Diver's Tool?

[radiganr]

IMHO. I try to dive with the philosophy of leave the ocean as I found it or better. On more than one ocasion have I been on a recreational dive when my buddies and I have come across debris. Most often it has been abandoned traps, line or ropes that do not belong on a reef. I carry a large collection bag and a knife and will bring the rope back with me. When we cannot bring all if back we cut as much as possible and remove it. Also, it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[vladimir]

Has anyone ever needed to use their diver's tool for self defense? Is it even a reason for carrying a knife or is it just carried solely for entanglement?

You may get attacked by the occasional damselfish--they haven't managd to break my skin yet. Nesting triggerfish will break the skin--they are notorious for nipping divers' ears. But like almost everything else down there, they are way too fast to defend against--the defense is to recognize and steer clear of them when they are nesting.

So yes, the knife is carried for entanglements for the most part. I have never had occasion to, but they can also be used as sort of a piton in the sand if you are swimming against strong current or surge, as a scribe in the sand (like a trail of breadcrumbs), etc. But I think most of us just carry them for entanglements and in my case, never use them.

 

[tlt]

I don't think you need a dive knife for self defense, though if you were lucky enough to be able to get at it in the event of a shark attack it might work. The odds would be against you in that situation, and chances are if you have a big sticker (I do) that it would be strapped on your leg, which would be the first to go.

It can be very handy to have a line cutter, I don't, but that is not saying I would not own own. I like the Romora which i've had since '96. You can attach it to your BC and forget about it, unless you need it on occasion to cut line, etc. Usually if I find fishing line I try to track it, and collect it, and sometimes you need to cut it to untangle it. This is the knife I have, at a great price Remora BC Knife reviews and discounts, UK Lights Also the warranty is great, and it has a hole for a tether. If I was to pick up a line cutter (or somebody wants to buy me one.. ha ha) -- this is the one I would pick Rescue Cutter reviews and discounts, Trident If you decide for the scissors option there is a pair here.. EMT Shears reviews and discounts, ScubaToys

 

[offgasn]

I carry a little pouch from Zeagle that has a small knife and pair of EMT shears in it along with a slate and pencil, it is required equipment for PADI Instuctors when doing OW dives with students. I have cut alot of fishing line and anchor lines with it.

 

[Bonairetrip]

I understand the reasons behind entanglement, but ruling that out (in my dive locations) do you still think it is a necessity?

I think some cutting tool is always prudent. With all due respect, you can't rule out the risk simply because of your location. Granted the risk is small but it is still there.

Ever float a SMB? Ever dive with someone who might? Ever dive around a float? Ever dive around an anchor or bouy line? Ever dive where someone might fish (very rare, but divers have been hooked)? Ever dive around shipwrecks? Ever dive where some netting or line might have floated into? Ever dive near a shipwreck? Ever dive with somebody that, if they should need rescue, might need to be cut out of their gear? Ever pick up old dive gear so that it doesn't entangle birds and/or marine life?

Put another way, I have never needed my dive alert or sausage. It is very long odds that I will ever need either item. But they are basic safety equipment: when you need them you would do almost anything to have them. A cutting tool is fairly cheap, can be very unobtrusive and is easily carried.

 

[ScubaGirlJg]

You may get attacked by the occasional damselfish--they haven't managd to break my skin yet. Nesting triggerfish will break the skin--they are notorious for nipping divers' ears. But like almost everything else down there, they are way too fast to defend against--the defense is to recognize and steer clear of them when they are nesting.

So yes, the knife is carried for entanglements for the most part. I have never had occasion to, but they can also be used as sort of a piton in the sand if you are swimming against strong current or surge, as a scribe in the sand (like a trail of breadcrumbs), etc. But I think most of us just carry them for entanglements and in my case, never use them.

Hmmm interesting I didn't know about the damselfish....something I will definitely do some research on and commit what the fish looks like to memory in order to prevent myself a nicked ear. Also need to look up how to tell when fish are nesting and such...Thanks for the helpful information!

 

[AndrewA]

Although I have never been entangled or indeed seen anyone entangled I alwaways carry a cutting tool (small knife and/or shears). I have used them on "working" dives when anchoring buoys or laying permanent lines.

 

[vladimir]

Hmmm interesting I didn't know about the damselfish....something I will definitely do some research on and commit what the fish looks like to memory in order to prevent myself a nicked ear. Also need to look up how to tell when fish are nesting and such...Thanks for the helpful information!

Don't worry about the damselfish--they are small, territorial, and closely related to clownfish, which I'm sure you're familiar with. They often nip at my hand when I come in for close-ups. Triggerfish are worth keeping an eye on. They are easily recognized by their dorsal fin, which is set further back than on most fish, close to the tail fin. When they are nesting you will see them vigorously defending their eggs against any interlopers. It's great to watch, just stay out of the imaginary cone that starts with their nest and widens as it goes toward the surface.

 

[ScubaGirlJg]

Don't worry about the damselfish--they are small, territorial, and closely related to clownfish, which I'm sure you're familiar with. They often nip at my hand when I come in for close-ups. Triggerfish are worth keeping an eye on. They are easily recognized by their dorsal fin, which is set further back than on most fish, close to the tail fin. When they are nesting you will see them vigorously defending their eggs against any interlopers. It's great to watch, just stay out of the imaginary cone that starts with their nest and widens as it goes toward the surface.

Thanks....just looked them up too and theres plenty of info on them and their defensive nature!

 

[Blu Diver]

There is a lot good advice posted here. I think you'll do fine! Some folks take Dramamine the night before they dive and again up to an hour before heading out on the water. Their thinking is that it's in your system....either way it works well.

If your instructor won't let you lay in a prone postion (horizontal) while he/she is demonstrating the skill. Try tilting your head to the side just a little. This will force the bubbles to one side and away from your mask. Also make sure the mask fits you correctly. Proper fit is key when selecting scuba gear. Just don't hunker down the mask straps. Don't worry the mask will not fall off your face and the open water portion on the class will be fun and exciting. Wearing scuba gear as someone stated earlier, takes time to get used to. You'll be just fine!