Flag line getting fouled on fins - rope float idea

[Jollymon32]

Predominantly on DPV dives (but sometimes also under normal circumstances) the flag line will become tangled with my fins. I usually clip off the reel to an attachment point on the bottom of my back plate and wing. The tangling occurs because as you move quickly through the water, the line streams behind young based on the attachment point, it is in line with the fins.

So there is a rope float concept (see image), where a secondary rope is attached to the neck of the tank, a float is attached to the other end of this rope, and another attachment point is placed by the float. The idea is that you clip off the reel to the attachment point by the float. This elevates the reel, and keeps it away from your body.

This works really well. Until it doesn’t.

Yesterday we were diving in about 100 feet of water and the float was compressed by the pressure and was no longer able to float the reel.

I know that I am not the only one that has used this rope/float concept. The question that I would have is: what float has been successfully used that does not compress under the pressure of depth.

 

[johndiver999]

I use something similar, but instead of rope, I use a section of hose and run a very strong cord through it. You can use a 7 foot section of fuel line, or old pneumatic hose/line, the stiffness of the hose greatly decreases the tangling potential. You can even use clear vinyl tubing from home depot - the idea is to use something that remains pretty stiff, even when not under tension, but stiffer hose is better. Obviously the internal cord is taking all the tension, not the hose which remains fixed between knots of the internal cord.

I use a small bullet float if I am using a reel that I want to float. The float compresses at depth, but seems to retain sufficient buoyancy. If it turns out to be too large of a float, just hack saw of a portion of the rear until you have something that works at depth.

I think clipping a line to your tank valve is a very poor idea. If when a boat snags it, you are going to have a problem. I typically clip the float line to the front of the scooter and the scooter is clipped to me with a bolt snap. Scooters can be rigged different ways, but deliberately attaching line behind your neck is not a viable option.

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[Still Kicking]

Makes me very glad to dive in the nanny state of California, where divers are not required to tow a float.

 

[johndiver999]

In some areas of south florida, the dives will cover over a mile, so towing a float is really a safety issue, more so than an arbitrary legal requirement.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

I would not intentionally clip a flag to me, unless its easy to unclip as soon as you hear a boat approaching. I shore dive and have numerous times seen prop wash while toting the flag! Too many boaters, jet skies, and even SUP are clueless. Yes, I had a SUP grab my flag.. Oh and the fisherman at BHB who intentionally try to snag a flag...


and people think sharks are dangerous...

 

[grantmac]

Clip to nose of DPV is something I'd consider and ultimately I'd rig it to be just barely positive then keep the line short enough that it is underwater most of the time.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

as for getting tangled up, sometimes I will loop it around my leg to keep it out of the way, and lessen tension on the clip or hand holding the spool.

 

[tursiops]

I think clipping a line to your tank valve is a very poor idea. If when a boat snags it, you are going to have a problem. I typically clip the float line to the front of the scooter and the scooter is clipped to me with a bolt snap. Scooters can be rigged different ways, but deliberately attaching line behind your neck is not a viable option.

 

[boulderjohn]

I usually clip off the reel to an attachment point on the bottom of my back plate and wing.

I was once holding the dive flag in my hand when I suddenly felt it pulling upward in a series of jerks. I looked up and saw it was somehow connected to a boat. The boat's engines roared into full power and the flag began to pull violently upward. I let go of the flag.

It turned out that the boat was supporting a hunter who ad surfaced far from is flag, which he had hooked on the reef as he hunted (and got lost). They thought my flag was theirs. They tried to pull it loose from the reef at first and then decided to pull it off with their engine power while ignoring my dive boats horn and loudspeaker trying to stop them.

If I had had the flag clipped off, I would probably be dead now.

 

[rjack321]

Predominantly on DPV dives (but sometimes also under normal circumstances) the flag line will become tangled with my fins. I usually clip off the reel to an attachment point on the bottom of my back plate and wing. The tangling occurs because as you move quickly through the water, the line streams behind young based on the attachment point, it is in line with the fins.

So there is a rope float concept (see image), where a secondary rope is attached to the neck of the tank, a float is attached to the other end of this rope, and another attachment point is placed by the float. The idea is that you clip off the reel to the attachment point by the float. This elevates the reel, and keeps it away from your body.

This works really well. Until it doesn’t.

Yesterday we were diving in about 100 feet of water and the float was compressed by the pressure and was no longer able to float the reel.

I know that I am not the only one that has used this rope/float concept. The question that I would have is: what float has been successfully used that does not compress under the pressure of depth.

What are you trying to accomplish here? Not getting run over by a boat? That float is a boat attractant! Legal flag compliance is not possible. Shoot a bag at the end while listening carefully