Electronic Distress Signal for divers??

[vettebrett]

Is there a electronic signaling device that can be picked up by the coast guard in case you are left by a dive boat. I thought I saw an ad for one in a dive magazine but I am unable to locate the ad again. I am talking about a radio transmitting device that would help you be located. Does anyone have any idea what I think I saw?? It is driving me nuts trying to find this product.

 

[tomboyy]

its a E-PIRB or something like that I think

 

[diversteve]

Like this? Sea Marshall Personal Location Beacon (epirb)-Divers

 

[jldodd]

Spot Messenger > Home

I know this doesn't quite fit your needs but could be used outside of diving as well.

Pros: Can be used on land and sea

Cons:
-Not submersible like the one listed above. You would need a waterproof case for it.
-Has a subscription fee.

Again not ideal for what you are asking but gives you a broader range of use.

 

[SelkieDVM]

ACR MICROFIX GPS LOCATOR BEACON http://www.OMSdive.com

I don't have any first hand knowledge of this one, just happened to see the ad the the lastest issue of Wreck Diving.

Cheers,
Lilla

 

[John512]

One big thing with SPOT is coverage: http://www.findmespot.com/ExploreSPOT/Coverage.aspx it does not cover everywhere so think about where you are planning on diving!

The EPIRB should work on both land and sea, though here in a few months the land based units will not routinely monitor the frequency like they do now. Search and rescue will still be able to detect it, just it will not always be routinely monitored.


IMHO the best way to go if you are serious is a PLB, personal locater beacon, which would conact COSPAS-SARSAT system if activated. They have basically complete coverage and you can get units with GPS included that will beam your location to them. The downside is you would have to build/find a waterproof case for it.

 

[jldodd]

Check this post short summary and a link to another thread:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3745704-post5.html

 

[danvolker]

How about a radar reflecting flag --the diver tows it on the float--cost would be tiny( compared to epirb) and any boat with radar would see you within 4 miles.

see The Radar Flag - Product Display

It would work easily on the type of dive floats Splashdown divers and Underwater Explorers use ( Lynn and Kevin )...and cheap for your own boat.....cheap for a diver to bring his own float/flag and tow it...

Dan

 

[bleeb]

How about a radar reflecting flag --the diver tows it on the float--cost would be tiny( compared to epirb) and any boat with radar would see you within 4 miles.

see The Radar Flag - Product Display

Neat!

Might be worth adding that to this thread (especially since it's a sticky): Best signalling equipment from the searchers point of view. This thread also had discussion about radar corner reflectors, which are slightly more complicated but may have the advantage of a stronger radar return.