Emergency gear

[Chris N]

Hi everyone,

I wish to get your thoughts on what gear have you got (with brand and model if possible) to deal with in-water emergencies, assuming common issues like out-of-air and worst case scenario like being left out by the dive boat in an open ocean overnight. I'm a firm believer for instances like this; that it's better to have it and not have to use it than needing it but not have it... however there could be some gear / accessories that's not quite necessary to carry or maybe at least not on every dive. your thoughts are very much appreciated. TIA

 

[happy-diver]

Out of air I don't do that, I'm hard to miss so they don't do that either

Unless it's deliberate, whoops!

 

[Chris N]

Out of air I don't do that, I'm hard to miss so they don't do that either

Unless it's deliberate, whoops!

Fair enough!

 

[happy-diver]

Time spent on prevention rather than solution would leave nothing to solve

 

[hedonist222]

Out of air?
Append a spare tank (with 1st/2nd stage regulators) either side-slung or to your primary tank.

Lost at night in the ocean?
Aim your flashlight at your DSMB so it glows.
Backup flash light - just in case.
Whistle.
Glow stick inserted into DSMB pocket.
Waterproof flare gun.

 

[Chris N]

Time spent on prevention rather than solution would leave nothing to solve

makes perfect sense!

 

[Chris N]

Out of air?
Append a spare tank (with 1st/2nd stage regulators) either side-slung or to your primary tank.

Lost at night in the ocean?
Aim your flashlight at your DSMB so it glows.
Backup flash light - just in case.
Whistle.
Glow stick inserted into DSMB pocket.
Waterproof flare gun.

i supposed having a second taller and wider dsmb with reflector and light pockets would help on that scenario as well. i'm using a 4' narrow dsmb for marking my position (my primary) and a backup yellow 6' for emergencies.

 

[Centrals]

Signalling device(sonic and visual) is absolutely must.
PLBs is useful if diving in really remote places.
Good and powerful light for all your dives day or night and make sure the battery power is good.
I prefer rechargeable over the ordinary alkaline.

 

[hedonist222]

i supposed having a second taller and wider dsmb with reflector and light pockets would help on that scenario as well. i'm using a 4' narrow dsmb for marking my position (my primary) and a backup yellow 6' for emergencies.

Find a dive center you are confident will not "forget you" - especially on a night dive out in the ocean.

The dive center I dive with is prudent with a headcount before moving off.

 

[Chris N]

Signalling device(sonic and visual) is absolutely must.
PLBs is useful if diving in really remote places.
Good and powerful light for all your dives day or night and make sure the battery power is good.
I prefer rechargeable over the ordinary alkaline.

do you reckon having a separate strobe light makes sense (for longer battery life) or just a waste of space?

the nautilus lifeline PLB seems to be very popular, any alternatives?