Do you dive with a radio? Should I?

[Nemrod]

In times past before divers routinely wore expenisve inflatable air bags (BCs) we used a surface float for shore/beach diving. This float could be anything from an inner tube to a surf/paddle board or todays modern equivalent, a dive kayak. These rigs can be outfitted with radios, gps, etc. Obviously the diver or buddy team carries the line with them so that the surface flotation follows the buddy team or diver thus always providing a place to rest on the surface, stow gear and carry the dive flag to warn boaters (and jet skis) away (maybe).

N

 

[String]

Not convinced VHF is going to go far on handheld power levels with an antenna maybe 1 inch above water level. If you go diving somewhere where you think you need a VHF chances are what you really need is surface boat cover.

 

[Nemrod]

VHF is line of sight. The curvature of the earth as well as the 5 watt power will limit range. However, a CG antenna at a station maybe several hundred feet high might be able to receive a mayday a considerable distance, but, you are right as always, I would not count upon it. Some hand held marine radios have a built in GPS so the position would be broadcast as well automatically.

N

 

[String]

Not seen a handheld VHF that broadcasts gps as well - that would require DSC which IIRC is now being withdrawn from handhelds for various reasons. Only other option would be a form of AIS which is completely impractical.

Although coastguard masts are typically high they are also spaced fairly widely apart - if close to shore a very low antenna can easily be blocked by cliffs, rocks and swell.
Its not a great idea.

 

[micklock]

I took my cell phone diving with me once, forgot to take it out of my pocket. Good thing my drysuit didn't flood.

 

[String]

I took my cell phone diving with me once, forgot to take it out of my pocket. Good thing my drysuit didn't flood.

Ive done it a few times and broken a phone. They don't like 5atm pressure - display cracked.

 

[NudeDiver]

ut just don't see how the cell phone would stay dry long enough to make the call in the water..... and in your scenario try keeping it dry while your trying to keep an unconscious diver face up... That is the main reason I've abandoned that idea so far (and even though I'm an old fart and set in my ways, I'm open to reconsidering it if I find a phone that is waterproof to recreational depths ).

Well, the phone itself will not be - that's why you need to put it in a little case designed for such a purpose. In any case - I have my Rescue Diver OW sessions next weekend - and I'm going to try out my theory. We'll be in drysuits, so that will complicate things even more. We'll see how it goes. Remind me to tell you about my results

but the point I was trying to make is to not stack the odds in Murphy's favor by trying to dive in conditions that are too challenging from the outset.

I agree