Do you always dive with a Whistle?

[diverdown247]

I noticed suggestions about looking into integrated air horns. Well, here's the problem with those, if you're out of air the horn doesn't work!

I have a sub-duck for my Zeagle set up. Since it sounds a bit like a duck, it's not practical at the surface. It's used primarily for getting the attention of students during a class while underwater. I also have a whistle on my gear. The whistle is a Fox-40 (plus it works UW). It's primary use is at the surface for emergencies. Also, the sub-duck is a great turtle deterrant when spearfishing!

Trust me when I tell you that nearby boaters will assuredly start looking when you honk on a Fox-40 repeatedly in an emergency, provided they're not zooming by. If you're considering either of these options, the whistle is best for at the surface, but some of the air integrated signal devices, such as air hammers, do work well at the surface.

 

[trigfunctions]

The wonders of Scuba Board never cease. I never realized that the Storm whistles would work underwater. I have been looking for something to use while snorkeling (and maybe diving?) to get my buddy's attention. Sounds like the Storms might do the trick. Thanks everyone!

 

[Carribeandiver]

I have a flat whistle attached to my corrugated hose on my BCD,,,,ScubaPro BCs come with one standard. And once I came up about 200 yards down current from the boat and now I always carry a safety sausage on every open water dive. ALWAYS!

 

[paperdesk]

Good idea! As soon as I get mine I'll always have one too! I used to wonder why the divemasters always seemed to have one . . . then I read the incident reports on here. Now I know why it's so important. I wish they would stress it more in class . . . .

 

[goodeatsfan]

I don't dive with a whistle unless there is a boat around. They aren't much use at the local springs or in the caves. Take what you need for the job at hand.

What if you need to get attention from others?

 

[jeckyll]

What if you need to get attention from others?

... in a cave? I'd think light signals will be just the thing

 

[Monkey-Diver]

I have tried several whistles ....The one I like best is the Fox 40 they aresmall but very powerful......

 

[goodeatsfan]

... in a cave? I'd think light signals will be just the thing

nope. Topside. If you had to surface because something went wrong, and to get the attention of others around. I've never been in a fresh water dive before, so I was just asking.

p.S. Storm whistles don't work underwater. I tried because I thought they did, but no one could hear me....

 

[Shaka Doug]

Whistle on EVERY DIVE = Smart Idea. I keep one attached on the inflator hose about four inches up from the oral inflator by cable ties to each of my BCD's. All of my guests have them when they use my gear. It's easy, simple, reliable, inexpensive and guess what...never had to use one yet!

As far as ditching gear goes...if you had a whistle attached to your BC and you ditched the BC, yeah, you'd be out of luck. A couple of options would be:

1) Take the whistle off the BC before you ditch the rest of your gear and keep it with you. You could possibly stuff in down the front of your wetsuit or up your sleeve.

2) Ditch just the tank and reg. (and weights, of course) and keep the BC for floatation. It would be pretty handy to have even without SCUBA attached. You could float for hours with it and always inflate orally if needed.

 

[trigfunctions]

Storm whistles don't work underwater. I tried because I thought they did, but no one could hear me....

Hmmm. Has anyone else tried the Storm whistles underwater?

Someone above mentioned that Fox 40 whistles work underwater - which model?
http://www.fox40whistle.com/

Thanks, trig