I can never think of a time you would need a mirror. WHAT???

[tracy_from_oz]

Thank you LA.

 

[james croft]

I have used a variety of signal mirrors for years. I only buy milspec mirrors as some of the light weight polycarbonate mirrors I have tried will not hold up in salt water. Gerber is one brand that won't hold up.The silver on the mirror comes off. Forget about the CD's, flashing knives, or using a chrome reg to signal with. The goal is to be spotted and that other junk will not cut it.
I carry a storm whistle, strobe, mirror, MK 13 flares, sausage, and dye marker. Fits in a pocket. My stuff is military spec gear and will work when needed.
When I overhaul my scuba gear or buy gear online everyone screams that I shuold not do it because it is life support equipment. But they tote around a worthless CD on their dives. Survival gear is life support equipment also. Get the right stuff.

 

[spectrum]

So do others find that the LDS downs plays safety gear??

Downplay? For the most part they don't bother to stock the stuff. I am forever amazed to see what a small world they operate in and how many chances to teach and sell they are oblivious to.

Reading a few magazines a month and hanging around here seems to broaden you view of things beyond the scope of most shops I have been to. Note that I said most, not all. Maybe it a relatively small market and limited money for inventory, I don't know.

If you come in looking and they have it I can't comprehend why they would downplay the sale. That sort of stuff just drives a lot of late night point and click shopping for me.

Pete

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

From the PM side of the site, I have been asked to share why I am looking for the Star Flash Signal Mirror or what a good alternative would be since the Star Flash is hard to come by these day. So I thought I would also provide the answer here.

In my other thread about divers surfacing and not seeing the boat, found here http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=169774 D B posted a link to survival signaling and explains the benefits of each method—very good read. http://www.equipped.com/signal.htm

According to the link that D B provided the article suggests that polycarbonate mirrors made by Rescue Reflectors are even better than the Star Flash. I had planned to purchase a Star Flash as it was at one time available easily online at Leisure Pro, but as they are hard to come by the Rescue Reflector approved by the US Coast Guard is my next choice. At around $23 for the buoyant version that is still pretty cheap.
http://www.malcolmmurray.com/rescue/index.html
http://www.rescuereflectors.com/index.html
http://www.rescuereflectors.com/prices.html

DocIntrepid also posted a great link and it is well worth the read. It is called the Surface Survival Primer and can be found at
http://www.tabula-international.com/DIV/SMB3.html

Wish I could take credit, but it was the information provided above by D B and DocIntrepid that have influenced my choices.

 

[james croft]

Very good links-Informative article.

 

[D_B]

Thank you Leah .. It's your good questions and I'm just a pack rat of sorts

I have to add this one ...


Diver Location Sea Trials conducted off Scapa Flow ... http://www.jeanelaine.co.uk/diveraids/intro.htm
Very good site, with good info on trials done with diver location aids, in in real world conditions, stating the effectiveness of each one to get the attention of boats, aircraft, helicopters, and at what distances they are effective

It's interesting to note that a folding divers flag, in bright yellow, was the easiest to see at any great distance away ...
"The folding flags were visible at significant distances. This was particularly the case for the day-glow yellow pennant that was consistently located at distances in excess of 2 km and at a maximum of 3 km. Under all conditions and for all observers, this colour proved to be the most noticeable passive relocation device. This colour was the most readily observed in all sea states, including periods of breaking wave crests. Equally, it was the colour that was located in deteriorating light intensities when it was not possible to locate pennants of any other colour."

The SMB's were only visable to about 1km (no yellow one)
... stilll, It beats the heck out of just a divers head though ...
"Divers head ...197-230 m"

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

I have to add this one ...

D B, I forgot about that link from the other thread. It is also well worth the read. Thank you for providing it. And thank you for taking time to post links with very meaningful and helpful information.

I am almost fully geared up at this point and just need to finish out my kit with a couple more pieces of safety gear. I want to add a second back up light, 2 mirrors,
2nd smb/sausage and spool.

Was very fortunate that I was able to purchase a good part of my gear online at great prices, some of it locally and regionally and worked out a deal with a regional shop to do all service and warranty work. Talked to the shop before hand and worked out a deal so the the regional guy made money, I really saved whole whole lot and have full manufactures warranty and service on everything.

Going out in a couple of weeks to dive the new gear and start learning how to shoot the smb and spool and also practice with the signal mirror. Going with the Coglans $3 solid mirror that requires 2 hands until I can get the rescue reflector. Will carry 2 mirrors because that will enable me to practice doing a 360 signal. As I understand it, with 2 mirrors, if the sun is out you can send a good signal in any direction with some practice. It will give me something fun to practice when I can't get in the water.

 

[D_B]

I heard this the other day ... most spools are overfilled, with line wound all the way to the edges .. can make a deployment "rats nest"
... put only enough line on your spool for your safety stop, say 20ft of line ... makes deployment much, much easier under water ... of course that leaves out the possibility of anchoring yourself to the reef if needed to in a rescue situation
but you still at the least could take some line off so the line does not want to crawl over the edge of the spool
... everything you do or carry is a compromise .. do/carry whatever works in the situation your most likely find yourself in

 

[cerich]

Just a quick point, signal mirrors really work, no question. . While not quite as effective however we all dive with another good signal device, our mask. Held at a angle it will reflect quite well.

 

[Flatliner]

That's a good safety kit but I would never dive without my SAM SA-7. If I can't join the search vehicle then I can have them join me. "I'm very sorry, sir, but NOW that I have your attention, mind if I climb aboard your survival raft?"

I needed a good laugh this morning...(even if all of the people in the hotel breakfast nook are looking at me funny now)...