount – Tactical Night Vision Company

 

[Dan]

Or this one

I found a better one for $15.98, waterproof to 328' (100m) depth

You just clip it to your BCD shoulder strap.

Pelican™ 2130IR Mini Flasher Infra-Red LED | PelicanCasesForLess.com

Pelican™ 2130IR Mini Flasher Infra-Red LED
The LED marker Light is designed to work with night vision (NV). LED pulses at a frequency of two pulses per second for up to 65 hours of operation. This small .56 oz (16 gr) flashlight includes a heavy-duty clip and ring, which can attach to anything, making the Mini Flasher™ easy to pack or carry when not in use. The Mini Flasher™ includes 2 coin cell batteries and it is ATEX approved. Unconditionally Guaranteed... forever.

Specifications:

• Submersible to 328 feet (100 meters)
• Visibility: .5 mile
• Candlepower: 4,000 CP
• Lumens: 4.7
• Weight with Batteries: .56 oz (16 gr)
• Batteries: 2 Coin Alkaline Cells
• Amps: 0.016
• Volts: 3.0Watts: 0.048
• Lamp Life: 10,000 Hours
• Battery Burn Time: 130 Hours @ 50° F (10° C)
• Color: Black

Approvals:

• ATEX European Certificate, Category 3 (Zone II)

 

[tursiops]

Or this one


View attachment 511486

This one is rated as visibility 0.5 mi versus 5 mi for the other one.