Buddy Pair Panic Buttons - Good Idea Or Stupid Gadget?

[TMHeimer]

There is that, but you can say that about lots of cool things in diving... power inflators, dive computers, etc.

Agree. It should not be used as a substitute for good buddy procedures, but without it those poor procedures for some would continue anyway. There have been several suggestions for various different uses of this thing. All would have to be well agreed upon before the dive so there is no confusion or mistaken thoughts of panic. Overuse would have to be avoided as well.

 

[lermontov]

I think I need to patent my new Leash-a-Buddy system, so buddy teams can instantly recall their buddy in an emergency, or if one of them has wandered far afield...

It will resemble two of the retractable dog leashes that sell in pet shops, attached to opposite ends of a 18-20 foot leash. Battery powered winches would replace the spring mechanisms in the dog leash.

If either buddy experiences an emergency, or feels they need to recall, locate or correct a wandering buddy, they just push a button, and the integrated 5hp electric winch at their end instantly retrieves the errant buddy.

There are a few design issue I may need to address before seeking a patent, or going into production, but Leash-a-Buddy might just be the perfect solution to poor buddy team skills.

if you had as synced computer with the surface support they could winch you back up when EDT or LOA or tissue loading was maxing out

 

[scagrotto]

I can't see a down side, though someone probably will.

Ooh, me! Me! I can imagine some people using it as a substitute for good buddy procedures. Who needs to stay close and pay attention when your buddy can just page you?

 

[Reku]

NOT a problem with my soon to be patented Leash-a-Buddy buddy retrieval system.

This is sickening but oh man the mental image is amazing! Let's start a kickstarter for it.

 

[dberry]

The article showed a pair of "prototypes", but didn't mention whether they were working prototypes or just mock-ups. As far as alternatives suggested in this thread, I'm torn between the retractable leash and the remote cattle prod; both have great potential for dealing with an inattentive insta-buddy.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I suppose I can envision uses for this thing, but taming the proverbial "same-ocean insta-buddy" isn't one of them. If someone isn't by their nature willing to be serious about buddy procedures, is that kind of person likely to be serious about whatever procedures are agreed upon with this device? Maybe he will be as casual about the device as he is about traditional buddy procedures. "Oh, that guy I paired up with is calling me with this goofy bracelet thing he gave me--I guess I'll mosey over and see what he wants. He probably just wants to test this thing out." Maybe that kind of person would not even entertain your suggestion to use a device like this in the first place.

Conversely, if two people are serious and conscientious enough about using the device the way it is intended, then they are probably the kind of people who could just as easily learn from an experienced diver in five minutes how to be better buddies, and maybe they simply don't realize how easily they can become better buddies without the aid of a device. Paradoxically, the kind of buddies who are serious and conscientious enough to buy this device need it the least.

 

[admikar]

@gypsyjim , will it come only in "tech" color, or is it possible to get it with glitter patches?

 

[gypsyjim]

@gypsyjim , will it come only in "tech" color, or is it possible to get it with glitter patches?

I do not see the DIR crowd adopting this cutting edge technology, so the tech color might not be as marketable as say, maybe a Candy-Apple Red, and glitter might just appeal to the market segment it would be aimed at....

 

[admikar]

Great, so I can use it in a shopping mall, to keep my wife from wandering off on her shopping frenzy

 

[TMHeimer]

As mentioned here & there, despite following good buddy contact procedures, in low viz things can happen. This is where such a device MAY have some use. Someone using this as a substitute for good procedures is just poor diving. I believe that will always be the case for some, device or not. Darwin, etc.