Why don't we have emergency signaling devices connected to the boat?

[paulw]

Even if it is, that just replaces your compass, nothing more. It won't solve the issue of communicating with the boat in an emergency at all. It may help prevent getting separated from the boat if you can't navigate by traditional means, but if the boat leaves or you have an underwater emergency you've spent a lot of money on a wrist-weight.

Not exactly, I talked to the Navimate people at a show once and they plan to add the alert feature to include the boat who will also be able to see the devices in the water. If you read the literature on the site it refers to the diver to diver alert:
"The local communication between the Navimate™ devices allows for features such as an “SOS” alert to the diver’s buddies, or even the sending of messages between divers."

I suppose some deaths could be avoided if every diver carried a small item that upon pressing a button, or somesuch, called the boat. Even better if it was possible to use it for morse communication.

Now if the boat leaves you that is a completely different issue, no boat to call.
Cool gadget, I'm not sure of the practical use but cool idea none the less.

 

[NAM001]

this is preticularly interesting for me as i use to work in this kind of field whne i was on subs in the navy. There are ways to accomplish this. if you gave me a transmitted pulse frequency and i can tell you the most probably use of that frequency. there fore a specific frequency can be assigned for underwater distress say a 20khz pinger. there are available locators as mentioned for rf xmission that is on coastguard distress channels. so a dive boat can drop a single hydroplone iin the water to pick up the xmission. or perhaps it xmitts a commonm freq that are used on fish finders of fathometers. i have in my arsonal of too much stuff pinger locators... a set is maybe 4-500 dollars. i have used it to plant the xmitter on hte boat down line and i have the receiver with me. if you did tthe reverse and the boat had the only reveiver and every diver had a xmitter with different ping rates you not only know there is a problem you know who is in trouble. i will look to find the manufacture of the stuff i have. it is something linke deasert star of simular.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I second what GrumpyOldGuy said. While discussion like this one are interesting, they must not detract from focusing on being a safe diver on every dive. Never use technology as a crutch for proper dive planning, which includes: equipment check, knowing local conditions, being a competent navigator, diving with a buddy, planning a safe ndl profile, following your dive plan, and having an emergency plan that you and your dive companions, both divers and shore or boat personnel alike, know. Safe divers also keep their skills polished, are active divers, and, as GrumpyOldGuy says, can be and are when necessary, self sufficient. Some people use a gps in their car. Some of them have no idea how to read a road map, let alone a topographical map. And a compass??? fugedaboudit! I think every diver should be able to read a map, use a compass, and be a competent navigator. I don't have gps, but I can read a map, use a compass, and I love doing underwater navigation. It's kind of fun, as well as reassuring, knowing where you are and how to get home!
DivemasterDennis

 

[paulw]

Focusing on gadgetry instead of training is really going in the wrong direction.

For the record I believe in being a self sufficient diver and have had extensive training trying to achieve that goal and believe all divers should continue learning and practicing skills but new ideas and advancement in technology or gadgetry will continue to change our world and our sport whether we like it or not. There is no gadget that can replace knowledge and skill but it can be very useful, today we have some really useful tools that once were gadgets. Some divers will embrace technology and some will not but it's all good.
Dive safe and have fun!

 

[Peter_C]

I meant underwater, yes. I wonder what makes it difficult to build a simple handle sized gadget with one button that makes something beep in the boat.

Maybe you would also like to be able to tweet or post to facebook while diving? Oh the possibilities! Nautilus Lifeline comes pretty close to what you describe for above water use, which to me is where I would like communication.

 

[Thanshin]

Maybe you would also like to be able to tweet or post to facebook while diving?

No, that would be awful. It's already painful reading the post vacational reports. Imagine reading "I am, at this very moment, posting this while swimming with the sharks."

We'd need an "I hate you." button in Facebook.

 

[redacted]

I meant underwater, yes. I wonder what makes it difficult to build a simple handle sized gadget with one button that makes something beep in the boat.

What is it you think the boat would/could do when they get a "beep"?

 

[DevonDiver]

What is it you think the boat would/could do when they get a "beep"?

Not sure about emergencies, but it'd be nice if they could pour a coffee ready for my water exit

 

[redacted]

-.-. --- ..-. ..-. . .

 

[DA Aquamaster]

.... --- - -.-. --- -.-. .-