Glowsticks on night dives

[RonFrank]

As I *try* to be environmentally aware, I attempt to not use disposable products, especially made of plastic. Glow sticks are both disposable, and plastic. Heck, they don't last a day.

I found it ODD that the boat we were on in S. CA REQUIRED them, even though I had two lights. Go figure, CA is one LARGE contradiction! FL has no such rules, or at least none of the boats I've been on requires them.

I would not use glow sticks unless you have no other option. If the Capt. inspects your setup before a night dive, and informs you that a glow stick is required, it's not worth arguing.

I may buy one of those lights at the end of the bolt on the first stage.. but seems like a waste of $$ unless I know I will be diving on another boat that has glow stick police!

 

[RAWalker]

We find them useful in the lakes of AZ. The different colors can be helpful in identifying one buddy from another.

 

[paddler3d]

A few years back on a Carribbean live aboard, they required us to have some sort of tank markers for night diving.

The way this live aboard operated, they Dive Masters gave a briefing, opened the 'pool' and supervised from the boat.

There were a group of Texans on the boat. All of them had a pair of the FX Glo Tubes zip tied to their regs.

From above, you could spot the divers using the Glo Tubes with no problem. Ones using the chem sticks, couldn't see them at all.

In the water, it was very easy to make out the folks with Glo Tubes. I couldn't barely see my wife, using a chem stick, 10-15ft away.

When we got back I got us some Glo Tubes. I had flooding issues with one of them. I replaced the o-rings and now they live permantely zip tied to my regs.

Aside from night diving, I turn them on when leading students on the tour portion of their check out dives.

I recommend the glo tubes, but be mindful of the o-rings.

I sat out one night dive, I wanted to drink with dinner, and I sat with one of the DM's.

 

[Ed Palma]

I bought a battery powered tank light.

Only I don't attach it to my tank.

It's at the end of my DSMB, at its highest point - for that "just in case" moment. Buddies on land are aware that its there so they know what to look for too.

 

[mike_s]

I bought a battery powered tank light.

Only I don't attach it to my tank.

It's at the end of my DSMB, at its highest point - for that "just in case" moment. Buddies on land are aware that its there so they know what to look for too.

while there is nothing wrong with clipping a tank light o your SMB.... a small strobe would be seen much, much, much better/easier by any boats. just a suggestion.


You can get the small PrincetonTec one for about $30 bucks I think and it's about as small as any other light.

 

[webjr]

I keep one in my pocket for an extra backup. Don't crack it unless I need it, which I never have. Just enough light to see my gauges for a safety stop and ascent. Other than that don't see much use for one.

 

[RonFrank]

Umm, none of these lights (Glow Tubes/Sticks/Tank Lights) are going to be anywhere NEAR as visible as my Dive light. No matter how you slice and dice it a couple Lumen does NOT = 500~900 Lumen.

I have a feeling the Boat I was on in CA was charging folks for glow sticks, likely at a very profitable margin. My buddy whom is live-aboard savvy brought more than enough for us both so we were covered.

 

[redacted]

I see them as a solution to a problem that exists all too often: how does a divemaster baby-sit 6 divers with no buddy skills who are unable to navigate, monitor their depth, monitor their gas supply, or otherwise manage the minimal tasks that get you back on the boat safely and without incident?

Why is a DM taking such unqualified divers on a night dive?

 

[ScubaSteve]

Why is a DM taking such unqualified divers on a night dive?

How did said diver get certified in the first place is another question.

 

[carrielsal]

In our local swamps where viz is pretty bad, I keep a flashing strobe on the back of my tank. It someone is following me, they cannot necessarily see the beam of my light but they can usually see the strobe.
Carrie