OP
Best signaling devices from the searcher’s point of view - update
- Thread starter Dan
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I've had one of those little pak-lites for several years. They are REALLY dim. I'd rather use my dive light -- already waterproof to depth -- for signaling. Even on a low setting, it is MUCH brighter than the pak-lite, and lasts a long time.
OP
Dan
Contributor
Oh well, I ordered them already. I'd just use it as night dive beacon then.
I always carry my camera with 10,000 lumens video lights at 3 different brightness level. That should good for emergency light.
I always carry my camera with 10,000 lumens video lights at 3 different brightness level. That should good for emergency light.
Without picking on either of you, let's parse what this means for the victim. I agree with both of you re: signaling.
But for the diver that's survived the event and is out there drifting in the current, a dive light won't work reliably during the daytime, especially among the wave reflections. At night, it won't work unless the diver is aware enough to locate the sound of the plane and direct the light in that direction.
I'm interested in the best choice for the semi-conscious floating diver.
At night, it's clear that even a dim flashing 9v light will help, especially for those on NVG's, but specifically because it flashes. Many studies have shown the marked increase in visibility of a flashing light over a constant light.
During the day, it's harder. A signal mirror will clearly stand out if the user can handle it and there is sunlight to be used. But absent sunlight, and a conscious, active diver, we're short a good beacon except for radio/GPS, and that is battery-limited.
Thoughts?
I should have added Xenon (not LED) strobe. There's one daytime light that will still attract attention.
OP
Dan
Contributor
I have been carrying too many of these safety devices in my safety kit and try to just carry the essential. Since PLB has built-in strobe, I removed my separate strobe out of the kit. However, the built-in strobe in the PLB1 is too small & may not last long enough (24 hours). So I may need to put back that strobe in the kit.
BertStevens
Contributor
This looks like a great product to have.....inside the USA. Won’t do much good elsewhere if this applies to the IR strobe:
“It is a major crime to ship or carry US manufactured night vision devices outside the borders of the United States, punishable by fines and prison sentences.”
Anyone know?
OP
Dan
Contributor
I decided to forget about buying it as I travel all over the world for diving vacation. Just get yourself a regular light strobe instead.
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