Four European divers missing - Mersing, Malaysia

[Dan]

Or, if you search google for that term, you'll find it sold from several sites, even Walmart, at various prices, some with free shipping. This site sells it for $4.06, $10.54 including shipping, but it may come from somewhere in Asia and take a few weeks. It doesn't say. https://www.aliexpress.com/i/4000034408753.html

My jon line is also my reef hook. The line is 6 feet long, made out of nylon, 1/4” diameter, used for rock climbing. It has 2 quick snap clips on both ends to clip on to D-rings. See its picture, below.

I have used it when I dive in fast current situation like in Blue Corner, Peleliu Corner in Palau, Kandu diving in Maldives, The Channel in Maratua Atoll, Magic Mountain in Raja Ampat, Manta Alley in Komodo, etc.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Or, if you search google for that term, you'll find it sold from several sites, even Walmart, at various prices, some with free shipping. This site sells it for $4.06, $10.54 including shipping, but it may come from somewhere in Asia and take a few weeks. It doesn't say. https://www.aliexpress.com/i/4000034408753.html

I agree they're way overpriced. I bought mine from Seaskin, but it looks like the price has shot way up. It was $20 when I purchased it last year or maybe 2020.

I like that you can wrap it from the outside instead of having to bunch it all back up into a pouch.

Seaskin Jon Line - Seaskin Drysuits Shop - Purchase Drysuit Supplies

Using Jon lines make decompession stops much easier in rough water, strong currents or if there are a number of diving stopped at the same depth. The Clip Purchase Seaskin Jon Line from Seaskin - drysuit supplies made to order directly from the factory.

seaskin.co.uk

 

[Belzelbub]

The differentiation from the normal strobe may be enough to have someone check what is going on, if seen, I would.

Yeah, that was my thinking as well. Something flashing will get my attention. I've gone in to check out a flashing light that turned out to be a mylar balloon. I brought it aboard for proper disposal before a turtle tried to eat it.

From other posts, the area in question seems to be different as much traffic may avoid the flashing lights. However, it's probably still a good idea as it can only make you more visible.

I use nylon Mason line on my reel, it has a 600 to 700 pound breaking strength. But one would have to be carrying a dsmb and reel to have it.

I'll have to look at the line on my reel. It could be that it's strong enough. I carry a reel and DSMB with me on every ocean dive.

 

[Centrals]

Yeah, that was my thinking as well. Something flashing will get my attention. I've gone in to check out a flashing light that turned out to be a mylar balloon. I brought it aboard for proper disposal before a turtle tried to eat it.

From other posts, the area in question seems to be different as much traffic may avoid the flashing lights. However, it's probably still a good idea as it can only make you more visible.

I'll have to look at the line on my reel. It could be that it's strong enough. I carry a reel and DSMB with me on every ocean dive.

Light is very useful but how long the battery will last? One whole evening(highly unlikely) or mere few hrs?
Double/treble up the line!

 

[DandyDon]

I agree they're way overpriced. I bought mine from Seaskin, but it looks like the price has shot way up. It was $20 when I purchased it last year or maybe 2020.

Amazon seems to have the best price on page one of a google search: $15 & free shipping. I still can't get that link to work, but google Premium Technical Scuba Diving Diver Jon Line 1" 7.2ft Webbing & Pouch Snap and look for the Amazon link.

 

[dmaziuk]

Amazon seems to have the best price on page one of a google search: $15 & free shipping. I still can't get that link to work, but google Premium Technical Scuba Diving Diver Jon Line 1" 7.2ft Webbing & Pouch Snap and look for the Amazon link.

It's a rim job.

The work-around is to switch to "source" editor and type in the bbcode for the link by hand: Amazon link

 

[The Wolf]

An update

 

[Pearlman]

Agree BUT, in reality, most boats that ply the area are fishing boats/trawlers from neighbouring countries who do not use VHF radios or beacons (on purpose) and are unlikely to know about a missing diver and will avoid strobe lights in the ocean at nights also on purpose.

Unless you are in the navy and in signals, 99.99% of civilians won't understand morse code.

Fishing boats may not but a trained SAR team can distinguish an SOS from a normal strobe tied to an ocean mooring and zoom in. As simple as that.

Going forward I am going to display my night lights stowed specifically for rescues, any strobes I will buy and the radar reflector on my DSMB to the dive shop and remind them to convince the authorities to continue searching into the night, and also talk to my Bro to ensure he stays up at night and makes the calls to convince authorities for a night time SAR mission.

 

[The Wolf]

Fishing boats may not but a trained SAR team can distinguish an SOS from a normal strobe tied to an ocean mooring and zoom in. As simple as that.

Going forward I am going to display my night lights stowed specifically for rescues, any strobes I will buy and the radar reflector on my DSMB to the dive shop and remind them to convince the authorities to continue searching into the night, and also talk to my Bro to ensure he stays up at night and makes the calls to convince authorities for a night time SAR mission.

Which SAR has night vision capabilities & are able to operate at night in all weather conditions and have FLIR?

Only Singapore.

 

[The Wolf]

Fishing boats may not but a trained SAR team can distinguish an SOS from a normal strobe tied to an ocean mooring and zoom in. As simple as that.

Going forward I am going to display my night lights stowed specifically for rescues, any strobes I will buy and the radar reflector on my DSMB to the dive shop and remind them to convince the authorities to continue searching into the night, and also talk to my Bro to ensure he stays up at night and makes the calls to convince authorities for a night time SAR mission.

Sorry to burst your bubble. I assume you know how SAR ops work: You nor the dive shop nor your brother get fo dictate how SAR ops are conducted by the relevant authorities.

You can appeal to them but there is a reason why Malaysia could not conduct night search ops. They "could have" if they roped in the Malaysian & Singaporean naval air assets but didn't.

And that was for 4 mat sallehs.

You need to look at the country conducting the SAR op, their methodology, assets available, capabilities, training & experience.