Search and Rescue - Lasers and Signaling Devices

[Dan]

There was an old thread about best signaling devices from searchers point of view started by @Navy OnStar a Navy helicopter pilot, experience in doing SAR & a diver himself, here: Best signalling equipment from the searchers point of view and I think it is an important subject and posted an updated version here: Best signaling devices from the searcher’s point of view - update You may read the whole thread there and find none talked about using laser. Doesn’t it tell you guys something? Signal mirror is on top of the list.

 

[michael-fisch]

Mirror is next to useless on cloudy days where you cannot see the sun and I end up diving on lots of those days.
Michael

 

[Diver below 83]

There was an old thread about best signaling devices from searchers point of view started by @Navy OnStar a Navy helicopter pilot, experience in doing SAR & a diver himself, here: Best signalling equipment from the searchers point of view and I think it is an important subject and posted an updated version here: Best signaling devices from the searcher’s point of view - update You may read the whole thread there and find none talked about using laser. Doesn’t it tell you guys something? Signal mirror is on top of the list.

This article clearly shows how a divers signal equipment failed and was rescued solely because of a green laser. Doesn’t that tell you something.....

US: Drifting diver rescued by aiming laser at searching helicopters | Laser Pointer Safety - News of aviation-related incidents, arrests, etc.

 

[Dan]

Mirror is next to useless on cloudy days where you cannot see the sun and I end up diving on lots of those days.
Michael

That’s why you have other signaling devises.

Here is his comment about signal mirror:

#1 Signal Mirror.
PROS: Cheap. Never runs out of batteries. Very bright on a sunny day. Can still be seen on overcast days but not as bright. WILL get the attention of a pilot/boat
CONS: Useless at night (nothing to reflect). Have to see the rescue craft to reflect light towards them. (CD's are not as good as a mirror)

 

[Diver below 83]

If we were talking about hot stoves though for SAR, it would be appropriate to talk about other issues with hot stoves.

It does not permanently damage their retinas, but how many different ways do I need to explain that permanent damage to the retina is not the only risk?

SAR would not be "called off", I disagree with that opinion. And I didn't say it was "bad" for a diver to use. There are better things for a diver to use that pose zero risk.

There are many people (once again, myself included prior to joining a flight team) that don't realize the dangers of a laser. So when people talk lasers, it's good to throw in a general PSA, especially when people like you are insisting that it is not true.

With what you have asserted, it would be totally cool to aim lasers at all the aircraft all the time. It won't permanently blind them, so it's fine.

I think you need to go reread this thread. I’ve never claimed lasers are the best tool for the job nor have i insisted they are harmless across the board. In fact I said multiple times there are better options available.
What I have clearly stated is that lasers work for SAR situations. Period. Which is a fact pointed out by the rescued diver because of said laser. You keep trying to point to all the negatives and why someone should never use a laser towards an aircraft period. The reality is they work. They Are a legal accepted tool for SAR. If a diver wants to carry that in their kit they absolutely should. It shouldn’t be the only item but it’s a great one to have

 

[Diver below 83]

Actually, it answered them in one specific case. I reached out to people who do SAR for a living as to what their professional opinion is. One example that worked out well does not definitively prove a thing.

Like I said before, if you want to carry a laser, do it.

The big difference is your asking people’s “opinions”. I’m giving you factual evidence of lasers being used for a diver rescue. I can claim someone said lasers are the best thing since slice bread. Doesn’t matter without factual information to back that up. Still waiting for that article about a SAR being called off because of lasers........

 

[Dan]

This article clearly shows how a divers signal equipment failed and was rescued solely because of a green laser. Doesn’t that tell you something.....

US: Drifting diver rescued by aiming laser at searching helicopters | Laser Pointer Safety - News of aviation-related incidents, arrests, etc.

That’s the same article you posted earlier. There are other more SAR friendly signaling devices. Had he brought a PLB, he would have been found sooner, instead of waiting until dark.

 

[Diver below 83]

That’s the same article you posted earlier. There are other more SAR friendly signaling devices. Had he brought a PLB, he would have been found sooner.

Absolutely there are many good options for signaling. But the reality is the laser worked. Period. And for someone like you who carries basically every signal device under the sun I would think you’d understand the idea of carrying the as many good options as possible. Would i choose a nautilus or plb1 over a laser? Of course, if I had to choose. But if I was carrying the whole lot like yourself I would have zero hesitation adding a laser into my kit.

 

[Hoag]

The big difference is your asking people’s “opinions”. I’m giving you factual evidence of lasers being used for a diver rescue. I can claim someone said lasers are the best thing since slice bread. Doesn’t matter without factual information to back that up. Still waiting for that article about a SAR being called off because of lasers........

No. I am asking for the professional opinions of people who fly SAR missions for a living, not just a random opinion. You have cited one example where it worked and saying "see it works". No. It has worked ONCE. That is like driving across town without buckling your seat belt and then saying "see it is safe to not wear a seat belt".

 

[Diver below 83]

No. I am asking for the professional opinions of people who fly SAR missions for a living, not just a random opinion. You have cited one example where it worked and saying "see it works". No. It has worked ONCE. That is like driving across town without buckling your seat belt and then saying "see it is safe to not wear a seat belt".

Lol. There you go moving the goal post again. First you claim SAR team would never go to a laser. They would return home. Well that’s been factually proved wrong, but that doesn’t count now because one isn’t enough for you. Lol ok. Yes I cited an example that shows lasers work. Which means they do work. Lol. Fact. That’s exactly why US law allows laser use for this type of situation. Because it works. I get the hint. Your stubborn and have to be right all the time. Got it.