PLBs Can Save Your Life

[Dan]

PLB1 canister, Nautilus Marine Rescue GPS & Blue pouch, as shown below, all three are tethered on to the left BCD pocket zipper head.

PLB1 canister contains PLB1, car key & small sunscreen bottle. I can use the empty canister as a cup to collect rainwater.

Blue pouch contains PLB1 mounting bracket, signal mirror, whistle. I may add a 10’ fishing line, 1 oz. weight & a fishing lure later.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I don't have pockets either. My dunk test in fresh water of the Custom Divers canister with my FastFind 220 shows it is maybe 30-50 grams buoyant (estimate), so it will be a bit more than that in salt water. I'm going to try the hip d-ring. Plan B is a spare-mask pouch on my BPW's waist strap.

Will you be out diving with it soon? Please let me know how it goes while you’re diving in salt if so. I’m considering this one and would clip it off to my left d-ring which is where I have the retractor for my SPG, backup to my AI. My right D-ring is already being used for my white balance slate and DSMB/finger spoil.

Another option is using the web harness and having it mounted that way......any good options for you with that?

 

[tursiops]

Will you be out diving with it soon? Please let me know how it goes while you’re diving in salt if so. I’m considering this one and would clip it off to my left d-ring which is where I have the retractor for my SPG, backup to my AI. My right D-ring is already being used for my white balance slate and DSMB/finger spoil.

Another option is using the web harness and having it mounted that way......any good options for you with that?

I'll be using it in Tubbataha and Anilao in a few weeks. I really want it at Tubbataha, which is not near land, but may not even use it in Anilao.

 

[CuzzA]

Unfortunately, I don’t have (or want) any pockets such as yours on my BC (Scubapro Ladyhawk). I have a small roll-down pocket but I usually keep my neoprene or rubber camera lens covers in there while I’m diving. It’s a flat pocket, not large enough for anything more than some small trash with it that I find on dives that I will pick up. My solution needs to be able to be clipped off to a hip D-ring or mounted securely on a strap.

I think the only feasible solution would be to get a lower profile canister like the CustomDivers one and put it on your tank cam strap tucked close to your BC bladder to minimize drag.

Clipping it off or putting it on a shoulder strap would annoy the heck out of me.

Remember, if you're ever in the unlikely, but possible situation of truly lost at sea, you'll have plenty of time on the surface to remove your rig and grab the PLB.

 

[CuzzA]

I'll be using it in Tubbataha and Anilao in a few weeks. I really want it at Tubbataha, which is not near land, but may not even use it in Anilao.

Let's hope you don't use it.

 

[Dan]

Unfortunately, I don’t have (or want) any pockets such as yours on my BC (Scubapro Ladyhawk). I have a small roll-down pocket but I usually keep my neoprene or rubber camera lens covers in there while I’m diving. It’s a flat pocket, not large enough for anything more than some small trash with it that I find on dives that I will pick up. My solution needs to be able to be clipped off to a hip D-ring or mounted securely on a strap.

How about this:

Or this:

 

[tursiops]

Let's hope you don't use it.

Good point.
Please replace "use" with "carry."

 

[seeker242]

I thought battery life was dependent on (mili) amp hours, not class.

Class I by default has more mAh. That's what allows it to last just as long in colder temps

I highly doubt that PLB1 being phased out. It is unique for being the smallest PLB in the world. ACR just made a new skin for it, as shown below.

No plans to phase out the PLB1. ACR bought Ocean Signal in 2015.

 

[DandyDon]

Yes, you would have to remove the BC briefly to get at the canister, assuming there's no one else with you. I agree with MrBigfins and would prefer to keep it securely attached but not in the way during the vast majority (hopefully all) of the time it's not needed.

Ah, no way, no thanks.

I'm going to try the hip d-ring.

That's where I have always attached mine, slightly buoyant, totally out of my way - never noticed it, easy to get to if ever needed.

 

[CT-Rich]

Unfortunately, I don’t have (or want) any pockets such as yours on my BC (Scubapro Ladyhawk). I have a small roll-down pocket but I usually keep my neoprene or rubber camera lens covers in there while I’m diving. It’s a flat pocket, not large enough for anything more than some small trash with it that I find on dives that I will pick up. My solution needs to be able to be clipped off to a hip D-ring or mounted securely on a strap.

I have the nighthawk BCD. I used to keep my SMB, reel and spare light in the roll out pocket. I never cared for it much but having every thing clipped off individually seemed eve worse. So, this year I decided to add a Nautilus Lifeline to my kit.

The problem was where to put it that was out of the way but accessible. I bought a spare mask pocket made by Hollis and mounted it on the right side webbing under my arm between the plate and weight pouches. It will keep my gear closer into my body with less drag a has some extra space available. Because I can’t see it while in the water, I put a mini John line in it so everything is clipped in with a snapbolt. I can take out the PLB and snap it to the shoulder D-ring when deployed. It hasn’t been wet yet, so I am yet to see how well it works in RL