Garmin Descent MK2

When Liquivision was using this tech, I thought they had developed text messaging and directionality to another transmitter. Thus, a diver could "text" for help or assistance, and the other diver would have an approximate heading if the distressed diver was out of view. That would be a good next step.

Also, develop a sonar-based HRM strap so that for swimming or pool workouts you could get "real time" HR information (don't really need that for dives, but could be nice there too for some folks).

For remote live-aboard divers, boat divers, and drift divers, the satellite linkage to the inReach system is a real game changer for safety in the event a diver gets left behind.

Lots of potential in the system, and truly top of the line even now. I have one on order from my LDS.

 

Sincere question here, as I don't know that much about any aspect of what I'm about to ask about.

What is it about the inReach system that makes it a game changer, compared to using any other dive computer and also carrying a PLB?

If you are a diver that gets left behind, do you really have any use for anything more than what a PLB does? If you're left behind, you want to signal that and the Coast Guard (or whoever) to come get you Right F****** Now, right? What game changing benefit does inReach give you that a PLB doesn't?

I have never owned a PLB (or an inReach device) and have limited understanding of exactly how they work, so please forgive any ignorance that may be painfully obvious in what I asked.

 

InReach works anywhere in the world as two-way satellite communication. So, you can get the message to someone in the US even if you are in Indonesia, as well as having the auto link to the global rescue services. So, you have two sources to send information to if you help. Because you have two-way communication, searchers can communicate with you as well, as can your family to update on whatever efforts they are making as well. The inReach mini in its dive case is small enough to easily fit in a wetsuit or BC pocket. Finally, it will sync to the Descent, which becomes a full-fledged highly accurate real-time GPS tracking device after you have sent your signal for help.

Nothing wrong with a PLB, but the inReach is a far better setup overall.

 

Subsurface 4.9.8 with support for the Descent Mk2/Mk2i has been released: https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/subsurface-4-9-8-has-been-released.601928
To be specific, this allows downloading directly from the device on macOS, Windows (64bit only for stupid reasons) and most Linux versions.
You can also download your .FIT files from the Garmin cloud and import them into Subsurface that way.

 

If you are using the descent when ocean swimming like I do you can use the onboard wrist based Heart rate or a swim capable chest strap made for triathalons from Garmin. They both work fine. Remember if you do decide to get the in reach device it requires a monthly subscription to be paid for the most of the functions. If you get a PLB or EPIRB and you trigger the emergency signal, you better really be in trouble or you may well be when the Coast Guard arrives.

 

This comes up every so often on boating forums.
InReach is NOT a replacement for an EPIRB or PLB. Its not monitored by COSPAS-SARSAT. You are relying on the iridium constellation which has holes and a 3rd party private company to direct emergency services.

 

Not exactly. If you trigger it for a hoax, then yes you’ll be in trouble. If it is accidentally triggered, the Coast Guard will call the numbers you listed when you register it. I had an EPIRB trigger once. CG called me to verify. Since I wasn’t on the boat, they just asked me to verify that the EPIRB was still where I left it, and had not been stolen. I confirmed that, and called them back.

A diver missing their dive boat would constitute an emergency.

Yes, this. InReach is first a messaging service that can be used in emergency situations. It is not directly monitored by responders, and relies on the service to relay an emergency. An EPIRB or PLB is an emergency device first. Some companies )like ACR also offer limited messaging through their devices.

 

This is an interesting side discussion. What and where are the coverage holes in the Iridium network, or is there a "coverage map" for Iridium that I can find on the web somewhere?

How does the PLB work in remote international waters? Also, in a diver situation, there will be no one to answer any phone if the PLB is triggered. Is there any PLB that allows two-way communication? How do you know if your signal has been received and help is on the way?

 

Update on the Garmin webinar - Pretty much a waste of time and failed to answer any important questions that were asked. Instead they focused on worthless questions such as, will the dive app work for both the mk1 and mk2 and if straps are interchangeable.

They plan on phasing out mk1 quite quickly as far as production but not for support.
They plan on adding additional sonar features in the future but wouldn't talk about what or if any additional features will even be available with the mk2.

Couldn't add the antenna for both sonar and PPS due to form factor

 

They state that the Iridium has 100% coverage of the planet, so you should be good.